Dressing for a Heavy Bottom Half – Part 2

Stay away from fabrics that are stiff and bulky, instead use fabrics that have a soft drape. However, do not mistake clingy knits for a soft drape. These are also a no-no, especially on the bottom half. You can slim the appearance of hips and bottom by sticking with dark neutral colors that are solid. Avoid using fabrics that have a pattern unless they are very subtle or tone on tone. By putting a bright colored top over a dark neutral bottom you draw the eye upwards.

Waistbands that are lower than their natural waist level, A-line skirts and dresses with a fitted waist work well on women who have a larger bottom half. Boot cut pants are straight legs and do not accentuate the width of the hip. Pants that come in at the ankle or are fitted to the leg will increase the appearance of width at the hips.

Do not wear baggy clothing because it only makes you look bigger. Tight pants and skirts also accentuate the area of the body you are trying hard to camouflage. Instead wear clothing that fits your actual size and not the size you wish you were.

Wearing a puffed sleeve will help to broaden the size of the shoulders and balance the top half of the body with the lower half of the body. Because the bust line is usually small a push up bra may be a good option to increase the size of the bust and balance the body.

Pants which have pleats or side pockets are another no-no because they magnify your hips. Instead, opt for flat-front trousers. High-waisted, belted skirts work well when you have a smaller breast line. Avoid an Empire waist dress that hides your waistline. Don’t wear a straight button dress that hugs the curves but instead a wrap dress to emphasize the smallest part of the body and an A-line over the rest.