Why: Too often we let our feelings about our bodies dictate what we show to the rest of the world. We want to take better care of ourselves, but don't want to do it until we've, well, taken better care of ourself. Feel and look your best in this very moment, no matter your size or shape, and the rest will fall into place.
Here's my no-fail tips to fake it til you make it:
1. Get a spray tan.
There are several tricks we figure competitors use to look our absolute best on stage. One of those is a deep dark tan, regardless of current skin tone. The color saturates the skin making muscle definition pop and creating the illusion of slimmer, sleeker lines.
Why not create a little "smoke and mirrors" in your every day life and treat yourself to a spray tan? Regardless if you use a home product or receive a custom spray, the results are effective and dramatic. You're guaranteed to streamline love handles and erase saddlebags within seconds.
2. Dress the part.
It seems counterintuitive to wear tighter clothes to look leaner, but bulky, drapey clothes serve zero purpose in creating a sleek silhouette. The days I wake up feeling my worst are the days that I work extra hard to look my best. Dress your way out of negative feelings you have about your body.
Start with a bootcut jean. My absolute fave is Bobbie Brooks denim found at Dollar General. I own 6 pairs, 3 left long for heels and 3 hemmed short for flats. I was originally turned on to the brand about a year ago from a local fashion stylist friend of mine.
They are UNIVERSALLY flattering (sizes 6-22), a mid-rise, true to size, a solid wash, and retail for about $10.
Next, throw on a v neck or scoop neck tee. Pick one that grazes your form without being too tight or too baggy. Make sure the shoulder seams hit at your shoulders.
For underpinnings, you've got a myriad of options to eliminate back and tummy bulges. Try a vanishing back bra from Soma Intimates paired with a nude cami made with a spandex blend for a flawless start.
Finally, throw on a nude heel. The nude color will create the illusion of legs for days, especially when paired with shorts or a full skirt. And heels are always great for keeping good posture and creating a flattering back side. Any height will work. I prefer wedges for the daytime and office and heels for evenings and church.
3. Practice Your Pose
Good posture is your absolute best ally in instantly looking fitter, trimmer, and more confident. Practice your pose any time of day to ensure you look your absolute best; stand up straight, one foot in front of the other with hips slightly turned, and extra credit for one or both hands on your hips.
Okay so the hand on the hip pose may be a bit much for your next water cooler break, but standing tall is always a good habit. You can work your red carpet pose the next time your in front of a camera or if you happen to actually be on a red carpet.
4. Stay Hydrated
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you know that drinking water offers countless health benefits. In terms of appearance, water procures clear, glowing skin and actually staves off bloat.
The more water you drink, the more hydrated you are which means your bod will have it's most slender appearance.
5. Affirm yourself
Nothing looks fitter than self confidence. Begin each day by focusing on your greatest assets and maximize those. It's always beneficial to work on changing and bettering yourself, but rather than lamenting your thunder thighs, focus on your strong, defined shoulders or a great new haircut instead.
Focus on being overweight, out of shape, or unhappy, and you reduce yourself to nothing more than overweight, out of shape, or unhappy. Keep a positive focus and the door to opportunities and "yes's" goes flying wide open. Envision your best self with the things you want in life, and before you know it, they are yours for the taking.
