There are clothes that look just right on us and make us look fabulous, and there are those that don’t. If the latter is something that bothers you, this list is for you. We bring you 13 styling mistakes that make you look bulkier than you are – read up, and fix them stat!
1. Belting It Wrong
You’re wearing your belt in the last possible hole, but it’s still too tight and you can barely breathe after having a glass of water? Trust us, it’s better to not wear the belt at all in that case. A too-tight belt only makes your tummy bulge above and below it – and that’s just not a good look. Similarly, avoid a belt that’s too loose – it’s going to make your waist or hips look wider than they are. If you can breathe comfortably in your belt, and can even put a finger into it without wincing – that’s just the right tightness level!
2. Too Many Straps Inching Upwards Past Your Ankle
If you aren’t super tall, those zillion straps on your shoes are making your calves look shorter and you stockier. Keep it simple, and go with shoes that have an uncluttered ankle. They add a sense of length to your silhouette!
3. Stuffing Your Pockets
Yes, your outfit comes with a million pockets that makes carrying small belongings so convenient! But no, you don’t have to stuff all the things that you usually carry in your handbag in them. Stuffing your phone and your wallet and your keys and your lip gloss, all in the pockets of your jeans or trousers, is adding unnecessary bulk to your hips.
4. Not Finding An Accessory Focus Point
If you have a heavy bust, don’t wear a statement necklace. If you’ve got a tummy you would like to distract attention from, avoid long necklaces that focus eyes there. Find your focus point – whether it’s your face or your neck or your wrists – and accessorize to emhpasize that area.
5. Bulky Bags
Yes, we love our totes that can hold our world in them! But hanging a huge bag from your shoulder adds a lot of volume to your torso. Even big bags shouldn’t be stuffed to the brim. If you need to carry lots of stuff, opt for a backpack. Not only is it better for your posture but also your overall look!
6. Jeans Of The Wrong Cut
There are seriously way too many cuts of jeans out there, and choosing a pair can get very confusing at times. You have to keep in mind what kind of fit and detailing looks best on your body type – trust us, it’ll make a world of difference to how you look!
7. Excessive Layering
Layering is a really great trend, but one that requires a balance to make it look good. Going overboard with it will only make you look two sizes bigger and no more fashionable than you were when you started. Avoid layering more than two things at a time and experiment with different hem lengths to get more out of this trend even with using less.
8. Underwear Mistakes
Wearing the wrong kind of underwear can lead to a whole list of problem. If you’re wearing a bra that is too small, you’re going to look like you’re bulging or spilling out of it, and look bulkier than you should! Visible panty line can be terrible too, since it makes your skirt/ dress/ pants look tighter than they are! Make sure to match your undies with your outfit, and always wear the right size – not only for your look but your comfort too!
9. Tops Of The Wrong Length
Wearing long tops doesn’t always mean they’ll make you look thinner. Sometimes they end up doing the complete opposite. The hemline should never be at the widest part of your body! If you have wide hips, wear a top that either ends at your waist or at mid-thigh. If your thighs are broader than your hips, wear a top that’s either ending at your hipbone or goes way lower, almost to your knees.
10. Clothes Which Are Too Loose
Just like with tops, loose clothes aren’t always flattering for your frame. They make you look more bulky and make your curves disappear completely! Opt for clothes and cuts that emphasize your best areas and skim over the others.
11. Clothes Which Are Too Tight
Yes, we know you’re familiar with this being a problem, but it needs to be addressed anyway. Clothes that fit you perfectly but cut into your skin at the hem, waist or sleeves should be banished from your wardrobe. That one line biting into your skin, and making your flesh above and below bulge, can make you look way less toned than you are.
12. The Wrong Length
Pants and dresses that end right above your ankles have a tendency of making you look shorter – and therefore squarer and bulkier. Watch out for whether this is happening when you’re trying on outfits in the trial room. Get a second opinion from a friend if needed.
13. Ignoring Your Natural Waist
Figure out the narrowest part of your torso – for some it could be right under the boobs and for others it could be at the end of the ribs. It’s different for everyone. Ensure that the waist of your clothes fall at this point. If it’s too high, it’ll make you look extra top-heavy, and if it’s a bit low, it’ll make your hips disappear completely!