How to look better in your clothes: Four TV styling tricks

I’m a firm believer that when we look good, we feel good. A strong sense of personal style, a perfectly tailored dress or suit, even a killer pair of heels can empower us with confidence. We feel bold and assertive, ready to take on the world. But you don’t need to spend a lot—or anything for that matter—to capture those feelings. You just need a firm understanding of how clothing works on the body. I got a crash course in this during my time in TV news (image is part of the job), so allow me to share a bit of what I learned.

Look better in your clothes (without spending a lot)

Perfect your posture

My first tip doesn’t cost a cent. Posture matters! Have you ever seen a professional dancer walk? They carry themselves with such grace and elegance, they look stunning in whatever they are wearing. I might be 4’11 and change, but I walk tall. In fact, my hubby has said I look intimidating at times. (I think he means that in a good way?) To begin your path to posture perfection, give these techniques a whirl:

• Imagine a string attached to the top of your head, pulling and lifting you up. You want your chin tilted almost imperceptibly upward (We want to project confidence, not arrogance).
• Continue this “lift” through your core, tucking your belly in and allowing your rib cage/chest to rise.
• Now it’s time to get our shoulders in the proper position. Relax, then roll your shoulders inward, forward and all the way around toward your back in a circular motion. You should feel a good stretch as they settle. Remind yourself to keep your shoulders down and back throughout the day.

 Peplum Detail Work Dress | Similar Style  

Focus on fit

Don’t get hung up on sizing; a great fit is not about the number. Furthermore, we can’t really trust the number any more. Sizes vary wildly from store to store, and if you shop online, you’ll find even more discrepancies. I wear 4 different sizes! It all depends on the retailer. You want your clothing to elegantly skim, not to cling to your body.

• When you are making a purchase bring 2 sizes of the same garment in the fitting room with you.
• Try on both, then analyze your reflection critically. Just because you can squeeze into the smaller size, doesn’t mean you should. Likewise, overly baggy clothing is also a no-no. It can make you look sloppy, like you have something to hide.
• Consider tailoring to get the perfect fit.

Small adjustments to a garment (including pieces you already own) can turn a zero to a hero! Since I’m quite short, I usually take up the hem and sleeve cuffs on most of my clothing. But remember, you can also nip in a waistline or narrow a sleeve. That’s why Hollywood stars look so great in their clothing! It’s made for their bodies. If you’re curious what tailoring will do to your outfit, use clothespins or take a few straight pins to make a quick adjustment. Peek in the mirror and consider… Hmm, does this improve your look? Tailoring takes time and/or money, but I have never regretted it.

Find the right undergarments

No matter how fit or toned you are, shapewear is your friend. In fact, it’s a must for today’s thin, stretchy, and body-con fabrics, as well as anything unlined like this purple dress. When I dress for on-camera work or an event, I almost always wear a pair of shaping tights. This is my go-to brand. They nip/tuck in all the right places, smooth curves, provide great support and camouflage any undergarment lines.While we’re on that topic, you also need to become BFFs with no-show underwear. I’ve tried all kinds and find this vanishing edge style works best. They’re a bit expensive, but 100 percent worth it! They are all I wear. If you wait for a sale, you can stock up for a decent price.

Ruffle Detail Dress

Strategic shaping and shoe choices

Every body is different, so we need to look for the pieces that play up our unique features and figures. For me, that means hunting for styles with details that define/highlight my waist area like these two styles (when you are petite, it is easy to get overwhelmed by your clothing). I often use a skinny belt in a complementary color to add definition. Unsure what works best for you?

• Go shopping with an honest friend.
• Try on a variety of styles/shapes, then get their feedback.
• You can also do this yourself, by taking photos in a full length mirror. Don’t look at the images until you leave the store and get home. By studying the images on your camera roll, rather than in person through the mirror, you are giving yourself distance from the process. You will find it easier to assess the looks honestly, as you would do for a friend.

Shoe choice is also important. Avoid styles that cut your leg line, like ankle straps, and consider a heel. I know a lot of people think they are difficult to manage, but they can work wonders for your look. A slight heel will draw out your body, helping you appear taller and thinner. You can never go wrong with a classic pump. Pointy toe styles are generally more flattering than round, because they elongate the leg line. You can also visually lengthen your legs by choosing shoes in a nude shade. The majority of my heels are nude. It’s boring, but effective!

About the dress: 

• You will find my dress offered by a variety of sellers on Amazon. The fabric is nice, but unlined. It runs fairly TTS, just read the sizing guide carefully. My exact color sold out in a hot minute because it was listed at just $16 (you can still get it in gray for that price). I’ve found sellers offering the style for as little as $12. However, I’d be leery of jumping on the lowest price point because there are no reviews and it doesn’t appear the seller offers free returns. The option to try and return for free is important!
  

If you have any questions about these tips or dresses, please let me know in the comments below!

—Lindsay

Colorblock Work Dress