Although fashion can be subjective depending on your own personal style, an objective truth is that we all want to feel great in what we’re wearing! Sometimes, that means that we want to feel our best by wearing slimming outfits that complement our body type. Other times, we might choose to wear something simply because we love it, no matter how we look. I’ll be the first to say that there are days when I choose to wear an outfit because I love the color, or the piece – not necessarily how it looks on my body. Fashion should be fun, and there are days when you might feel the same way as me!
If you’re looking for outfits with a slimming effect, you’ve come to the right place. No matter your body shape, there are some universal tips and tricks to help flatter you in all the right places. Follow along for 11 outfit ideas to achieve a slimmer look – just by getting dressed in the morning.
1. vertical striped dress + woven sandals + gold jewelry
Vertical stripes are one of the key features when it comes to slimming outfits. Why do vertical stripes work when it comes to creating a slimming effect? It all has to do with eye movement.
When someone is looking at you (or you’re looking at yourself in the mirror) the vertical lines draw the eye either up or down. Therefore, if there are areas in your midsection or upper body that you would prefer to draw attention away from, vertical stripes do just that.
The belt on this dress is another slimming feature. If you have an hourglass figure, meaning your waist is the narrowest part of your body, a belt will help to accentuate that feature. If you were to choose a dress with less shape, your waist would be lost underneath the dress.
Complete the perfect summer dress look with woven sandals, a crocheted handbag, square sunglasses, and gold jewelry.
Related: Top 12 Ways to Know Your Body Shape and Dress Confidently
2. v-neck satin tank top + long cardigan + dark-wash skinny jeans
It may be widely known that dark colors are universally flattering, but how you style them can also make a difference! For instance, this monochromatic look is the perfect example of how to complement your body type with both the color and proportions of your pieces.
First, start with a satin v-neck tank top. V-necks tend to be more flattering than scoop necks because they don’t try to cover up your chest and instead, draw a vertical line leading up and down. Once again, these vertical lines help to minimize width by controlling where your eye is naturally drawn. This particular tank top does have a higher v-neck, which you may appreciate if you have a larger bust and would like a more modest look.
Next, add a black cardigan. Although patterns can be a natural pairing when you’re looking at a solid base color, pairing solid colors together does tend to be more flattering in general. A long cardigan will also help to elongate your body and make you appear taller. If you choose a shorter one, it could divide your body in two, making your torso and legs appear wider.
Skinny jeans are the next step to completing this look. Dark-wash jeans tend to be more slimming than light-wash and also lend themselves to more elevated looks. Pair them with a pair of black ballet flats, and a black leather belt with a gold buckle. A croc-embossed shoulder bag and gold hoop earrings complete the look.
Free Resource: Looking for more ideas of colors and fabrics to flatter your style? MCO has a free resource that you can sign up for here to learn more.
3. wrap dress + straw hat + handbag + wedge sandals
Putting together slimming outfits is as much about emphasizing your best features that make you feel confident as much as it is perhaps redirecting attention from ones that make you feel less confident.
A wrap dress is the perfect example of a piece that does it all. First, the angled lines of the fabric crossing over itself help to minimize the appearance of a larger waist area. The pieces come together at your midsection with a tie, helping to create a cinched effect as well.
This particular style also features a v-neck which we talked about earlier – helping to move the eye vertically. A wrap dress is also beneficial because the wrap tie helps you to adjust it to make for a more perfect fit than a style with a zipper or buttons.
Add a pair of wedge heels to help elongate your legs without sacrificing comfort. A leather shoulder bag and a straw hat complete the chic summer outfit.
Related: The Best Dress Styles for Hiding Your Tummy and Feeling Your Best
4. tie-waist shirtdress + woven purse + espadrilles + sunglasses
Create the appearance of a cinched waist with a dress that has a tie at the midsection. Similar to that of a wrap dress, this tie placement will be your new best friend for a slimmer appearance!
If you’re styling this dress for work, try a pair of kitten heels for a sophisticated way to add a bit of height to your look. For a weekend style, try espadrilles. They’re the perfect way to add a fun element to your outfit, and the tie around your ankle is helpful when it comes to walking around. A chic pair of oval sunglasses and a woven bag complete the look.
Related: 9 Easy Ways To Hide Your Stomach so You Can Feel More Confident
5. tank top + boxy Oxford shirt + a-line denim shorts + white sneakers
On the days that call for a more casual look, high-rise shorts are the perfect solution. The high-rise waist is a simple way to cover your tummy area. Plus, the higher waistline is perfect for wearing a crop top or tucking in a shirt – like this tank top.
On top, try layering a boxy Oxford button-down. Leave it unbuttoned over the tank top. The tank top will flatter your natural body shape, and the button-down shirt will create interest without covering up your curves. The balance of a tighter piece paired with loose or baggy clothes helps to ensure that you aren’t swallowed underneath pieces that have little to no shape.
Gold earrings, a leather bucket bag, and white sneakers complete the look. If you aren’t in the mood to wear heels but still want to add height to your outfit, try a pair of platform sneakers instead!
Related: Fight the Frump: 12 Easy Ways You Can Fix Your Frumpy Outfits
6. striped t-shirt + oversized sunglasses + pleated shorts + day flats
Speaking of shorts, if you want to try out a more elevated version, try high rise pleated shorts. The gold buttons in a vertical placement and the pleats help to elongate your thighs for a flattering shape, and they’re typically looser around your thigh for a comfortable fit. On special occasions during the warm months of summer, they are a more elegant option than your go-to denim pair.
On top, try a striped t-shirt. Horizontal stripes aren’t always the bad guy – especially in a small quantity! Thin stripes like these are a classic pattern, and when tucked into the shorts, the t-shirt makes for a chic look.
Leather flats, a chunky gold ring, and oversized sunglasses complete the look. If you have a larger face or a round face, sunglasses with a bigger frame are often more complimentary. This fits my own description, and I always keep an eye out for sunglasses that particularly say “oversized” for the most flattering fit.
Related: How to Find the Best Sunglasses for a Round Face
7. off the shoulder top + maxi slip skirt + gold jewelry + slingback heels
If you love the coverage that long sleeves provide but are looking for an option for warm weather, try an off-the-shoulder top. The straight neckline flatters the top of your chest and collarbone, while the short sleeve provides just enough coverage on your upper arms – an area that many of us might be conscious of and would prefer to cover.
On the bottom, try a midi or maxi slip skirt. Not only is it an elegant pairing, but black is a universally flattering color. Pair it with slingback heels. The pointed toe will continue the line of your body to help your legs appear longer. A woven bag and gold jewelry complete the chic summer outfit.
Related: Wondering What Colors Make You Look Skinny? Read This Post!
8. boat-neck tank top + dark wash jeans + leather sandals
Speaking of off-the-shoulder pieces, a boat neck tank top is another flattering style with a similar appearance. This particular style also features subtle draping over your midsection, which helps to conceal any areas on your upper body that may not appear to be as smooth as you like. If you prefer not to wear any shapewear, looser or draped fabric can achieve a similar objective and is not overly restrictive.
Next, try a pair of dark wash jeans. Dark wash jeans are perfect for slimming outfits as they are a great optical illusion. The dark wash, similar to how a black top works, helps to draw attention away from your lower body.
It’s only a bonus if they’re high-rise jeans! High-rise jeans can also be a great option instead of shapewear for your midsection, and the high waistline helps to elongate your legs. If you have a long torso and shorter legs like me, the higher waist can help to provide balance to your body shape.
9. maxi dress + waist belt + gold flats
A waist belt (or dress belt) is one of the oldest tricks in the book to help emphasize your natural shape underneath a piece of loose clothing. Plus, it can be a great way to add interest and texture to your look! This woven belt is the perfect example. Pair it with a maxi dress without much shape to instantly create a more flattering silhouette.
Next, try adding another point of interest like a gold pair of flats. As I said before, try a slingback, pointed-toe version for a leg-lengthening style! A woven tote and gold earrings complete the look. This would be the perfect outfit for a beachside vacation dinner, or a leisurely lunch enjoyed outdoors.
10. cropped vest top + high waist jeans + mule slides
Another great way to help give your legs a slimmer look and balance out a longer torso is to choose a cropped top to pair with high-waisted jeans. This vest top is a trendy item with a classic feel, and is a great choice to pair with high-waist denim this summer. Plus, the buttons on the vest help to draw that vertical line down the center of your body – moving the eye from the outside in.
This look would be perfect for a Saturday spent shopping or hunting for your next treasure at an antique market. Pair it with mule sandals with a block heel. A raffia tote bag will fit all of your great finds, and a gold necklace and square-shaped sunglasses finish the look.
11. cashmere tee + silk neck scarf + wide-legged trousers + belt
When I spoke about pointed-toe shoes earlier, you can venture beyond slingback heels and flats to achieve the same effect! This suede boot is a good choice when you’re looking for a covered shoe, or maybe looking for an outfit for cooler weather.
On top, try a cashmere t-shirt. The great thing about cashmere is that it doesn’t cling to your body the way some might, and you can easily size up if you would prefer a slightly looser fit.
On the bottom, try wide-legged pleated trousers. Their draping helps to elongate your legs and provide a flattering shape to your lower half. Add a leather belt to help accentuate your natural waist.
Accessorize with a silk scarf with a chic knot, and square sunglasses. You could easily wear this to the office, or out to lunch with friends.
Related: 12 Posing Tips to Make You Look Thinner in Pictures (With Examples)!
Slimming Outfits to Help You Feel Your Best
The best way to look great is to feel great! Confidence can come in many forms – sometimes it’s the confidence that comes from wearing something that you’re truly excited about wearing.
Other times, confidence can come from wearing a look that flatters your natural body shape. Finding slimming outfits that complement our bodies can be the perfect way to feel great in our own skin. Hopefully, these looks will not only give you fun fashion inspiration for warm weather but also be a catalyst to help you feel as great as you look!
Speaking of feeling your best, confident self, find inspiration from your favorite classy woman. Up Next: 7 Things Classy Women Wouldn’t Wear (and What They’d Wear Instead)
