FashionIndie » wide leg jeans

How To Hide & Shape the Tummy Without Anyone Noticing

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:00:31 +0000

It has been called many things over the years – pooch, beer belly, gut, FUPA, muffin top. No matter the name, having a little extra pudge in the stomach area is somewhat inevitable unless you eat nothing and work out a grillion hours a week. If you don’t have time for this nonsense, we have some solutions for you. Here are six ways you can hide and shape the tummy under spring clothing.

1. Invest in a tent: Not to camp in silly, to wear! Tent dresses are the best fat day cures in the whole entire world. Just make sure it fits you well through the chest and arms to avoid looking like you’re wearing an actual tent; that’s when this look becomes unflattering. Above: MinkPink Table Manners Dress $88, shopnastygal.com

2. Wear pants at your actual waist: Here’s the thing, low rise pants are not flattering if you carry extra weight in your stomach. Try a pair of high-waisted pants that sit at your natural waist, the smallest part of your stomach. Adding a wide leg is even better – it’s like distributing that weight downward to even-out your figure and make you look taller. Above: Milly Woolen High Waisted Trousers $328, julesb.co.uk

3. Opt for an empire waist: When the waist of a dress sits above your natural waist and flows into an A-line skirt, it draws attention up and away from your problem area. Choose a dress with a structured, well-fitting top in a fabric that isn’t clingy. Above: Marchesa Empire Silk Chiffon Gown $5,821, boutique1.com

4. Go vintage shopping: They don’t make ‘em like they used to, that’s for sure. In an age of fast fashion and mass produced everything, garments are not made of the same high quality they once were. Dresses from the 50s and 60s were tailored to actually fit a woman’s body correctly and give her a waist. Try on some different options and find what looks best on you, but dresses from the 50s, 60s and 80s are good places to start. Above: Vintagephilosophy 1950s NEW LOOK Cocktail Dress $159, etsy.com

5. Buy a bra that fits: And no excuses! As an intimate apparel industry veteran, I can’t tell you how many women I’ve heard say “this new bra changed my life.” A proper fitting bra lifts and separates to give you the shapely figure you deserve. It also improves posture and, I guarantee, confidence that will be noticed by everyone. Stop by a department store with a good intimate apparel department, and someone can measure and help you find the perfect fit. Above: Betsey Johnson Stocking Stripe Lightly Lined Demi Bra $48, betseyjohnson.com

6. Cute shapewear won’t kill you: Shapewear – UGH what a gross word, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Shaping and smoothing garments have come a long way since girdles, as many of them can pass for regular clothing. Smoothing and shaping tanks with a touch of lace look like normal slips or camis, so you don’t need to worry about being frumpy when removing your clothes. Above: Shapeez Tankee Long $ 85, unbelievabra.com

What are your tips for hiding a tummy under light spring clothing?

How To Wear Wide-Leg Pants Without Swimming in Fabric

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:19:22 +0000

Wearing wide-leg pants can be tricky, especially if you’re not 5’10″. But fear not, everyone can wear this timeless trouser silhouette if done correctly. If you only remember one rule after reading this post, keep in mind that fit is everything. Pants should be fitted through the waist and hips before expanding into wide-legged splendor. Start small and work your way to bigger flares, but don’t overdo it – you’re trying to look chic, not like a circus extra who forgot her stilts.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011

1. Wear a belt to define the waist. Just because you’re wearing wide-leg pants doesn’t mean you need to look bigger than you are. Belting the look creates a waist and shows off the feminine figure. Whether wide or skinny, there are tons of options out there for you to try.

Nicole Miller Pre-Fall 2011

2. Try a jumpsuit. If you are a jumpsuit veteran and want to try the wide-leg look, this is a great way to experiment. All you need to do is accessorize wisely as the top is already picked out for you. Try something fitted through the bust and hips to avoid looking like an inmate.

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

3. Add a feminine touch on top. One of my favorite ways to wear high-waisted, wide-leg pants is with a sheer top. Something fitted and lacy balances the masculine bottoms, creating a polished and chic look. And this peek of skin under the sheer top looks super sexy without unleashing the trashy vibe.

Stella McCartney Spring 2011

4. Add a long, structured jacket. There is nothing more sophisticated than a long jacket with wide leg pants. Whether done with monochromatic pieces or contrasting solids, this is the look of a bold woman. BUT, you MUST wear heels with this one to avoid looking like a munchkin. Unless, of course, you’re 5’10″.

LINK LOVE: Street style photo, Refinery29; Runway photos, Style.com

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

Stella McCartney Spring 2011

TRENDSPARK: Baggy Jeans For Men

Rebecca Alexander — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:39:58 +0000

Can’t decide if I like this look or not…Feel like it would take the right kind of person to pull it off. On that note, I don’t really like the cuffing at the bottom, but I do like the juxtaposition of the slim blazer with the wide leg pant.

What do you guys think?

LINKAGE: The Sartorialist