David's Bridal

6 Tips for Dressing Slimmer in the New Year

By Carmen Ordonez

Many of us probably have loosing weight as one of our New Year Resolutions, but what if I told you there’s ways to look 10 pounds slimmer without ever hitting the gym or going on a diet. Here are a couple of simple tips and tricks to make you look slimmer by just what you wear.

Look for dark colors. Dark solid colors such as black or navy are a definite DO for looking slim, for example this Chiffon Blouson Black Dress from David’s Bridal. Take it up a notch by adding a statement necklace, which will draw the attention to your face and away from your hips and tummy.  A V-neck dress will also help elongate the neck and make you look leaner.

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Dress proportionately. A key to dressing slimmer is knowing your body type and how to balance your figure. If you’re pear-shaped (smaller on the top and bigger on the bottom) look for a blouse with ruffles or opt for adding a blazer, which will help create volume, broaden the upper body and balance your hips. If you’re bigger on the top, look for simple tops with minimal details and embellishments, which will help downsize your bust.

Look for a wrap dress or empire waist dress: A wrap dress is one dress that is universally flattering and can instantly make you look slimmer. It’s form fitting, accentuates the waist and skims over the body so you’re not seeing every lump and bump. An empire waist dress, like this one-shouldered flower mesh gown from David’s Bridal is also a great option since it highlights the narrowest part of your waist (right below your bust) and flows over the tummy area.

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Vertical Stripes. Look for prints with vertical stripes, which have a slimming effect. On the other hand, stay away from horizontal stripes, which will only make you look wider since it commands the eyes to follow the movement of the lines.

Avoid yards of fabric. Clothes that are too baggy and bulky will only make you look bigger than you really are. Instead look for body-conscious clothing (that is not too tight) which is the most figure flattering.

Invest in shapewear. I personally love shape wear. Invest in good shapewear, which can immediately take pounds off.

Jeannie Mai, Celebrity Fashion Expert
Every bride should know the best wedding gowns are the ones that best fit your unique, beautiful shape. And I have been loving the flurry of celebrity weddings this season! 2010 has been a runway of A-list celebs donning gorgeous dresses, showing us a variety of styles for their big day.

Hilary Duff really took advantage of her big day to display her sultry curves. Truly living up to fairy tale fashion, her elegant train cascaded from the knees and kept going on….and on and on! For the rest of you curvaceous cuties out there, this David’s Bridal Mikado gown with ruffle back is a match made in heaven. Not only will the fit and flare skim every ounce of your curves, but the rippling of this luxurious train makes for a gorgeous walk down the aisle. I especially love the beaded neckline that creates an attractive glimmer for all those close up shots. I also suggest playing up the beads with an iridescent shimmer on your skin for a refreshing pearly glow. Showcase the pearlescent finishes with opals, turquoises, and even rose gold jewelry.

Next take a look at our favorite country crooner, Carrie Underwood. I’m obsessed with how her elegant gown showcased her toned and trim physique! With the amount she works out, she has every reason to flaunt her great shoulder line and toned arms. Carrie’s strapless gown not only shows off her dainty décolletage, but also really opens up her bright smile. Not to mention she’s right on trend with this immaculate Chantilly lace bodice, which made Carrie look perfectly petite. Delicate textures like this can really whittle your middle, something we all love! You don’t have to have the same athletic lean build to wear it well like Underwood. In fact, this Oleg Cassini lace trumpet gown allows any woman’s shape to be celebrated. You can even personalize it with a sash to match the colors of your beautiful day, or impro-fashionize it with your own soft sash of lace.

Then there’s the magnificently talented and utterly beautiful, Alicia Keys. It’s no surprise this bride was in a fashionable state of mind to select a gown with an asymmetrical shoulder drape, a tasty trend we’ve been loving this year. The soft sheath perfectly enveloped her barely there bump and showcased how we’ve fallen for her forward fashion sense! Alicia definitely brought us a unique wedding style that no one, no one, no one, can rock like her. For a similar style, check out this Galina soft chiffon A-line gown. What I like about this gown even more is the floral detailing on the strap itself, and the sheath is made up of various soft layers to give you a romantic movement as you walk down that aisle with style. Just make sure to gloss up that shoulder line with Scott Barnes’ Body Bling, or your own version of a skin glow. Spray it on shoulder tops and avoid beneath the arms – they won’t catch the light much anyway, and you can avoid staining the sides of your dress.

There you have it my brides-to-be, three star studded reasons why you, too, can make your wedding day blissful. With these David’s Bridal selections and your own added personal touch, I vow you’ll wow your guests and have your groom starry-eyed, too!