Holidays can be stressful. Between family obligations, perfecting presents and trying to make it to way too many holiday parties (all while indulging in a few of your favorite festive treats), looking and feeling our best can often prove difficult. Here are six foolproof ways to look slimmer in your holiday evening wear — while still enjoying the party!
1. Put on a party-ready peplum.
Peplum is a go-to cut and shape to know for the holidays, especially if your weakness is dessert (we know ours is!). Pair a peplum top with your favorite wool trouser for a sophisticated look for the holiday work party, or pair it with a long skirt for your evening soiree. When choosing a holiday-friendly peplum, look for added details such as a lace, leather or sequins for evening. Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Lace Peplum Top, $290, Saks Fifth Avenue
2. Cover arms with cashmere or fur.
Don’t discount your outfit’s outerwear; it’s the perfect finishing touch. Avoid the expected last-minute cardigan for arm coverage. Instead, opt for a beautiful cashmere wrap or a faux fur stole. Sue Wong Faux Fur Stole, $205, Saks Fifth Avenue
Shop For Good Bonus: Ellery Fur Scarf, $225, J.McLaughlin
3. Think outside the (black) box for monochromatic looks.
Look slimmer with a head-to-toe monochromatic look for evening. While black is likely in your closet and holiday go-to, be more daring this holiday season and wear deep hues, like a navy or merlot. Both are evening friendly, chic and will slim your figure in seconds, just like black does. Halston Heritage Embellished Sleeve Crepe Jumpsuit, $525, Bloomingdales
4. Minimize your waist with a beautiful belt.
Easily slenderize and create the look of a tiny middle with a belt at your natural waistline (the smallest part of your waist). Be mindful of proportions here — a thick belt is best for fuller figures, and a skinnier belt for less curvy women. Belts are effortless and are as effective as jewelry to elevate monochromatic outfits. Centered Shine Belt, $50, Anthropologie
5. Frame your face with something sparkly.
When you’re in a hurry this holiday season, trying to make an appearance at every party, slip on a gorgeous pair of drop earrings. The length of the earring not only brings attention upward, but also elongates your face, making you look slimmer in seconds. Alexis Bittar Miss Havisham Jagged Marquis Cluster Teardrop Earrings, $195, Bloomingdales
6. Use shapewear to give outfits a flawless foundation.
Shapewear like Spanx not only slims and tightens your figure, but more importantly, these wardrobe workhorses also erase wrinkles and make your evening outfit look flawless. SPANX® Slip – Shape My Day® Open Bust Full, $84, Bloomingdales
Hanna L. Ashbaugh, owner of Hanna Lee Style, is a fashion stylist helping women look put-together with functional fashion, go-to outfits and flawless, figure-flattering cuts and shapes. She loves all things gold, wide-leg pants and chunky heels. Inspired by her grandma’s iconic fashion sense and her mom’s interior genius, she’s inherited the love of all things pretty in home and wardrobe.
