Brian Maynor July 18, 2013
July 17, 2013
The key is vertical movement. If you want to look thinner your goal should be to look longer by creating a clear vertical line for the eye to follow from head to toe, because the longer you look the thinner you look in comparison. Here are examples of typical work outfits and how to tweak them to look longer and leaner instantly. These rule work for every body type and every size:
1. Prints and Patterns. Ladies, while the blouse follows all of the basic rules: it has an open neckline; comes in at the waist and falls to the middle of the hip; the print is overpowering all of that. If you chose to wear an all-over print, look for ones that are vertically orientated or incorporate a solid directorial element like a contrast trim. The black trim on the sweater clearly provides vertical movement. It also mirrors the white vertical stripe on the shirt, another great tool to use when you want to elongate something, creating a very clear line for the eye to follow.
As an added bonus a wider trim helps the torso appear narrower, as long as it is proportional.
2. Column of color. Guys, the column of color is a great theory to use if you want to look long and lean, but that does not mean wearing a solid dark suit. Suits are a lot to process visually, that’s why I always recommend a medium color. A solid dark color on both your top and bottom can actually add weight making you look bigger unless it is tailored to fit perfectly.
3. Tie one on. Gentlemen, ties are the perfect tools to create a visual line. Not only are they shaped like arrows they act like arrows, directing attention and pulling the eye downward. For the express goal of elongating your torso I recommend a solid color tie over a stripe or print. To read more about appropriate widths click here.
4. Let’s talk about bottoms. You want the visual line to continue straight from your hip to your ankle and extend through your foot. To achieve this goal, flat front straight leg pants are best, avoiding any taper at the knee or flare at the ankle. Also pay attention to the hem. A full-break is acceptable, but a puddle of fabric is not. No one ever looked longer with yards of fabric gathered around their ankles.
5. Round it off, but not literally. To complete the vertical extension, choose a shoe with an elongated toe. It does not have to be a pointed toe, but it should not be round or square since both those will make your foot look shorter and fail to carry the visual line to its fullest. Have you ever received a compliment for short, stubby feet?
If you incorporate these elements into your next outfit expect plenty of genuine complements and comments on your sudden weight loss.
Woman’s Slimming Outfit
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coachesin the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lec
turer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
