it’s not you—it’s the styling
For years, I’d stand in entrance of the mirror and immediately zero in on every thing I didn’t like about my physique. The self-criticism was so quick and computerized, I didn’t even notice I used to be doing it!
However over time—and belief me, it took time—I began shifting that internal dialogue. Now, I attempt to lead with compassion. I remind myself how unbelievable my physique is… how a lot it carries, creates, and overcomes. That mindset shift modified every thing.
And even after I’m not feeling 100% (like proper now, post-surgery and carrying ten additional kilos), I nonetheless wish to really feel assured and look nice. That’s the place my easy styling instruments are available in. To not disguise, to not repair, however to boost what’s already superb.
I’ve used these actual methods for years—on myself, and as a stylist working with girls of all sizes and shapes. Whether or not they had been a dimension 2 or 22, the transformation was prompt. Not as a result of their our bodies modified… however as a result of the styling did.
So if you happen to’ve ever stood in entrance of the mirror and thought, “One thing simply feels off,” or “Why doesn’t something look fairly proper immediately?”—you’re not alone.
✔️ You don’t have to lose 10 kilos.
✔️ You don’t want a completely new wardrobe.
✔️ What you do want are a number of intentional, confirmed styling methods—easy instruments that elongate and flatter your physique.
These aren’t guidelines—they’re simply instruments. And the purpose?
That can assist you look within the mirror and say,
“Wow… I really feel like me once more.”
To seek out out how one can look slimmer utilizing color-blocking, make sure you try this put up subsequent.
Tip #1 | Go for a Excessive Rise
(Sure, It Makes That A lot of a Distinction)
If you wish to immediately add size and definition, high-rise denims or pants are your go-to. Sitting at or simply above the stomach button, they assist outline the waist, elongate the legs, and clean the midsection—sure, even that difficult decrease tummy space.
Fighting a bit of muffin high? Desire a extra sculpted form? A terrific high-rise model could make an enormous distinction. It’s one of many best methods to create the phantasm of an extended, leaner silhouette.
However right here’s the factor: not all excessive rises are created equal.
Since all of us have completely different torso lengths and proportions, it’s essential to seek out the rise that works for you. Usually, a excessive rise is something 9 inches or increased. When you have an extended torso, chances are you’ll want 11 inches or extra to hit at your pure waist.
Certainly one of my favourite pairs of slimming, but snug denims? The L’Agence Scottie wide-leg denims (pictured above). These test each field:
✔️ A waist-defining, tummy-smoothing excessive rise
✔️ A mushy, light-weight material that drapes fantastically
✔️ A large-leg silhouette that elongates your body and balances proportions
These denims are that uncommon combo of structured and flattering, but nonetheless extremely snug—so you’re feeling supported with out feeling restricted.
✨ Match Tip: Stick along with your common dimension for a flattering, barely relaxed match that also seems to be polished.
Styling Notice: Some high-rise denims are lower with a narrower waistband, which might exaggerate the decrease tummy space—particularly when you’ve got a extra straight or spherical midsection. Don’t surrender on high-rise types if the primary few don’t work! It’s all about discovering the correct pair in your physique.
Discovering the right pair of denims may be difficult. These are the unicorn pairs I swear by—slimming, snug, and price each penny.
Tip #2 | Select a Wider Leg That Skims the Ground
(It’s the Final Leg-Lengthening Secret)
Need to immediately look taller and extra proportioned? Go for a wider-leg jean—like a straight, bootcut, or delicate flare—that drapes lengthy and practically dusts the ground.
Right here’s why it really works:
Shorter denims—like ankle-length or cropped types—visually lower you off the place the hem ends. However an extended, floor-grazing pair creates one clear, uninterrupted line out of your waist to the bottom, giving the phantasm of longer legs and added peak.
Certainly one of my present favourite pairs of denims, and a Busbee best-seller? The AG Farrah Bootcut Denims (pictured above, proper). The darkish wash is ultra-flattering, the delicate flare balances the hips, and the 32-inch inseam provides simply the correct amount of leg-lengthening impression. I’m carrying a dimension 26, they usually match true to dimension.
✨ Professional Tip:
Search for a darkish wash and ensure your wider-leg denims virtually mud the ground, protecting most of your footwear. This tiny tweak makes an enormous distinction in how lengthy and lean your legs seem.
BTW, for extra subsequent degree slimming model suggestions, make sure you try this put up subsequent!
Tip #3 | Go Darkish—and Let Your Sneakers Do the Work
If you wish to visually elongate your legs and streamline your silhouette, this is without doubt one of the best—and most missed—styling methods: Begin with darkish, solid-colored pants and match your footwear to your pants.
Why does it work? As a result of it creates one lengthy, steady line from waist to toe, which immediately makes you look taller, leaner, and extra proportioned. It’s a delicate styling transfer that delivers main impression.
Certainly one of my go-to pairs of pants that all the time simply work? The Spanx wide-leg pants. They’re insanely slimming, ultra-comfortable, and create an excellent smooth silhouette due to the built-in tummy-smoothing compression. With no pockets, zippers, or buttons, there’s zero bulk—only a clear, polished look.
Additionally they are available in Petite, Common, and Tall lengths for that made-for-you match. These run giant, so make sure you dimension down! Extra on these slimming black pants right here.
And don’t underestimate your footwear—they’ll make or break your whole look. Matching your shoe coloration to your pants retains that vertical line uninterrupted, whereas contrasting colours can create a harsh visible break that shortens the leg line.
✨ Professional Tip: Open-toe footwear can nonetheless look stylish, however they gained’t offer you that very same lengthening impact. If trying taller and slimmer is your purpose, pointed closed-toe is the way in which to go. I really like this pair of Stuart Weitzman booties however I even have this Schutz pair which presents the same have a look at a extra accessible worth level.
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A Fast Notice on Match, Cloth, and Flattery
In relation to creating an extended, leaner look, the main points matter greater than you would possibly assume. Considerate design decisions can fantastically streamline your silhouette—or unintentionally add quantity.
🚫 Be conscious of cumbersome pleats or stiff materials that don’t drape nicely. Even essentially the most elegant trousers can really feel off if the construction isn’t excellent.
✅ As a substitute, go for mushy but structured materials and clear strains that skim the physique. Search for tailoring that enhances your pure form with out including bulk or distraction.
One pair price trying out? The Lululemon Daydrift Trouser (pictured high proper)—these are a sneaky-chic choice that look tailor-made, however really feel like activewear. The flat, delicate pleats add simply sufficient construction with out creating bulk, and the drapey material strikes fantastically along with your physique. They’re breathable, moisture-wicking, and as snug as your favourite leggings… simply rather more polished. These pants are available in 3-inseam lengths and are mechanically cleanable too. See how I styled these pants right here.
Professional Tip: Select a darker coloration just like the pair by Aritzia (pictured high left) for an much more slimming, leg-lengthening impact. It’s a easy swap that makes an enormous visible impression.
The Backside Line
Whether or not you’re petite like me and wish to serve 5’10” like within the photograph above, otherwise you’re simply not feeling 100% about your weight or form proper now and wish a bit of additional size and confidence—it’s not about altering your physique.
It’s about selecting items that work along with your physique.
From excessive rises and leg-lengthening cuts to darker colours and delicate design particulars, these small styling shifts create an enormous visible impression. So the following time you’re purchasing for denim or trousers, you’ll know precisely what to search for—and why it really works.
And bear in mind, essentially the most flattering factor you possibly can put on is confidence.
However the correct pair of denims? That by no means hurts both. 😉
