Change Your Look - Change Your Life
While you’re trying to reach your goals you need all the encouragement and confidence boosting you can get! If you want to enjoy a bit of instant transformation, you can change how you look today by learning how to show off your best assets and disguise the ones you don’t like. Remember it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a gal or what shape, size or age you are, you can look and feel immediately slimmer and more attractive if you follow our mini makeover guide.
Throw it out
First, start with getting rid of clothes you haven’t worn for at least two years or that make you feel like a dag every time you put them on. Most of us only wear 20 per cent of our wardrobe 80 per cent of the time. If they’re ten years out of fashion or now really big and baggy – bin them. Same goes for baggy t-shirts, misshapen jumpers and stretched swimwear. Be ruthless and clear out your drawers – you’ll feel cleansed and can look forward to replenishing them with new clothes in a smaller size. If you don’t want to bust your budget by buying new gear, then check out markets and op-shops for bargains. It’s better to have a few things that make you look great than heaps of stuff that’s not right.
Size does matter!
Often when we’re losing the kilos, we end up wearing clothes that are too big and baggy because we don’t want to invest in new ones until we reach goal weight. While it’s tempting to neglect your wardrobe until you hit your target, you deserve to look great now, so having togs that fit you well is important. While there may be limited choices in bigger sizes, it’s worth shopping around to get something you actually like – rather than just buying it because it fits you.
Check out your clothes
When purchasing new clothes, here's how to check that you've got the right fit:
• You should be able to fit a finger underneath the waistband
• Zips should lie flat
• Sleeves should have some give around the upper arm
• Skirt and trousers should hang straight from the buttocks and not curve under
• Pockets shouldn’t gape
• There should be no pulling around the bust or stomach on jackets, blouses, shirts or dresses
Going undercover
Yes, it’s time to talk about...underwear! Good undies can make you feel tops and can make or break a look – if you don’t believe us then think of the tragedy that is VPL (visible panty line). Too often relegated because we think no-one can see them, our undies are actually the foundation of how we look. And you don't have to wait till you're at goal weight to enjoy pretty knickers or suave boxer shorts.
Try to:
• Buy undies that have tummy control and are the right size
• Throw out anything greying, frayed, skin digging, stained, baggy, where the elastic has gone or has holes – you know
According to a leading underwear manufacturer, 70 per cent of us wear poorly fitting bras. Don’t give into badly dressed breasts! A good bra is worth investing in. They provide essential support, make a difference to what you are wearing and are the most important item in your wardrobe.
• Have a range of bras for different occasions, including a sports bra.
• Get one that fits! If you’ve lost a lot of weight or haven’t bought a new bra for a while then get measured professionally when you shop.
• Try a range of styles from different bra makers – some cuts will suit you more than others.
• If you're busty, avoid thin back straps and buy a bra with three hooks instead of two.
• Choose something that’s sexy and supportive – you can have both!
Colour in
It’s tempting to wear black or dark colours because you want to disappear or feel slimmer but any colour will make you look great as long as it suits you. Colour can make you feel confident and up your self-esteem so next time you are buying something, experiment with shades you wouldn’t normally wear. Take a friend and get their opinion if you’re not sure it works.
Accessorise
You don’t have to be your ideal weight to look fabulous in a pair of sandals or matching necklace and earrings. A scarf or broach can totally transform an outfit, as can a great tie or a handbag. Getting a great hair cut will also make you feel terrific. It’s something that can change the way you look instantly. Trying a new style or tint can radically lift your confidence rating. Same goes for make-up, manicures, pedicures and other grooming goodies. Pamper yourself while you work hard on your weight loss. You deserve it!
For more great weight loss resources go to www.thebiggestloserclub.com.au. The club has dozens of great features to help you lose the kilos and get fit. From online diet diaries to weekly weight loss plans and shopping lists plus advice from nutritionists and personal trainers.
