We all know that no matter what size or shape you are, when you look good, you feel even better. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Miladys and put together 10 amazing fashion hacks that will make you feel like a million bucks.
These easy style tweaks and fashion cheats are instant figure flatterers.
Know your body
The first step to choosing clothes that make you feel fabulous is to take a bit of time to find out what your body shape is.
Silhouettes and styles that work for an hourglass figure won’t necessarily work if you have bigger hips. And vice versa. All shapes and sizes are beautiful, so this step is not about finding out what you can’t wear, but rather figuring out how to celebrate your best features.
Read more: Find out what your body shape is and how to dress to flatter your figure
Get the proportions right
When you’re putting an outfit together, always think about proportion. When the top half of your body looks balanced with your lower half, the overall look is ultra flattering. If this sounds complicated, don’t worry, how you achieve balance depends on your body shape.
For example, if you’re apple shaped, create balance with long lines — think gilets and high rise jeans.
If, on the other hand, you have larger hips and a smaller bust, wear chunky jewellery or detailed tops to draw the eye up towards your small waist and décolletage.
The perfect pair of jeans
Miladys Wonderfit Jeans should definitely be at the top of your figure-flattering, must-buy items. The jeans work in three ways: tummy control through clever stitching in the front pockets; lift and tuck your bum with hidden figure-hugging seams and slimming fabrics; and stretch-for-comfort-design that will suck in every lump and bump.
Putting on a pair of these confidence-boosting jeans is the easiest way we can think of to instantly lose 3cm! And they’re available from size 32 to 50, so everyone can get a pair (or 2…).
Read more: How to find the perfect jeans for your shape
Illusion prints
If you love prints and funky colours, fear not, prints are amazing for helping you look slimmer and taller. Opt for patterns that accentuate your best features and trick the eye into focusing on those rather than your ‘problem’ areas. This printed shift tunic dress from Miladys is great for giving the illusion of a smaller waist using clever elongating prints.
It’s all in the details
Clever details can draw the eye to your best features — think statement necklaces if you’re pear shaped, detailed tops if you’re more rectangle shaped and deep embellished v-necks if you’re apple shaped.
This cute batwing top with lace detailing is the perfect example of adding details that add interest to your outfit, and also slim and trim. The v-neck will draw attention to your décolletage, while the empire waist will slim and trim your tummy.
Ruching makes perfect
We love well-placed ruching! It can make you feel so much more confident in your clothes if your tummy is hidden by a few folds of material. Ruching at the waist can hide a tum and give you an hourglass shape, while ruching on top gives you a fuller bust and helps balance a pear-shaped figure.
A classic wrap dress also looks great on just about every body shape. The v-neck flatters your bust, the longer sleeves slim your arms, and the belt at your waist gives you an instant hourglass figure!
Read more: 15 all-natural ways to stop bloating, for good
Play with length
An A-symmetrical top is instantly flattering. Instead of the hem going straight across your waist (which can make it look bigger) the flattering line of this top tricks the eye into moving in a diagonal line. This will trim your tummy, without having to do a single sit-up!
Buckle up
A belt can be your best fashion friend, but you may have to try a few styles in a few areas on your body to find your perfect match.
Thinner belts are great for a bigger tummy, because they don’t draw as much attention to this part of your body. If you have a slim waist, then try a trendy wide metallic belt, it will cinch you in, drawing the eye to your tiny tummy!
Top tip: If you’re not sure what kind of belt looks best, take photos of you wearing a few styles, then compare the photos. It’s much easier to see what slims and trims in side-by-side photos than in the mirror.
Cap sleeves
No matter how many push-ups we do, we can never seem to get rid of the dreaded bingo wings. But we’re not too worried because we know that a few ingenious tops or dresses can cover them up. Try tops and dresses that have a capped or elongated sleeve. This length will instantly trick the eye into thinking your arms are more toned!
Add height
The reason we love heels is simple: heels and wedges instantly tone your legs and make you look taller and slimmer. Throw on a pair of heels with your favourite pair of jeans for an on the spot day-to-night transformation, or pair them with a slimming dress to show off your legs and give you great height, too!
Read more: 9 clever ways to feel more confident in your clothes