Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this post about How to Create a waist, including my top ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
I bought this dress at the end of the Summer sales and, of course, didn’t bother to try it on! I mean, it would obviously fit – right? Well, it did fit, but that didn’t stop me looking like a sack of potatoes!
What I had completely forgotten to take into account was the fact that this style does not flatter my body shape at all! So, no problem, I thought, I’ll just take it back – but had completely forgotten that the return period for sales items is shorter. So, determined to make the best of a bad situation, I decided to ‘belt up’ and add one of my favourite belts!
Read on for a photo of me looking like a sack of potatoes (not something I’m keen to share but I had to make the point) and some ideas for how to create/ fake a waist.
Belt up! (or How to create a waist)
So, hopefully, you can see a difference between the two photos! On the left, although I really like the background, I look like a sack of potatoes and on the right, hopefully, marginally better and there is an illusion of a waist.
Anyway, I decided that this was good enough to go, so there are a lot more pictures of me in Bruges (suitably belted up), and at the end there are my top ten ideas/ tips for how to create a waist.
Ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure
A belt is the obvious solution to create the illusion of a waist, as it emphasises your hour-glass curves! Some stylists insist that wearing a wide belt can actually draw attention to the area you are trying to minimise, and while I agree with the theory, I find that wide belts work for me in practice and are my simple solution to the ‘fake a waist’ problem!
But there are a number of other tricks you can try, and here are my top ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure :
1 Wear high-waisted trousers, jeans or pencil skirts. A waistband that sits above the hips will not only accentuate your waist, but also make your legs look longer, and if you really want to elongate your appearance, wear heels to give the impression of legs for days!
2 Wear a wrap dress. This style is super flattering on most body shapes as the cross-over front creates the illusion of a beautifully defined waist. The wrap dress was first created by Diane von Furstenberg in 1973, who famously claimed, “I never had a waist and certainly don’t have one now.” One featuring a fun pattern will also take attention away from the areas you’re looking to conceal, but be wary of a too bold pattern as it will be easily identifiable as having been worn before! Also, be careful to pick a good quality fabric (and make sure that it is the right size) as anything thin and flimsy will reveal unwanted lumps and bumps!
3 Wear a fitted jacket that nips in at the waist. A structured jacket will draw attention to your narrowest point and elongate your silhouette, as well as making your outfit stand out! One of my favourite looks is a structured blazer with jeans.
4 Wear a peplum top – as this top is designed to flare out from the waist, it will make your middle (ie. waist) appear smaller. Similarly, an A-line skirt and a ‘fit and flare’ dress will have the same effect.
5 Look out for tops and dresses that have twists and ruches on the waistline ( but not on the stomach area!). Ruching creates an illusion of a more curvy figure whilst also hiding lumps and bumps under the draping of the material.
6 Clever color panelling – look for dresses with darker side panels which will give the impression of a beautifully slim waist. Some dresses have a darker band down the sides, sometimes just at the waist area and this is perfect for creating an optical illusion for a smaller waistline as the contrasting darker colours down the side of the dress will give the illusion of a slim, hourglass figure.
7 Use stripes wisely – wearing vertical stripes around your mid-section can create the illusion of a slimmer waist, although horizontal stripes should be avoided in this area. You can also wear draping scarves and shawls to create the same illusion.
8 Try off-the shoulder tops. This trend could be your new best friend for creating the illusion of a slimmer waist. As it draws a horizontal line across your chest and arms it gives the impression that this area is significantly wider and therefore makes your waist look smaller by comparison and when worn with a flared or A-line skirt, it creates a perfectly balanced hourglass shape.
9 Wear a lower neckline, especially a deep V neckline, which will make your upper body appear longer and draw attention towards your face.
10 If all else fails, then use jewellery to draw attention elsewhere! For example, wear a statement necklace or earrings to draw attention to your upper body.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about How to Create a waist, and have a look here for more of our style features.
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With love,
You look so good in this outfit….best outfits for you….nice collection…
Thank you
You look really good in this dress, i love adding belts to my clothes. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you for reading! xoxo
I love the idea behind this post. It is definitely a great way to add some extra shape to your bod!
Thank you so much Kristine 🙂
You look great! Love the belt.
Obsessed Fashion Blog
Thank you so much Eugenia xo
How clever and fabulous is that!
A belt, can indeed work wonders, I use them often, too.
Great post and gorgeous shoes and floral dress!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Thank you so much Elle! xx
My waistline and I have a love/hate relationship, mostly hate, I confess, and I don’t own a single belt. It just feels so restrictive, you know, although I’d be the last one to deny the positive impact of creating a waistline 🙂 I think for now, though, I’ll stick with admiring how lovely other women look with their belted numbers, like you, Julia.
On the blog today, I’m tackling something literally “borrowed from the boys”, i.e., an item of clothing I took from my husband’s wardrobe. Come on over and see how I (and four other women of all ages) styled pieces we, ahem, borrowed from the men in our lives.
Thank you Sheela! Will definitely check this post out 🙂
Such a lovely, feminine look! 🙂
xx
Thank you Marta! 🙂
looking gorgeous all pics are great
http://thestyleride.com/
Thank you so much Mahi xx
Lovely dress and great tips!
Thank you Priscilla xx
You look gorgeous in this dress dear!
Xx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
Thank you so much Floortje xx
You are so pretty <3
Aw, thank you so much x
eep thank you for the tips on how to ‘belt up’. 🙂 I tend to always buy belts and then seldom use them. I think cause I never have anything to pair them with.
Guess it’s time to go shopping. 😀
Thanks Louann! I have a cupboard full of belts, but always wear the same ones! 🙂
Lovely post, these pictures are so beautiful, I really do like using a belt to create a waist 🙂
Rosy
Thank you Rosy 🙂
I am all for waist belts! Great post!
Thank you Dora xx
i use this technique too julia and its very flattering! those are great tips to use as well and i so love this ditsy print dress on u!
http://www.thestyletune.com
Thank you Chichi xx
Pretty surroundings for pictures
Lovely outfits
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you Zorica xx
Belting up is one of my favourites, it’s such an easy and fun way to style an outfit. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
tipscapsule.blogspot.com
Thank you Trishna! I agree it’s such an easy way to add detail 🙂
Nice post!
Thank you!
I totally use this trick as well! I wear a belt around my waist to cinch my waist to give the illusion of a more feminine silhouette. You’re looking lovely here in the dress.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Thank you so much Atsuna xx
Belts are so great for creating shape!! I also love peplum! 🙂
Thank you Joti! 🙂
This outfit is so cute! The belt looks like it goes with the dress so well! xx
Thank you Erica xx
This is such a great advice Julia and the difference of wearing the belt and not are so big! Great job on choosing the ensembles of your outfit. I super love the touch of blue
Thank you so much Darlene xoxo
gorgeous dress!
Thank you Melisa x
I adore this outfit on you Julia! you look so beautiful. The belt add so much to the dress and the whole outfit I find it perfect.
Xx, Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Thank you so much Gina xx
Your dress is so pretty and it looks great belted! These are great tricks on creating the illusion of a waist!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thank you so much Jill xoxo
Great way to style the belt!! love it!!
xo SABRINA
Thank you Sabrina xo
i love belts, this is such a great look, hope you have a lovely day xx
Thank you so much Jasna xx
Love a good belted look like this, lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley xoxo
Great article. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! I found these tips helpful because there has definitely been times where I loved a certain dress but it was too drapy and long and made me look like I didn’t have a waist.
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Thank you Mariann! I’m glad you found the tips helpful!
These are some great tips as I am not someone who has a naturally tiny waist. I love high waisted anything 🙂 xx
Thank you! Me too! 🙂
A waist belt can really do much for the waistline visually, creating a flattering effect! You look so beautiful in your outfits with your belt, which is beautiful by the way! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have the best week ahead, beauty!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you so much Jalisa xo
You are lucky that you have such a great weather. You look great how you accessorised the dress.
xoxo
Thank you so much xoxo
Loving all these tips to create that coveted waist. I love belting everything- dresses, jackets, ponchos – you name it I’ll belt it lol. Loving how you belted your floral dress! So chic!
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thank you Rina! I love belting too! xoxo
Such a cute look. Love the pops of blue.
xoxo, Rachel
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Thank you Rachel xoxo
Stunning photos! I love how you styled this look!
Bella x
Thank you Bella x
Loving this dress with those heels 🙂
xx
Thank you so much Joel 🙂
These are awesome tips, need to try the colour panelling tip.
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Thank you Carina xo
Thank you, nice read.
Thank you x
You look amazing dear!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much Eleine xx
Love how you accentuated your waist with a belt! Great dress too!
Happy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you so much Vanessa xoxo
Thanks for the tips pretty! You look fab! I love your outfit.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
Thank you so much Tessy 🙂
I think this dress looks amazing on you! Good idea with the belt. It’s such a pretty print.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you so much xx
Love the idea!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
Thank you Monica xx
Lovely post! xx
moorizZLA
Thank you xx
I love the way you styled your floral dress and this high waist belt. You look so lovely and chic and, please, not a sack of potatoes… 🙂
xoxo
http://www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
Thank you Elena xx
Love this style tip! And I love your shoes too! 🙂
Angelie
Thank you so much Angelie 🙂
How absolutely pretty! Love the dress! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you so much Cielo 🙂
This belt is so pretty with this dress and I love the blues you’ve added with the scalloped edge jacket, shoes, etc. Beautiful view in those photos, too!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you so much Carrie! Bruges is such a pretty place xx
The belt totally made a difference. That dress is stunning by the way and so are your pictures. You look radiant.
http://fashionablyidu.com/
Thank you so much xx
Such great tips! Love it 🙂
Xx
Molly
Thank you Molly xx
I love cinching loose shirts and dresses with belts to accentuate my small waist! Love how you styled your belt and you look fab babe xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Thank you Sharon!
Oh very cute style
Lovely coordinate.
Thank you 🙂
I am loving this outfit Julia, you look so gorgeous. I also like to wear a belt to accentuate the waist. I am so obsessed with those blue heels!
Camila,
My Vogue Style
Thank you so much Camila!
i love this post! i hope you’re having an amazing day 🙂
mfashionfreak♥blog
Thank you Milhaela 🙂
Lovely outfit, I love the belt, it makes the dress even better.
xoxo from Paris
Thank you Mathilde! I couldn’t be without a belt xx
I love how you belted this dress! Love the floral print!
Thank you so much Violette xx
I love wearing belts so much! They’re so great for definition, lower necklines also work wonders! xx
eleanorclaudie.com
Thank you so much for reading. I agree lower necklines are a great idea too! xx
Very nice tips my dear! You look gorgeous in this dress and for sure looks better with a belt 🙂
Thank you so much Alice 🙂
Such a classy outfit. Loving the pops of blue and those shoes are gorgeous!
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Thank you so much Ann-Marie xoxo
I love how you first of all look stunning in this dress despite it being a fail purchase from the start, but that just goes to show that with some creativity (and skills) you can change things to the better. I also love the “before” pic as we all know how beautiful you are, but that dress totally wasn’t you UNTIL you belted up and now you can wear it with pride! 🙂
Great job sweetie!
xoxo
Thomas
Thanks so much Thomas! xoxo
Great tips! I love adding a belt to a dress to add definition to my waist. My waist is the smallest part of me, so it’s something I want to highlight! You did a great job of that by accessorizing with a fun belt! I love that dress with the blue sweater 🙂
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Thank you so much Stephanie xx
Wow! You look beautiful <3 lovely dress 🙂
http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much 🙂
It’s great you didn’t take it back. It’s lovely with the belt on. Nice tips too.
Thank you Sophie! In the end, I was glad I didn’t take it back too xx
Love the belting trick! It makes everything look so much chicer. Have a lovely weekend! <3
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Thank you so much Andreea xoxo
You’re looking so pretty in this floral print dear.
xoxo
http://atsunamatsui.com
Thank you Atsuna xx
Dear Julia, I love your blog and this post 🙂 You look absolutely gorgeous in this dress and how you paired it is perfect, thank you for sharing these loving pictures!
xoxo, Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com
Thank you so much Hadasah xx
So pretty look!
Have a nice evening!
Photographer Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/
Thank you Gil xo
I think you are right on when it comes to adding a belt for a more flattering fit. Love these photos and this gorgeous dress you are wearing!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much Kathrine! I would be lost without my belt collection 🙂
Great advices ! And I like how flowery the dress is. 🙂
I often have the same problem : buying thing without trying them.
Kenza
Thank you Kenza! It always seems a good idea at the time 🙂
Looking good as always.
Thank you so much xx
You look so fab with a waist-cincing belt!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Thank you so much Siffat xoxo
The pictures are wonderful, beautiful outfit! I love to wear wrap dresses!
Thank you so much Darina xx
Such a great post, with many advise and tip how to create a waist. I’m really glad to see you more better with the waist ;)) …no more potato sacks, lol!
Xx Eva ?
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Thank you so much Eva xx