Fat-Free Fashion

Dear Fitness Coach,

This is probably not your area of expertise but I might as well ask anyway. I gained about 14 pounds over the past 6 months, with most of it in the past month! I do plan on losing it—I am really, really good at losing weight... it’s keeping it off that’s the problem!—but it is going to take me a while. Meanwhile, how can I create the illusion of being slimmer than I am?

Frantically Fat:(

Dear Frantic,

There is no outfit that is going to make you look or feel as good as having a lean, fit body. As you have found, losing weight is the easy part: keeping it off permanently is the challenge. Making dietary changes you can live with while incorporating exercise will keep you from yo-yo dieting. Having said that, there are ways to camouflage those extra pounds until you can successfully lose them. Follow these fashion tips to hide the damage that too many eggnogs and Christmas cookies caused!

Jersey Wrap Dresses
Universally figure-flattering, the wrap dress is every stylist's secret weapon. Battle the bulge with adjustable ties at the waist to allow room to breathe. Wear with a stack of chunky silver bangles to amp up the style.

Black Leggings
An ultra-slimming style on any shape, black leggings look sensational when paired with a longer-length tunic top. Look for ponte knit—a tightly woven fabric that holds its shape, while still allowing a bit of "give." 

'Boyfriend' Sweater
Beat the bloat with a slouchy sweater—perfect to conceal and complement. It’s best paired with slimming dark-wash boot-cut jeans and a fabulous pair of leather riding boots. 

Fashion Accessories
Whether it’s a bright scarf that draws the eye upwards or strappy shoes that elongate the legs, the right accessory can make or break an outfit. Ordinary-looking outfits can even be jazzed up with a bold women's accessory, but take care about not overdoing it: each outfit needs only one unique accessory focus. The great thing about accents is that you will not need to toss them once you lose the weight.

Accentuate the Positive
Do not be satisfied with shapeless oversize outfits: ungraceful clothing hides your complete appearance, positive and unfavorable. Find clothing styles that highlight the best fuller-shape attributes and disguise those you do not prefer. Garments missing the proper tailoring are almost always going to make your shape seem larger than it actually is.