Being fashion-savvy is hard. For starters, fashion changes so quickly that by the time something arrives that you’ve ordered online, it may not be on-trend anymore. And secondly, most of our fashion inspiration comes from images of slim, drop-dead gorgeous models that could make wearing a paper bag look good. So it’s not too surprising that we often get sucked into buying clothes and accessories that don’t do our figures, hair or complexion any favours. And while we love following the fashion trends, it’s a good idea to be mindful of what does and doesn’t flatter your figure, face and features before you splash out.
Fashion trend #1 Midriffs
The midriff trend has gained some steam in the last year or so, with many celebrities baring their stomachs in midriff tops and cut-out dresses. But if you’re trying to cover stretch marks and wobbly bits beware: you’ll need to feel confident baring your stomach to pull it off.
Fix it: If you’re keen to wear this trend, the first thing you need to do is ensure the skin on show is well looked after. Try applying Thursday Plantation’s Nurture Oil or Bio Oil to reduce the appearance of any stretch marks or imperfections. Secondly, try applying a self-tan on the area to give the illusion of a firmer stomach.
Fashion trend #2 Colour trends
Every season there seems to be an ‘it’ colour that everyone MUST have. Whether it’s electric blue, coral, neon or floral patterns, suddenly every shop is stocking it and it ends up in your wardrobe. The problem with this is that certain colours can make your complexion look washed out and, put quite simply, not everybody suits every colour.
Fix it: Find out whether you’re a cool or warm tone. You can determine this by placing a piece of gold material and a piece of silver material over each shoulder. If silver suits you better you’re cool, if gold suits you better you’re warm. Cool tones look best in purples, greens, pinks and dark blues (cool colours), whereas warm tones suit browns, oranges, red and yellows (warm colours).
Fashion trend #3 Peplums
A fashion trend that covers love handles? Genius! But you still need to be careful when wearing this trend. If the peplum falls from just under the breast, it can give the illusion of a bigger stomach from both the front and side.
Fix it: When wearing a peplum top or dress, make sure the peplum falls from the belly button down, while the top half hugs you in at the waist. The peplum will cover your hips but make your stomach look flat.
Fashion trend #4 Harem pants
Yes they’re incredibly comfy. Yes they come in a lot of fun patterns. And yes they are fun to do the ‘Hammer Time’ dance in, BUT they are also very good making your derrière look flat and long. The low crotch design of these pants also makes any booty you do have completely disappear.
Fix it: If your main aim in wearing these pants was comfort, try yoga pants. They’re just as comfy but will hug your backside for more shape. Plus you can do squats in them, which will also benefit your bottom.Or if you simply can’t bare to part with your harem pants, try ones with a higher crutch and more tailored design to flatter your backside better.
Fashion trend #5 Wedges
They may be so much easier to walk in than normal heels, but they have the potential to make you look shorter. The bigger soles on wedges give a weightier appearance to the leg, effectively shrinking them.
Fix it: If you want your legs to appear longer, shoes with a skinny heel and open toe are best. The thinner heel will create a more slender vertical appearance, while the open toe will show more skin, helping your leg to look as long as possible. Or switch to nude wedges, the colour will help the leg appear longer and you won’t have to wobble your way around.
Have you tried any of these fashion trends? What are your tips for pulling them off? Do you consider your body shape and complexion when shopping for clothes?
