Clothing is costume. We want to wear clothes that accentuate our best features and minimize our flaws.

It is all about optical illusion. The first step in this visual deception is to know our body type. Although much has been written about our various body shapes, and they have been given many names, the easiest classification for women is the one that compares us to apples and pears, hourglasses, and boys. And within these categories are many variations. Then, because there are petite and tall women out there too, you can understand why there are so many choices available at the store.

We are going to make optically illusion fashion suggestions in a series of articles. In this article we want to talk about the choices that work for the apple figured woman who carries her weight around her waist. Our list is not exhaustive but is meant as a guideline. Every woman has a unique figure. The take away is to emphasize the slimmer areas of your body and move the eye away from your waistline.

CHOOSE MONOCHROMATIC CLOTHING: Solid dark colors make you look smaller.

CHOOSE V-NECKS: V necks are slimming because they force the eye up and away from the chest. Exposing too much cleavage brings the eye down towards the center of the body, the area the apple-shaped woman wants to hide.

CHOOSE CHUNKY JEWELRY: High neck statements focus the eye away from your mid-section.

CHOOSE NARROW PANTS AND SKIRTS: You will look taller and thinner if you keep the proportions of your clothing correct for your body type. To add verticality, hem your pants and skirts as long as fashionably possible to accentuate your leg length. To keep the tummy flat, purchase bottoms that have side zippers.

CHOOSE VERTICAL LINES: Closely spaced vertical lines lengthen the torso. Keep this in mind when choosing accessories. Don’t ruin your vertical line or monochromatic outfit with a chunky rectangular bag in a contrast color.

CHOOSE A-LINE TOPS: If you do not have a waist, the best way to disguise it is with A-line shapes that are tighter at the bust and flare away from the body at the waistline.

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