Boudoir/Lingerie

Make your face look thinner

•  Tilting your face at a slight angle will make it look thinner.
•  If you have a large nose - lift your chin slightly.
•  If your neck is less than perfect, try craning your neck forward.
•  Experiment with looks other than the full on cheesy grin. Try a Mona Lisa-like hint of a smile, cheeky arched eyebrows look, or even a wink. It will add movement and personality to your face and make you appear less static.
•  Keep your chin tilted slightly up.
•  Swallowing makes your neck look longer and more graceful.
•  Look into the camera but don't stare.
•  Take your glasses off to avoid glare and reflections from the flash.
•  Putting your hair up and wearing long earrings will give the appearance of a longer neck.
•  And, if you've been caught at a 'I must really wash my hair' moment, pull it back and top it off with a pair of sunglasses resting on top of your head for that just-got-off-the beach look.

 

Make your body look slimmer

•  Face the camera side on to minimise your stomach (pulling in those muscles at the same time!).
•  One shoulder pointing forward will show off your figure to its best advantage.
•  If you are sitting cross your legs at your ankles. Your thighs and calves will look slimmer.
•  If (for some strange reason) you know your bum is going to be in the photo, tense and lift it for a few moments, but remember to keep your face looking natural at the same time!
•  If you know you are going to be photographed – fake a tan!
•  If at all possible, stand rather than sit.

 

For a planned photo

•  This gives you the opportunity to plan a little in advance.
•  Wearing dark colors, especially on areas you are less than happy with, can help slim and hide them.
•  Avoid anything too stark and dark next to your face (black, navy blues, browns, and dark greens for instance) as this will drag light away from your face, making you look washed out - and doing nothing to hide any less than perfect skin.
•  White highlights skin imperfections.
•  Yellow is rarely a flattering color.
•  Jewellery reflects the light and adds colour and interest.
•  Choose something bright and colourful (but not too patterned or busy) that will reflect light onto your face.
•  Don't experiment with new make-up or hair just before you know you're going to have your photo taken.
•  Make up should be light – tinted moisturiser is a great choice for glowing summer skin.

 

Flattering colors

•  It's a known fact that darker colours are more slimming and that brighter colors can draw the eye to the bits you like.
•  Wear monotone but dress it up with a colored scarf in different ways.
•  Make sure you wear a color that you like being in - ask yourself 'do I feel good in this color?' If you like red, it'll be a 'happy' color and you'll blossom.
•  When having your photo taken, be sure to avoid large patterns on outer garments (its okay on scarves and blouses); and never wear thin stripes on any garment at a photo-shoots.

 

Accessories

•  A colored scarf or stunning bold necklace will give your face the attention it deserves.
•  Make something of your delicate parts, as it's rare that the whole body is under scrutiny, unless you are a paparazzi celebrity.
•  If you have a slim face, emphasize it. Be experimental with hair and make-up. Most of the time we are sitting down, so people aren't looking at a long shot of you.
•  If you have lovely wrists and hands make something of them. At a dinner party when you are sitting down, it's what people will notice. Try lovely rings and nail varnish.

 

Don't waist time

•  Clothes that are tapered in at the waistline can accentuate the stomach. The mistake people make is belting things in.
•  Loose transparent clothes with something tight underneath give a flattering look that de-emphasises weight.
•  If you haven't got a waistline, don't try and pull it in to make one.
•  If you got a larger stomach, put the emphasis on the hip, by putting a sash there, like a blouson.

 

If you've got it, flaunt it

•  Show your best bits with confidence and make them stand out with pieces that fit well. Too tight is not good whatever your size. If you feel good you will look good. Try a loose jacket and experiment with pinning it in different ways - drape over the bust, or do it up lower.
•  Loose cuts that flow, with a jacket, are best - don't hold yourself in and concentrate on the bits that look great, like beautiful make-up and hair. With a jacket people won't know if you are sticking out or in.
•  With bigger legs, don't wear mini skirts. Wear trousers in either a shorter or longer length.

 

The fabric

This season, floating chiffon is in - make the most of it and wear loose kaftans that make you feel good.

BACK