Illusive beauty
Want to appear trim and smart? Learn the tricks of blending your makeup and clothes creatively to perk up your personality
By Gul Nasreen
Not all of us are blessed with perfect figures but here’s the catch - with the right kind of clothes and makeup one can surely end up looking trimmer and smarter.
You! talked to two beauticians and a designer in a bid to find out what type of clothes and makeup flatters a thickset figure.
Well-known beautician Roohana Iqbal of Bhabi’s said, “Generally fat women should wear dark colours such as black, navy or brown. In prints they should opt for vertical stripes, lines and shades that suit them. A square or V-neck shirt makes your torso appear longer and gives a slimmer look. If you are chubby and want a party dress with embroidery, then you should opt for vertical patterns.”
Talking about makeup she admitted that real beauty is not a formula. “It’s open to interpretation. Makeup should not be prescribed - only you can decide what looks right. Every woman arrives at her own look in her own way through trial and error. It’s a never-ending and exciting experiment. And the same applies to over weight women.”
Further on beauty tips, Ghazala at Brush & Brow , Karachi said, “You don’t need to completely cover your body if you have extra weight. If you have some nice features then simply learn to accentuate them and accessorise accordingly. Use accessories to draw attention to your face - scarves, earrings, etc. and avoid anything too tight or clingy. Make sure you scale your accessories - from your handbag to your earrings, to your size. Choose clean-lined clothing without big embellishment.”
According to Monia Farooqui, an innovative designer at Jazib’s, Park Towers, Karachi, "A small weight gain makes our clothes feel tighter so it’s not a bad idea to always have some ‘fat’ clothes (slightly loose clothes) handy and available for those special occasions.
“Choose clothes in one colour to give yourself a long, lean look. Wear black. It sure gives a slimmer look,” she shared.
“Try to avoid shapeless attires because they end up making you appear wider or heavier. At the same time avoid tight dresses that emphasise your heavy areas. Fat women should choose softly tailored pieces that define their body structure. While choosing prints, they should opt for vertical lines and blocks of colours that draw the eye away from less-than-perfect areas. If you are fat stand up straight - good posture always enhances your looks.” Monia further added, “Choose fabrics that don’t cling, avoid stiff or bulky textures. In general, look for prints that have overlapping images. Don’t shy away from sleeveless garments, especially eveningwear that you can cover up with a shawl or dupatta.”
“Body-conscious apparels that hint at your curves, without being clingy or tight, are the most flattering,” she concluded.
Tips to dress slimmer:
l Choose darker solid colours such as black, navy blue and grey. Black rules!
l Dress monochromatic, all in one colour, top to bottom, no patterns.
l If you want to wear patterns, go for smaller ones that overlap.
l Avoid horizontal stripes. Look for thin vertical and diagonal lines for a fluid look.
l Select accessories to draw attention from ‘trouble’ spots.
l Before buying always try on clothes. Different designers have different size charts.
l Avoid pleats. Flat front pants and skirts are instant slimmers.
l Low-rise pants that hit just below your navel will lengthen your torso.
l For longer looking legs, kameez should fall right above the knee.
l Forego the frills. Extra ruffles and material only add bulk.
l If you have a large bust, invest in a good support bra.
l Avoid shiny fabrics such as velour and satin.
l High heels add height and shapes to your legs. That’s why you always see runway models in heels.
l If you prefer wearing a sleeveless dress, cover your upper arms with a sheer, elegant shawl.
l Choose open collar shirts and scoop necklines.
l Avoid small handbags. Stick with a medium-sized bag in proportion to your body.
l A dress with matching coat can hide bulges.
l Match your shoes to your cloths to make your legs appear longer.
Makeup tips and tricks for chubby women:
-
Black/Brown mascara and eyeliner flatter most faces. -
Apply lower tones to eyes, nose and chin areas with base powder and darker tones to cheeks and the outer lines of face, it will give a slimmer look. -
Try bronzing powder underneath your cheeks and jawbone to make your face appear slimmer. -
To make your nose appear smaller, apply bronzing powder carefully down the sides. -
Tips provided by Roohana Iqbal
