Body Toning Targets for Fall-Wardrobe Staples

As summer begins to cool down and fall approaches, most women are thanking God that bikini season is finally ending. No more pressure to be tan, thin, and perfect for those body-baring styles that flood every department store's aisles during warmer weather months. Well, don't start stocking up on chocolate and potato chips just yet. A common misconception is that the colder months allow for strategic bundling and hiding, but the truth is that fall and winter offer their own set of fashion ailments for those of us who lack perfect bodies (in other words, 99.9% of us). While the following article is not an exercise manual, it will open your eyes to just how those flaws you thought you were hiding have a sneaky way of reappearing through fall wardrobe staples. Target the body parts listed in your exercise program for the next few weeks if you think you might be a victim of one of the following fall fashion faux pas.

Have a hankering for a new turtleneck or two? You had better take a look at those love handles first. While turtlenecks are becoming a must-have for fall fashion, especially when paired with dark jeans or a leftover summer dress that just couldn't be retired until spring, they give the wearer a false sense of coverage. That high neckline and the lack of attention of any particular area of the torso causes the eye to wander to those bulging love handles sticking out of the sides with nowhere to go. Not only that, but any below-the-bellybutton bulge attracts attention, too. Your body toning targets for this fall piece are the sides and lower tummy.

Thinking those thick, knit tights and boots will camouflage any leg problems you may have this fall? Well, you might be better off when it comes to anything above the knees, but the lower legs are prime targets for these cold weather fashion regulars. Tights and ankle or mid-calf boots highlight swelling and thickness in the lower legs. Also, what most women neglect to notice is how they can highlight legs that are too skinny! We all run the risk of either looking too thick, or like twigs with feet. No one is immune, so take care of toning those calves and ankles, as well as trimming down any excess "baggage" in those areas if necessary through a regular weight loss plan, before sliding on your fall boots and tights.

Just as you were starting to think your arms were safe as you packed away those tanks tops and spaghetti string numbers, you might want to reassess just how well you're covering that arm bulge when fall comes. With moderate weather comes three quarter length shirts, meaning that your arm is visually cut off at the forearm. Any excess bulge is covered, yes, but the eye of the viewer is automatically drawn to the imperfections of the upper arm when three quarter length styles are worn. Luckily, this is one of the easiest visual flaws to fix. Your body toning target for three quarter length fall wardrobe add-ons is the lower "hang off" section of your upper arms.

Finally, take a look at that tummy before trying on any high-waist styles this fall. Everything from dresses, to pants, to shirts now have elastic bands or seams just under the bra line or right above the belly button. While this is actually a slimming look that is great for just about anyone, there is also the danger of creating an imaginary but very apparent "middle bulge" with high-waist styles. The pressure between the bra and the higher seam of the outer apparel creates a bulge in a very unnatural and unflattering manner if the stomach is a bit too flabby. Note that stomach perfection is not necessary as this is a fairly forgiving style, but tightening is a must. Your body toning target for fall's high-waist styles is the upper stomach.

Take a look at fashion magazines that were printed over the past few years, and you'll notice that the aforementioned styles aren't going anywhere any time soon. They are simply too flattering for too many women. However, bundling isn't always better. Just because these styles add grace and coverage doesn't mean we don't all know what you have lurking just beneath. Take a little time to work on your fall body toning targets before stocking up on that new wardrobe this year.