How to dress thin

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Mar 10th 2008 7:00AM

If you think you have to be skinny and perfect to pull off the latest fashion trends, you are so wrong. All you need to pull off are these few tricks for dressing thin. If you like them, thank E! for calling them to my attention so I can share them with you.

Get tops that fit. Don't squeeze yourself into anything.

Avoid light colors. They show every bump and bulge.

Choose black. It really is slimming.

Dress one size bigger.

Go with long cardigans to create vertical, taller, skinnier lines.

Try little jackets too. Cinch around the waist.

Ditch the chunky jewelry. It adds volume to your body.

Nix the short skirts unless you have very thin legs.

Invest in pencil skirts to elongate the body.

Add high heels to gain length.

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Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brooke 3-10-2008 @ 2:36PM

I do not like the "dress one size bigger." When your clothes don't fit correctly they add bulk.

Also, you do not need skinny legs to wear short skirts. You do need shapley legs though.

Di 3-10-2008 @ 7:40PM

A lot of this is outdated and frankly, patronizing. Fat people know they're fat, and those that aren't beaten down by "advice" like this know how to make themselves look pretty decent, too.

1. Colors do NOT really dictate shape - FIT does. White does not show "bumps and bulges" any more than black does.

2. Fit
Very simply, wear clothing that fits you properly - NOT one size larger, which will give you the illusion of being larger than you are.

2. Wear long cardigans with GREAT care
Overlayering can also add bulk if you're already bulky. If you wear a sweater or jacket, makes sure that the clothing beneath is form fitting - NOT tight, and definitely not too loose.

3. Chunky jewelry should be chosen based on your body type and on the overall outfit. If you have a large chest, skip the big necklace but a bracelet would be OK.

4. Short skirts
I'm trying not to swear at this lovely "advice." A lot of fat women have really nice, muscular legs. Wear short skirts as appropriate, so NOT at work, and wear a length that can be measured in "above the knee" rather than "below the butt."

5. Pencil skirts are a classic piece, but do not work on all body shapes. If you are especially long-waisted, you might want to consider another type.

6. The short jackets forever being pitched at plus sized women look universally terrible; it makes observers think that you're in denial about your size, and plus women that make an effort have no such illusions about themselves. Wear one that hits you at the waist or longer.

7. Fitness and working on self-esteem is hugely important - and you have to work on having it NOW, not when you "hit the magic number" and are declared "thin enough." Fat people can't just magically disappear, it takes a LONG time to work on changing the body and for all you know those fat people you're seeing actually are trying to be healthy - they're just not trying to look just like you.