How to Look Slim in Winter Layers

Lisa Riggs
Winter is the season for tons of layers. Frigid temperatures, snow, ice and freezing rain make being outside extremely uncomfortable without adding layers and layers of clothing. Unfortunately, all those layers also pack on visual pounds. They accentuate ones that are already there and give the illusion of several more. Here are some tips and suggestions on how you can protect yourself from the season's elements while still looking slim and trim.

Start with The Right Undergarments. Undergarments that are designed to visually shave off pounds are a great tool in the winter. A body shaping top or bottom piece can do wonders to keep you looking slim beneath all those articles of clothing. You can splurge on the more pricey ones that cover more area, or invest in just a few pieces that contain a panel of spandex to minimize problem zones.

Choose a Slimming Sweater. Sweaters are a great winter staple. and are perfect for layering. The trick to still looking slim in a winter sweater is to choose the right cut. Skip the bulky ones that have no clear line between the shoulders and waist. Look for well fitting pieces that fit well from top to bottom and hug the waist instead of just skimming it. Add a stylish belt to it for a little more definition. A well chosen sweater will still make you look very slim even if you add a button down shirt or tee beneath it.

Add a Tailored Blazer. A nicely cut jacket can keep you warm without adding bulk. Be sure there is enough room within the fabric to wear your favorite sweaters underneath it. A long sleeve cotton tee shirt can be paired with it on days that the mercury doesn't dip quite so low. A tailored blazer looks great with dress pants for work or with jeans on the weekends. Wrap a patterned scarf around your neck to add warmth and coziness.

Wear Leggings Under Pants. Leggings can be worn under wide legged pants or roomy jeans without adding any extra heft. The right pair can actually make you appear a bit trimmer as they pull in your stomach and waist. Pair the leggings and the pants wisely, being sure that the waist of the leggings is adequately concealed under the outer layer. You will surely stay very warm in this clothing combination while also looking your best.

Opt for a Slimming Vest Over a Coat. Big puffy coats definitely keep you warm during the winter, but they also can be very unflattering. A better alternative is to layer with a waterproof vest filled with down over a denim jacket. These two pieces of outerwear can be worn over a pretty long sleeve shirt or thin sweater for a great look that also keeps you feeling toasty on the most chilly of days.

Published by Lisa Riggs

Happily married mom of two wonderful girls.  View profile

7 Comments

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  • Victoria Cunningham1/11/2011

    Thanks for the info, need all the help I can get.

  • Jody Morse1/11/2011

    Good suggestions! You're right - puffy coats are really unflattering, so I went with a fleece coat this year.

  • Kristie Leong M.D.1/9/2011

    Great fashion tips. :-)

  • C. Jeanne Heida1/9/2011

    Nice!

  • Kay Whittenhauer1/9/2011

    I really need to take this advice because I bundle up like a roly-poly snowman!

  • Amy Brantley1/9/2011

    These are wonderful tips!

  • Rae Lynne Morvay1/9/2011

    Great tips.

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