Weighing In on Spring

You are what you eat … or maybe it’s what you wear that makes the biggest difference in how you look and feel this spring. There are plenty of ways to slim down your wardrobe and look like you’ve lost a few pounds yourself just by weighing in on a few of these figure-flattering tips:

–Visit your local hair salon.

We often never think about how the hairstyle we wear everyday can affect not only our mood, but how we feel put together. It we’re having a bad hair day, not even a new jacket can make us feel better. So start with reevaluating your hair cut with your stylist … or find one who will explore new styles with you. Consider longer, side-swept bangs and layers for a fast update.

–Stick with narrow pants.

The skinny pants trend is here to stay for awhile and the narrow legs are often the key to one of the most slimming silhouettes around this season. We’re not talking “skin-tight” here, just lean pants that can take pounds off your entire body when paired with boots now and sandals later and teamed with a knit tunic top.

–Pull on a pencil skirt.

Yes, these straighter skirts that are tapered in just a bit on the bottom do give most women the illusion of a slimmer line. Leave those flippy A-lines in the closet, especially if you have a pear-shaped figure. Shorter, knee-length hemlines will show a little more leg and give you more illusion of height.

–Dress in one color from head to toe.

It’s easy this spring to keep your wardrobe in the same color family — whether it’s red, black or marine blue — and vary textures of jackets, skirts or tops. Shift dresses are great too. There are plenty of shoes and accessories to match. Add matching tights and you’ll have this slimming monochromatic look down and the pounds melting away!

–Wear high heels.

I know there are lots of flats out there this season, but most of you know that those higher heels do lift you up and up and up. At least put a pair of shoe boots or pumps with higher heels on your shopping list. Pointed toes are more “lengthening” than rounded toes or Mary Janes with wide straps across the ankle. Heels paired with dark tights will also make you look taller and thinner.

–Wear fitted jackets.

Whether it’s long and knee-length or short and flared, a jacket that is gently tailored is one of your best figure flattering buys this season. Steer clear of the big and boxy … none of us (I hope) are going for the Spongebob effect. Leave that to the younger kids.

–Cinch it in — This one is tricky, but the wide belt (especially in patent leather) is a great asset to containing some of those flowing tunics by adding a waistline. But just make sure if you do plan to belt a blouse or top, there’s nothing flowing out over it … if you know what I mean.

–Add accessories carefully. Don’t overdo on the jewelry. Piles of necklaces and armloads of bangles will only add bulkiness and some jangled nerves. Stick to one or two longer necklaces, more structured handbags and soft scarves that play up your best features.

–One more tip: Spanx.

Take pounds off your overall appearance this spring by keeping the volume on top and narrow pants on the bottom!

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM