Great style isn’t just about the way that your clothes look – it’s also about how they make you feel, and the way that you carry yourself while wearing them. The truth is, your clothes can do a lot for you – they can make you feel more confident, stand a little taller, and get the sense that you’re putting your best foot forward. Make your clothes work for you by finding outfit formulas that flatter your specific body type, and that also make you feel both slimmer and taller. If flattering fits make you feel more confident, keep reading for 9 outfit ideas you’ll want to copy ASAP.
1. black top + black trousers + pointed-toe flats + gold jewelry + tote bag
top | pants | flats | watch | bag | belt | earrings
One of the easiest strategies to look both taller and slimmer is to style a monochromatic outfit. This strategy works because it creates an uninterrupted visual line from the top of your shirt to the point of your toes. This draws the eye up and down and inward, meaning you’ll look both taller and more slender!
Never underestimate the power of an all-black look to immediately boost your confidence. Not only is this a practical method of getting dressed (hides dirt, stains, etc.), but it also makes you look polished and professional in a business setting. If an all-black look doesn’t fit your personal style, you can always swap it out for a different neutral – cream, tan, or navy are all great options as well!
For a flattering all-black look, pair high-waisted trousers with a mock-neck shirt. These pieces will hug you in all the right places, without being too clingy. Then, add a black belt. This will highlight the smallest part of your waist and create an hourglass effect.
Finally, don’t forget your accessories. Gold jewelry is always classy, and a black leather work tote can hold all of your daily essentials – in addition to a laptop. To round out your look, go for a pointed-toe pair of flats. The pointed toe helps to further extend that visual vertical line, and make your legs look even longer!
2. dress with vertical stripes + gold hoops + straw bag + sandals
dress | earrings | sandals | bag
At MCO, we’re always talking about our love for stripes (hello, chic Parisian style). But if you want to create a slimming effect, take your stripes one step further by reaching for a vertical version. Vertical stripes create that physical representation of the long visual line I was just talking about. If you want to look both taller and slimmer, creating this long vertical line is key!
This shirtdress not only features slimming vertical stripes, but has another flattering feature as well – the tie waist. A tie at the waist will help you cinch in any extra fabric at your midsection and create an hourglass effect.
Because the dress is the star of the show in this look, keep your accessories simple. Low-profile sandals help to balance out the heavier visual weight of your dress, thanks to its longer hemline and long sleeves. Dainty hoop earrings and a straw bag round out your look with added texture.
3. high-waisted jeans + blazer + striped tee + pointed-toe boots + handbag
blazer | t-shirt | jeans | boots | bag | earrings
High-waisted jeans in a dark wash are a great tool to help you create slimming outfits that also make you look taller. Look for silhouettes like straight-leg or ones with a slight flare, and with no holes or rips. If you like a pair with a bit of added detail, the front pockets on this sailor style might be just what you’re looking for!
On top, go for a slightly cropped tee – this Box-Cut Tee from Everlane is an MCO favorite. Then, add another layer to add balance to your look. A slightly oversized blazer brings it all together and will elevate your look for casual Friday or a nice weekend lunch.
As for your shoes, look for a pointed-toe version of your favorite ankle boots. They could have a heel or be flat, depending on your comfort level, although even a small heel will go a long way in making you look taller! Accessorize with a leopard print bag and gold stud earrings to finish your ensemble.
4. cropped sweater tee + maxi skirt + pearls + tote bag + pointed-toe flats
sweater tee | skirt | flats | bag | earrings
A sleek monochromatic look not only makes you look more put together but also gives you a slimming effect. Headed to a big meeting? Try this outfit idea to feel confident, polished, and feminine.
First, start with your monochromatic base. For this look, stick to whites and creams. Try a cropped sweater tee paired with a satin maxi skirt – the mix of textures makes your look more interesting, even when you’re staying in the same color family.
Next, go for dainty, yet practical accessories in similar tones. Pointed-toe flats are both chic and comfortable, while a patterned canvas tote is large enough to hold all of your work necessities. Pearl drop earrings give your look a final, timeless touch!
5. v-neck sweater + high-waisted jeans + pointed-toe boots + handbag + belt
sweater | jeans | boots | bag | earrings | belt
If you want to look slimmer on top, reach for a v-neck style of shirt. V-necks help to open up your chest and create a downward arrow on your body to emphasize that long vertical line that we’re going for with our flattering looks. Shirts with high necklines can close off your top and be unflattering, particularly for those who have a larger chest.
Pair your slimming sweater with high-waisted pants for the ideal combination. Once again, look for a dark wash pair with clean lines. You can tuck your sweater in all the way, or try a French tuck. These styling tricks will help to highlight your waist, especially when paired with a belt.
Accessorize with pointed-toe boots and a suede bag for added texture. When you’re choosing your handbag, go for one that’s longer than it is wide for a bonus slimming effect!
6. floral dress + waist belt + hoops + raffia bag + sandals
dress | belt | sandals | bag | earrings
Just because a piece might not seem slimming at first glance, doesn’t mean you have to give up hope! Sometimes, all it takes is a few small styling tricks to make your clothes work for you. For example, just adding a belt can do wonders.
If you want to style a flowy dress for summer, add a belt at your waist to instantly tailor your piece. This will highlight your waist and create shape where there otherwise would have been none. You still get that effortless, cool look you’re going for, while also appearing slimmer and taller.
Stick to a low-profile sandal to make your legs look even longer under a midi or maxi dress. Then, add a small pair of gold hoop earrings. Finish your look with a straw tote bag – it adds texture and the perfect seasonal touch to your chic summer outfit.
7. cropped jacket + white tee + white jeans + saddle bag + boots
t-shirt | jacket | jeans | boots | bag | earrings
Your clothes can be your best tool to create the illusion of different proportions! Want your legs to look longer? Go for a pair of high-waisted jeans – you’re not magically getting taller, but the extra fabric on your pants is creating the illusion of longer, slimmer legs. Want to double this effect? Pair them with a tucked-in shirt or a cropped top to shorten the appearance of your torso.
For the sake of this look, start with a monochromatic base – an all-white look is perfect for the time in between summer and fall. On top, add warmth with a cropped denim barn jacket. Paired with a tucked-in white t-shirt, your legs will look a mile long!
Accessorize with pointed-toe boots for added height, a pair of square gold earrings, and a saddle bag for the perfect Western touch.
8. belted coat + long dress + pearls + knee-high boots + handbag
coat | dress | boots | handbag | earrings
Dressing up for a special event? Here’s how to use clothes that make you look slimmer. First, reach for a midi or maxi dress in black. This style is classic and always looks flattering. And if you want to create more shape in the silhouette, all you have to do is add a belt. Bonus points? Find one with a v-neckline.
Over your dress, go for a coat that has at least a little structure. Even if it’s made of bulkier fabric, like wool, it can still be flattering. Just make sure it has one small detail – a belt. Whether it’s built into the coat or one you add yourself, this will give you the shape you need for a slimmer look.
To make your legs look slimmer and taller underneath a midi or maxi dress, try a pair of knee-high boots. That bit of skin showing between a shorter boot and the hem of your dress can interrupt the visual line of your body and make your legs appear shorter and wider.
Finish your look with a pair of pearl stud earrings and a top-handle bag. Now you’re all ready for a nice evening out!
9. cropped lady jacket + white tee + high-waisted jeans + slingback heels
jacket | t-shirt | heels | bag | earrings | jeans
This last look is a combination of some of my favorite tips and tricks for clothes that make you look slimmer. First, start with a pair of high-waisted jeans in a dark wash. On top, go for a slim-fit t-shirt that can be tucked in. Next, layer on a cropped jacket – this will balance out a long torso and short legs (something I’m always trying to do as a petite person!).
When it comes to footwear, reach for a pair of slingback heels – the pointed toe and small heel make your legs look even longer under your jeans. Add a tote bag in a neutral leather, and gold and pearl earrings to complete the classy, feminine look.
Clothes That Make You Look Slimmer
You don’t have to go out and buy a completely new wardrobe to put together slimming looks! Instead, turn to your capsule wardrobe. Chances are, there’s already a number of these pieces waiting for you in your closet. And if they’re not, it might just take a few creative combinations or simple styling tricks (like a belt) to transform your favorite pieces into the flattering fits of your dreams.
Ready for more ways to boost your confidence with your clothes? Up Next: What Makes an Outfit Look Tacky, and How to Avoid It
