It's that time of year when everyone starts wearing a little less, showing more skin and flaunting their beach-ready bodies...right? Beach-ready? Ha! With our busy lives it's hard to be 100% ready to go and if you are battling some residual body issues, especially in your mid-section, then this post is for you. We all want to have flat tummies but sometimes it's hard or even beyond our control. So I've picked out some good choices of tops and dresses that can accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, without eliminating style.
It's all about the cut...
I've talked before about the revival of hour-glass figures this year and how tent-like silhouettes are out. If you have some old babydolls hanging in your close, revive them with a strategically placed belt, like I talked about here. If you're ready for some new pieces, keep reading...
Tunics
Tunics are a great way to look pulled together and fashionable yet conceal any tummy issues.
Tory Burch is known for reviving the popularity of tunic and the
tunic on the left shows why: The bright detailed pattern is refreshing and the three-quarter sleeve and length of the tunic really adds comfort to this style. The
middle tunic from Forever 21 is more suited for an evening out, but it really captures the
painterly details that are so hot this season.
Gap's new tropical print tunic is perfect for airy, summery fun and it's loose, relaxed fit gives it a carefree vibe. Tunics are great and are perfect paired with leggings, fitted jeans or, depending on the length and style, with a cute pair of shorts. The thing to remember with tunics is that you choose one that is tailored to a woman's shape. Fo example, the Tory Burch one is definitely loose but it nips in at the waist - it isn't straight and without shape. The 21 tunic is fitted at the top and the Gap one is shorter so it creates a blousey, yet fitted look. It's all about the cut.
Tanks
The right tank top can also do wonders for your self-esteem.
I love this Madras print tank I found on
JCrew.com. It is very bohemian, laid-back cool but the colors make it really fresh. And the best part is that the straps criss-cross in the back and there is a hidden elastic so that you can adjust the top to fit just right along your bust. Pair it with a fresh white jean and you are summer ready. Another great style that
Shopgirl wrote about yesterday is this tank from
C&C California. I'm already a huge fan of their
sweaters and this empire-waisted top is making me love them more. The cut is sexy, yet concealing and the faded black tie-dye is subtley cool. If you can find a few tanks that are loose yet fitted at the bust, you can feel confident all summer long.
Dresses
There is nothing I like more than a good dress that you can dress up or dress down. And if it's a dress that frees my tummy-zone, sign me up!
Here are some very affordable choices. The first is
Forever 21 and again, it is all about being fitted up top and flowy on the bottom. You could pair this with a shrunken blazer for work or even a cardigan to keep the girly feel, and then at night throw on some strappy heels and work the room. The two other dresses are at Target and they are great forgiving cuts. The polka dot one I would do away with the giant bow sash in the front - tie it around back for a more chic look. And
the purple one I actually have in lime green (called
Kermit, on the site) and it is the perfect dress up or down style. I wore it to a Broadway show, with nice heels and long necklace and I plan on wearing it with some flat sandals for my sister's graduation (which is in Florida, in the morning, hence the casual). With these type of sheath dresses, it's important that you tie the sash around your true waist - where if you lean to the side, your body indents - because that way you create the hourglass silhouette and the fabric will blouse over your mid-section, concealing any bumps you might have.
Remember: It's all about the cut
Hope these examples helped! The cut is what makes the difference in looser styles: empire waist, sashes and ties, and tailored waists are imperative to looking put together, not frumpy. It's a must to have a few of these styles in your wardrobe at all times, no matter your body type. You never know when you're going to want just a little forgiveness worked into your clothing. The important thing is to not let others realize you're concealing anything - you just want them to think you are effortlessly put together. Confidence in a wardrobe is what really makes you a fashion maven. So rock it out!
