20+ Of The Most Clever Slimming Fashion Tricks For Women Of A Certain Age That’ll Make You Look Skinny

Kelsey Berish | September 30, 2024 3:00 pm

There is nothing wrong with using a few fashion tricks to look and feel great. It's all about flattering cuts, patterns, and, believe it or not, even wearing specific shoes!

From choosing a darker color scheme to throwing out all things khaki, here are some slimming fashion tips that people should consider when they're getting dressed every day. Read on through for more!

Vertical Stripes Give A Longer Appearance

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Many people are aware that horizontal stripes have a pesky way of showing off flaws. On the other hand, vertical stripes are a great option for anyone who enjoys wearing patterns.

Not only do vertical stripes help give a slimming appearance, but clothing such as pinstripe pants can give the illusion that a person is taller than they actually are.

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Pointy-Toed Heels Helps Elongate The Body

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Shoes are just as important as clothing for a slimming illusion. For shorter people, it is important to remember that pointy-toed heels help elongate the body, while heels with dark-colored straps can actually make people look shorter.

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This is because the darker color "cuts" a person's leg off at the ankle instead of giving the long-leg look most people strive for.

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Make Sure To Balance Out Accessories

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Accessories are a fun way to spice up a look. But keep in mind balance and proportion when throwing on a necklace or grabbing a purse for a night out. For a full-figured woman, clutching a small bag or wearing a too-thin belt will bring attention to their size. Instead, a medium-sized bag and wider belt can balance things out.

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It's important to choose accessories accordingly, making sure they complement a person's body without bringing attention to unwanted areas.

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Black Is An Elegant Way To Look Slimmer

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It is no secret that black comes with its own superpower. The dark shade is not only elegant, but it also has a way of making people look a bit slimmer, thanks to its ability to hide flaws.

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Even darker shades such as purple, brown, and blue have the same effect!

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A Healthy Tan Hides Flaws

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A nice, healthy tan is a great way to hide flaws, such as mild cellulite and spider veins. An even tan typically helps people feel more confident wearing clothing such as shorts, strapless tops, and even dresses.

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But of course, don't sit out in the sun. Instead, look into a bottle of self-tanner or even a spray tan to achieve that healthy glow.

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Chunky Shoes Are Not A Great Option

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While chunky shoes come in and out of style, it doesn't mean a person should buy them. In fact, fuller-figured ladies should steer clear of these particular styled shoes if they are going for a slimmer and taller appearance.

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Instead of going for a full-on block-shaped shoe, think about a block heel instead.

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A V-Neck Top Lengthens The Neck And Torso

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When it comes to tops and even dresses, go for a v-neck. This specific style helps broaden the shoulders and lengthens the neck and the torso, giving a longer and leaner look.

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Not only that, but wider v-necklines help balance out broader hips while deeper v-necks accentuate the chest and give it a nice lift.

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Use Caution With Pleats And Ruffles

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When worn correctly pleated clothing has a way of looking super feminine. Unfortunately, once the pleats begin to open up, they tend to add extra weight to the hips, which most people tend to avoid.

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It is best to bypass a pleated skirt or dress altogether and go for something a bit more flattering.

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Bodysuits Help Smooth Out Unwanted Rolls

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The easiest way to create a slimming appearance is to wear a bodysuit. This particular item of clothing smooths out unwanted rolls to create a very slimming and flattering look.

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Pair it with jeans for a casual outfit or a skirt for something a bit dressier. Pro tip: for an extra-slim look, opt for a black bodysuit.

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Do Not Wear The Same Pattern On Top And Bottom

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One big fashion mistake is wearing the same bold pattern on top and on the bottom. While some celebrities make this strange style work, it is not for everyone (especially those who don't have a stylist).

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Wearing patterns on both the top and bottom give people a shorter appearance, a bad look for those wanting a longer and leaner appearance.

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Khaki And Light-Colored Pants Are Not Forgiving, So Avoid Them

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While lighter colors are a go-to for many folks during warmer months, people should keep in mind that they are not forgiving when it comes to showing off body parts.

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Khaki has a way of making hips appear wider than they are, and white pants don't leave anything to the imagination.

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No-Waist Dresses For A Bit Of Camouflage

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While a lot of people enjoy wearing dresses with a bit of shape to them, there is nothing wrong with a no-waist dress. In fact, they are a great option for those who enjoy camouflaging their stomach.

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So, discard anything with a belt, empire waist, or flare, and go for something that will have a slimming effect.

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Full Skirts With A Fitted Top For A Bit Of Volume

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Everyone is different, with some people gaining weight in the lower part of their body. If this is the case, don't fret! The best way to appear slimmer is to wear a full a-line skirt, flare pants, or even a full dress, paired with a fitted top.

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There is no need for skinny jeans here!

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Define That Waistline

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For those who aren't concerned with their belly, a belt or cinched dress is a great way to show off a waistline and appear slimmer. The best part of the former accessory is that it is super versatile.

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People are able to throw them around a dress, jumpsuit, and even oversized shirts to give themselves a bit of shape and dimension, all while appearing longer and leaner.

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Blazers Are An Easy (And Cozy!) Way To Hide Extra Pounds

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One of the best ways to hide extra pounds while still remaining fashionable is to wear a blazer. Blazers are easy to throw over a t-shirt, blouse, or even shorts. They come in various sizes, colors, fabrics, and patterns.

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From short or fitted to long and flowy, a blazer is a great option for a slimmer and elegant look.

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Say Yes To Long And Flowy Outerwear

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When living in colder areas, it is hard to find both flattering and warm outerwear. Thankfully, long and flowy sweaters are a great option for those who want to be fashion-forward without putting on extra fabric that will make them look a bit bulky.

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Pairing a long and sweeping coast with form-fitting jeans and heels is a great way to obtain a slimmer look.

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Dark-Washed Pants Have A Slimming Effect

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Light-colored pants are all well and good, if the person wearing them doesn't have large thighs. For those full-figured ladies who want to slim down their legs, it is best to wear darker-washed pants, as the darker shades have a very nice slimming effect.

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This means no white, acid-wash, or neon colors!

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Swap Prints For Solids

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While prints are a great way to add a bit of fun to an outfit, people should keep in mind where they are wearing the print, as they tend to add unwanted volume to a person's body.

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Instead, fashion experts advise swapping prints out for solid colors for a longer, slimmer look.

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Show Off Those Ankles And Wrists!

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Ankles and wrists are the slimmest parts of the body; show them off! This means swapping out long maxi skirts, floor-length pants, and even long-sleeves for shorter options.

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Think about quarter sleeves and ankle-cropped pants, paired with statement shoes and bracelets. They are a great way to show off those slimming features.

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Bootcut Jeans Add A Bit Of Height

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Fashion gurus agree that people who want to appear longer, leaner, and taller should do one thing: ditch their skinny jeans. They say swapping out skinny jeans for bootcut jeans is a great way to get a taller appearance.

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For an even slimmer look, grab a pair of high-waisted bootcut jeans and pair them with a pointy-toed heel.

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Are You Apple-Shaped?

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Someone who has an apple-shaped body will be curvy, but have a less defined waist. Another way to put it is if your body is mostly round or circular.

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These people will have an average to big bust size, a wide ribcage and back, fullness around the mid-section, and narrow hips.

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V-Necks Are Perfect For Apple-Shaped Bodies

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People who are apple-shaped may have trouble finding clothes that fit them well or show off their good features.

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One of the best clothing items for people with apple-shaped bodies is V-neck tops. V-necks reveal your collarbone, which helps break up a uniformly shaped top half. Remember not to get it oversized because it should fit close to your body without being overly tight.

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Apple-Shaped People Should Get Belts

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Apple-shaped bodies are known for not having a defined waist, but there are clothing items that can make it look as though you do.

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Consider adding belts to your wardrobe. They can cinch your waist in a dress, skirt, long jacket, or high-rise pants. Also, before buying a belt, think about how it will look with your shoes.

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What To Know If You Are Pear-Shaped

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The key factors that determine if someone is pear-shaped are if their hips are broader than their shoulders and they have a triangular frame.

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Some other characteristics include wide thighs and a defined and narrow waist. Some celebrities who are considered pear-shaped include America Ferrera, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. There are many outfits that look great on pear shapes.

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Pear Shapes Should Go For Boat-Neck Shirts

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A boat neck is a wide neckline that runs horizontally across the front and back. It should hit along the shoulder points across the collarbone.

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Wearing a top with a boat neckline is perfect for those with pear-shaped bodies because the horizontal neckline broadens your shoulders. One helpful tip is to get one that has an eye-catching detail such as puffy sleeves.

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Pear-Shaped Bodies Look Great In Cropped Jackets

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Jackets can be a frustrating item for people with pear-shaped bodies because they can take away from defining features.

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Cropped jackets are the way to go for pear shapes. They should hit above your waistline to avoid adding fabric at the hip. Try getting one in a patterned or textured fabric to draw the eye up.

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How To Tell If You Have An Hourglass Body

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Hourglass bodies are often considered the most desired body type. The key features in an hourglass body include shoulders and hips that are balanced and a defined waist.

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Someone who has an hourglass body isn't necessarily super skinny. They will most likely have a larger bust, bottom, and may be described as curvy.

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Hourglass Bodies Should Embrace Keyhole Tops

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Keyhole tops are sometimes referred to as a peekaboo neckline and are often a way for women to show off their sexy side.

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They are designed to accentuate your curves without being too revealing and will often have slits or straps above the bust area. They are similar to halter neck where converging diagonals of the neckline meet at the front.

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Hourglass Bodies Should Slip Into A Jumpsuit

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One of the best outfits for those with hourglass bodies is jumpsuits. They are designed to show off your curves and add volume to your lower half.

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It's important to purchase a jumpsuit that fits your body well. Jumpsuits also look great when paired with a blazer or high heels.

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What's An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

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Another body shape to be aware of is the inverted triangle. This is someone who has shoulders that are broader than their hips.

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Other factors of an inverted triangle body shape include a larger bust and narrow hips and waist. An easy way to picture this is to place an upside down triangle going from your shoulders to your hips.

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Inverted Triangle Bodies Should Rock Scoop-Necks

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If you have an inverted triangle body shape, then one of the best tops for you is a scoop-neck. These tops can make your collarbone the focal point of your top half and take away attention from your shoulders.

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The main way to tell if a neckline is scooped is if the neckline is rounded and lower than most traditional T-shirts.

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Chunky Heels Are Fabulous On Inverted Triangles

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Those who have an inverted triangle body shape need clothing items that accentuate their lower half. One of them can be chunky heels.

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Whether they are booties, wedges, or something entirely different, chunky heels allow the bottom half to look a lot narrower. These can be paired with some cropped pants or glitzy bracelets.

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The Details Of A Rectangle Body Shape

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Similar to the shape of a rectangle, someone with a rectangular body will have a straight build. People with a rectangle body shape will usually be described as athletic.

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Their shoulders, bust, and hip measurements are all about the same and they will have a straight waist. Some celebrities who have a rectangular body shape include Cameron Diaz and Anne Hathaway.

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Vests Are A Statement For Rectangle Shapes

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Since people with rectangular-shaped bodies don't have too many curves, they need clothing pieces that are able to accentuate them.

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Vests can add an edge to any look and help draw the eye to the upper body. When wearing a vest, it's best to be minimal with the accessories.

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The Ins And Outs Of Styling A Petite Body

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While petite people come in all shapes and sizes, the key factor for someone who qualifies as petite is if they are five feet and three inches or under.

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However, height is not the overall indicator. Someone who is over five feet and three inches may have a shorter inseam on the top or bottom and wear a regular size for the other part of their body.

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Petite People Should Rely On Three-Quarter Sleeves

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While three-quarter sleeves are a shorter sleeve than long sleeves, they are actually designed to make your arms appear longer.

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The key for clothing items for petite people is to get tops and bottoms that will make them appear taller or longer. A three-quarter sleeve top can be paired with some pants and high heels for a full look.

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Things To Know For Tall Bodies

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Many tall people may struggle with finding clothing that fits them right. Sleeves and pant legs are usually too short, which can give off a goofy look.

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Someone considered to have a tall body shape will usually be five feet and nine inches or taller with an inseam at or greater than 32 inches.

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Tall People Can Show Off Their Legs In High-Waisted Jeans

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Some tall people may be weary of high-waisted jeans because the legs on the jeans may be shorter than average.

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High-waisted jeans are actually designed to lengthen your legs and define your waistline, which can be hard to find in other styles of jeans. High-waisted flared or high-waisted straight are the best designs to choose.

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Creating A Look For Plus Size Bodies

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One of the most common body shapes in the United States is plus size. In the fashion industry, plus size is someone who wears a size 18 or over, which starts at 1X.

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Someone who has a plus-size body may find clothing to be limiting. However, there are numerous options perfect for this body.

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Midi Skirts Elongate A Plus Size Body

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While being plus size may seem limiting, there are so many clothing options available. One look to try is a midi skirt.

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It gets its name because it's longer than a mini skirt and shorter than a maxi skirt. Midi skirts elongate the body to make you look taller. Try pairing them with a scoop-neck blouse and heels.