Most of us have gained weight during the pandemic, and finding something to wear that fits or even looks remotely appealing can be challenging now. As women, one of our priorities should be looking great in our clothes, and a lot of us just want to look thinner. So how does that happen? 

Do we have a magic wand? Do we edit the heck out of our online photos, or is there a better way? Well, let me tell you — THERE IS! Here are four strategies you can put in place to look thinner.

4. Dark Wash Jeans!

Sometimes you won’t be able to hit your goal weight immediately, BUT you can look slimmer right this moment. Jeans are definitely a staple piece that everyone should have. Instead of the lighter color, choose a darker wash jean. There are a wide variety of jean colors, if your goal is to look slimmer, then you will want to choose a denim shade in the darker end of the color range. This works because darker colors often have a slimming effect, while bright colors are used to bring attention to things — bright traffic cones compared to slim, sleek, black laptops.

3. Skinny Leg Pants!

Ill-fitting jeans can often visually add on some extra pounds in the midsection. As someone who works with women, I find that a good percentage of them don’t find their stomach area very flattering. They want to hide it. Wearing skinny leg pants can actually take away the attention from your stomach. Keep your size in mind, because you want pants that fit just right. Skinny jeans should hug at your hips, booty and thighs without squeezing too tight.

2. Long Jackets and Sweaters!

These help to elongate your frame. It can also help to upgrade your look. Even sweatpants look good with a nice long jacket! A tapered jacket can definitely help women look slimmer. For women that tend to carry weight in their stomach and waist, a longer blazer that indents at the waist can have a great slimming effect. You’d be surprised!

1. V-neck shirts

Last but not least, we have the one and only V-neck shirts! This is definitely something I’d recommend every man and woman to have in their closet. It actually gives an illusion of height and slims down a larger frame while creating an illusion of a slimmer neckline, especially for those who have a double chin. It draws the attention to your chest instead of your neck. 

There you have it: four wardrobe strategies you can put into place to look thinner — no magic wand needed.