The Question:
Dear Belinda,
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to start dressing better, but I noticed a lot of styles look a lot better on tall, slim figures rather than short, rounder figures such as mine. What type of style should I be using to compliment my body, as well as to get compliments from the ladies?
Thanks,
Jimmy Shortstacks
Belinda Says:
Dear Jimmy,
I love a man who knows how to look great in the clothes that he wears. You may not have the physique of a male runway model – no worries, most men don’t – but that doesn’t mean you can’t look as good as one! Choosing the right clothes can create the illusion of a taller, leaner body so that you not only compliment your physique, but also get compliments from the ladies. Here are some basic, helpful tips to achieve your New Year’s resolution, as well as to keep you looking great year after year.
Get Fitted
Regardless of your body shape and size, it’s always important to wear clothes that fit properly. Wearing clothes that are too large and baggy and, similarly, too tight, adds a bulkier, heftier appearance to your physique. Make the best of your frame in clothes that skim over your body and smooth out its surface.
Be Monochromatic
Instantly slim down your appearance by dressing in a dark, monochromatic scheme. Black is a favorite of many, but you may not always want to look like Johnny Cash so you can switch things up with gray, navy blue or any other dark color you may like. Avoid fragmenting your body with contrasting colors, as this will make you appear shorter and wider.
Dress Up
Suits can make any man look pulled together and effortlessly attractive. Their monochromatic style gives the appearance of a long and lean frame. Single breasted jackets (or coats) with only one or two buttons help draw attention to a seemingly long and slim, triangular mid-section. Emphasize an elongated look with a longer jacket to cover your back section. Avoid double-breasted coats as these accentuate the contour of your mid-section.
Layer Up
When you want to be casual and still look slimmer and taller, the best approach is to layer your ensemble. A shirt beneath a button up overlay, topped off with an open blazer will create an illusion of a slimmer, longer torso. If you wear your shirt untucked, be sure that the bottom is flat. Remember, jackets and coats should be long enough to cover your bottom.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Bulky knits and thick fabrics accentuate the size of your girth, so wear lightweight and subtle fabrics . Similarly, wearing large and bold patterns will add weight to your look, so stick with small, subtle patterns that will draw in the eye and take focus away from the larger problem. Vertical stripes, like that of a pinstripe suit, will lend a continuous look to your frame and draw attention up and down your figure.
Styles that Work
Always wear flat front pants – never pleated – to slim down your waist area. Slim down your face, neck and jowls with v-neck shirts and sweaters. Short-sleeved shirts shorten your appearance and concentrate on your mid-section, so wearing long-sleeved shirts, when possible, will lengthen your look and draw attention away from your problem area.
Regardless of body shape or size, always play up your best features and make the most of what you have! But, most importantly, never go without confidence. It is what really makes any look and the most attractive and flattering aspect of anyone’s appearance. And don’t be afraid to dress to impress, Jimmy. As the sartorially polished Barney Stinson always says, “Suit up!â€. Trust me, you’ll look great and the ladies will love it. Happy Stylin’!
All the best,
Belinda
Have a question for Belinda? Send an email to fashion [at] smarter.com with all of your fashion inquiries. I may not be able to answer everyone’s questions, but I will try to get to as many as possible. Be sure to stay tuned for next week’s Ask Belinda Column, the next one may be yours!
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