How-To: Dress Slimmer for Summer

--By Jules Newmark

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Oh, the summer months. Hot days lounging by the pool and wearing next to nothing for months can be intimidating for a lot of women who wouldn’t be caught dead slightly less than perfect, or pale for goodness sake. So what to do when invited to a chic, themed pool party or weekend getaway in Las Vegas? Bobbi Schwartz, founder and CEO of Dallas-based personal styling company The Bobbi Schwartz Group, has got some answers for all those women who didn’t stick to their fitness-oriented NYE resolution.

“Boot-cut or flare-leg pants are more flattering than narrow-leg pants, for those with hips. And, believe it or not, wide-leg pants are very flattering to the backside, no matter what size or shape your hips are,” says Schwartz. “Somehow, they make the backside look small and shapely. Go figure!” I couldn’t agree more, last week one of my models came into the office in gorgeous wide-leg jeans and a summery top and looked like a dream... I know, you’re thinking, “of course they look good on a model!” but this isn’t the typical thin girl you see on a runway for Chanel-- think healthy, athletic beach girl!

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Once you understand how to flatter your figure-- picking up duds for the flatter rather than merely satisfy the hip look-of-the-moment that definitely does nothing for your rear-- picking clothes will be so much more enjoyable. Schwartz offers several tips for each problem area us women are dealt. If you have a tummy, go for an A-shape shirt, like one by Eileen Fisher, who makes a luxurious shirt of this design in multiple colors. Also, if you’d like to slim down from the top down, a v-shaped neckline really sheds the pounds without one step on the treadmill. Try the trendy and cheap American Apparel offerings. If you have trouble finding your waist on your elongated torso, or at least making it look like you aren’t a bean pole, try a belt around the waist.

If you are blessed to naturally shake it like a Polaroid picture, and those with hips and a butt know what I mean, then find a slightly flared skirt. When swimming, be safe with a suit that accentuates your best features and keeps scanning eyes in the right places-– try Calvin Klein or the Magicsuit. I love an eye catching halter-top bikini and typically find one on Victoria’s Secret website annually for my spring break (that is the one I have continued to take since the college years).

Lastly, shorts... ”If you are doing the short, however, unless you are really tall and thin, stick to wearing at least a short-heeled sandal, to really make the look flattering,” adds Schwartz. So that’s it-– a few easy tips to looking your best without leaving your wardrobe!
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Jules Newmark is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Jules is currently based in sun drenched San Diego, California, where she works, and works the scene, as a modeling agent. Jules's beauty must-haves include mascara by Dior, perfume by Calvin Klein, and a really good sunblock.