Flattering fashion for the flabby

Getting slim seems to be the fashionable way. But if going to the gym or extensive dieting are not very attractive to you, maybe "optical illusion" can help. Here are tips to lose five pounds instantly:

Colors and lines

Dark colors that refract light can make plus size individuals look a little slimmer. Do away with the cliché black and put some punk in your get up with charcoal or navy. Wearing monochromatic clothes from shoulders to feet elongates the body, making you appear taller and, in turn, making you look slimmer. Vertical lines can also achieve this illusion, horizontal lines on the other hand can make you look wider.

Cut and Fabric

Identifying cuts that will suit a person, particularly a flabby one, needs a professional diagnosis. V-necklines can lengthen the neck or torso. It is a safe enough bet. Avoid things with gathers - tucks, puckers etc. As for pants, those that flare at the bottom are advisable, since they give balance to the wide hips.

Length is another thing to consider. There is just what we call the right length - a Capri that is too short can make the legs look shorter, while a mini skirt can make the legs look longer. Heavy or stiff types of fabric usually accentuate the bumps and flaws of the body. Choose flowing or lightweight fabric that will skim on the skin. Lining on dresses can also help. For pants, however, choose the heavy type of fabric so that they won't cling to the legs, highlighting the negatives.

Size

Hiding under a bulky jacket can make you appear larger, while cramming yourself in a smaller size will only show the flaws you'd rather hide.

Most common mistake of heavy persons is getting tied up on the numbers of size tags. Different brands have different standards. The key is trying on a variety of sizes and finding the right size for you - basic fashion tip: don't ever buy something you can't fit before purchase.

Accessories

The size, color and texture of your bag, jewelry and footwear should compliment your whole get up. A large bag will make you look bulky but a tiny bag can highlight just how big you are. Keep jewelry to a minimum as much as possible. Shoes that offer leg-lengthening illusion are ideal for plus-size individuals. Even back pockets of pants can do tricks with your butt - tiny pockets make bottoms look huge. Pocket size should be relative to the size of a pants' seat and ideally should be situated lower.

Flaunt your Assets

If you have a pretty face, for example, and you want it to have all the attention rather than your plus-size vital statistics, you may wear funky earrings.

It has always been said that looking good starts from within. Believing in your capacity to look good is a start. Practice good posture at all times. Notice that regal people don't put their chins down. Bear in mind that every one of us has something to be proud of.