What Colours Can Make You Look Thinner?

Written by Niharika Nayak, BA (Media & Communication)  • 

If you’re reading this article, it is safe to say that you are sick of the number of pounds you have added and are looking for ways to hide them while you work on losing (or not losing) them. You’ve been chasing after that coveted hourglass figure for a while now and it just seems to elude you. Well, fear not, we’ve got just the article for you. Despite the fact that there is no better way to slim down than to hit the gym or jog or participate in other physical activity, here’s a cheat sheet.

Certain complimenting colors can render a general thinning impact on you, while others can make it look like you’ve gained even more pounds. In this article, we will discuss what hues can make you look more slender. So without further ado, how about we set the ball rolling?

1. Black

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Black, the reigning champion of darkness on the color spectrum is a fond friend of the fashion industry. The flattering colors create an illusionary effect that makes the person donning it appear many pounds lighter than they actually are. As such it is one of the most sought after colors. And an added bonus? The color is perfect for hiding stains. Yes, even that pesky red wine stain. It’s all-encompassing darkness adds to its imperfection erasing abilities.

Basically, the darker you go, the slimmer you look. So why not get to the darkest color on the spectrum and see where it goes from there? If you can’t rock the all-black look, you could always wear black in your not so flattering areas. For example, if you’re top-heavy and more narrow at the bottom you could probably wear a black top and bottoms that are a lighter shade. Sure, black on black might sound boring (unlike the song, which is brilliant). But imagine interplay of a smooth, buttery suede jacket paired with fluid wool flannel trousers, a silk scarf and a pure cashmere sweater. Although, the colors might be identical, the variation in the textures would uplift the outfit to a whole new dimension and thus provide relief from the sameness effect. Not to add that black is an extremely classy and luxurious looking color.

2. Monochromatic Shades

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No, we’re not talking Elvis Jailhouse Rock style prison jumpers (horizontal stripes are actually super unflattering and can make you look much larger than you actually are). Vertical stripes however, can make you look slim and taller than you are. If like many people out there, you suffer from the fashion problems that come with being vertically challenged, vertical stripes are the way to go. This makes a visual vertical line that makes your body look longer and covers regions of the body that appear to be bulkier than the rest. If you’d like to take it up a notch, consider trying out a pinstripe look instead. Pinstripe pants make for a very flattering formal workplace outfit and look the best in black, navy blue and even a dark slate gray. However, a word of caution, if you want to hide your curves and look more ‘angular’, vertical stripes aren’t the wisest ideas at the lines can turn into squiggles when they contour to your curves.

3. Color Blocking

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While color blocking might sound like the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve, it actually does work. Sure, super-bright shades are not exactly flattering and to be very frank they can be jarring to the eyes (here’s looking at you, Neon). Since color blocking is a combination of two opposite shades on the color wheel, you could go for one bright color and one super dark one. Something like navy blue or dark brown would go well with a red or light grey. A bright shade of red on a black or navy blue pinstripe pant would go extremely well.

4. Purple And Other Dark Shades

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As we’ve stated earlier, the darker you go, the more slimming the effect. However, not everyone is a fan of black or its sisters grey and white, so this part is meant for them. Throughout history purple has been known for being associated with royalty and used to be an extremely difficult shade to find naturally. A bright purple can also be added to an all-black look to give it a touch of color. But if you’re looking for a shade that slims you down, try mulberry, plum or even wine. Not only are these shades dark yet colorful, but they suit every skin tone too. If you’re someone who has a hard time finding the right colors to suit your skin tone, you can’t go wrong with darker shades of purple.

Tell us what you think of this list? Do you agree with the power of slimming colors? What suggestions would you give your friend if they asked you to suggest a flattering color? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below.

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