We all know the rule: When in doubt, wear black.
Admittedly, black is the ultimate color to make us look slimmer.
But wait, what actually are the colors that make us look bigger?
While there are other factors that determine the result, we just can’t deny how chubbier we look in white jeans than in black jeans!
So there you go ladies – the 6 colors and color patterns that make us look fat or bigger than we actually are.
Most importantly, I share 8 really practical quick fixes for you to rock the bright color in the article!
But does that mean we can’t wear those shades at a cost? No really! I will try how to make it WORK – a lesson learned from my brutal experience.
Enjoy my love!
1. White
Black is the most slimming color as it absorbs all the colors and reflects nothing to our eyes, this also explains why white color makes us look fat.
On the other hand, white reflects all the colors out and visually makes us have a bigger frame and our actual size.
Plus, white tends to enlarge the horizontal lining and that explains why those belly fat rolls can look deadly obvious in a white bodycon dress.
Alternative colors: Creamy white and Ivory
If white is too bold for you, you can always wear similar colors like creamy white and ivory.
I personally love white jeans so much but for some days I just want to relax, warm creamy jeans are my best pick.
Compared to the sticky white which has a cool tone, creamy white and beige colors have a warmer color with the underlying red, yellow, and orange as the undertone.
While white is not slimming at all, does that mean I won’t wear them?
Hell no.
They are unique, elegant, and sophisticated.
The best part? Not so many ladies wear them so I just look ultra stylish and confident without actually paying any effort.
TIP 1 to rock white or cream jeans well:
After trying all possible combos as a not-so-tall girl, I figured wearing bootcut white jeans with wedge sandals (or pointy heels) underneath is the most flattering.
I swear by this.
TIP 2 to rock white or cream jeans well:
Definitely wear pointy heels to further elongate the legs – very important to look both high fashion and slimming.
If you are reading this blog post till now, there’s one thing for sure…
You have good taste! <3 If you approve of some of these looks, please kindly pin or share some of these outfits so many tasteful fashion babes can come across this outfit inspo, thanks pretty! ❤️
And…it would truly mean the world to me if you stay until the very end. ❤️
2. High saturation color
In short, high saturation colors mean bright and rich hues.
For example, with pink color, there are many different shades of pink if we adjust the hue intensity.
That said, barbie pink is a high saturation color while baby pink is a low saturation color.
One of the easiest ways to identify high-saturation colors is by testing whether they are harsh on the eyes or not as you can visually feel the color intensity.
High saturation colors make us look fat because they are visually more attention-grabbing than other darker colors.
We just subconsciously pay more attention to the bright color areas and so it gives an illusion of a thicker figure.
WAY TO FIX: Pair up bright colors from head to toe
This lady is rocking the fire red in the most forgiving way.
A red jacket is driving eyes to the upper body and tends to exaggerate things.
If she is wearing a pair of nude heels, it will make her appear to be top-heavy and make her look shorter than she actually is.
Instead, she wears the same shade of heels to balance things off.
Not only does it unite the outfit and avoid looking all over the place, but it also elongates the figure from head to toe visually.
LEARN THIS TRICK, SIS.
3. Pale color
The truth is, that not all pastel colors make you look fat.
Pastel colors like muted blue, and lime green don’t have a dramatic enlarging effect as they gravitate more to the dark shades.
However, the light pastel colors like magic mint and peach can make us look fatter as it is closer to pure white.
The take here? Pick wisely.
QUICK FIX: Mix black with pastel shades
Instead of totally avoiding the pale color, try mixing it with a dark color.
For example, if you are pear-shaped (thinner on the upper body and thicker on the lower body), you can always wear a light pink V-neck top with black skinny jeans!
Or layering you look like the outfits below.
With the balancing of color and addressing your body curve, pale colors can look really flattering!
4. Nude color
I wish I had known this sooner because nude color can make you look fatter!
Way bigger.
For a long period of time, I am so obsessed with the nude monochrome outfit.
However, I just don’t feel it looks best on me.
The problem is with the nude color, I feel like I am blending in with the background and I can’t use an outfit to show my body silhouette anymore, and that makes my body look thicker.
QUICK FIX 1:
Pick the “nude” color that is DIFFERENT from your skin tone.
Trust me, this alone will make you look way better in that dress.
No more “blending in the background and feeling like a rectangle” kind of situation.
QUICK FIX 2:
If I am wearing a long nude dress, I will add a high-waist black belt to define my waistline and make my figure look slimmer.
Like this below:
Added to this, I am so obsessed with wearing nude heels (This time – the EXACT shade of your skin tone)as they blend into my leg seamlessly and make me appear to have longer legs!
All in all, the nude is definitely worth the try.
All you need to do is pay close attention to what works and does not work for your body!
By the way, if you find this article and tips legit so far, can you help me hover the pin below and share it, please?
In the meantime, I am gonna add other styling tips constantly so save it for later!
THANK YOU, DEAR! BLESS YOU!
5. Big prints and patterns make you look fat
Even if you are wearing all black if you have some bright red floral print on it, it will still visually make the prints look more pop-up and have an enlarging effect.
Any busy patterns like big dotted prints are going to add some dimension to your body so keep them to the minimum.
QUICK FIX 1:
If you are a big fan of prints and patterns, you can try vertical stripes instead of horizontal stripes for an elongating effect!
Yes, I’m saying horizontal stripes. I made a whole article about why horizontal stripes are more slimming than vertical stripes. Check this out!
Added to this, instead of bright prints with big contrast, you can always choose light color prints to contour the clothes a bit.
For me, I think shadow lace clothes are better than the ones with big prints – classy and elegant!
QUICK FIX 2:
To look put together in prints, pair up the colors!
For example, if your printed top consists of brown, beige, and gold. Pick the darkest shade and wear brown pants.
Like this below:
That way, your top, and pants just share some similarities and your figure won’t brutally cut off and look big!
I hope this tip makes you excited because I am!
This is so random… BUT
- Your body is a masterpiece that carries you through life’s journey—honor it with the love and respect it deserves.
- Beauty has no single definition; you define what beauty means through your uniqueness and authenticity.
- Your worth extends infinitely beyond your appearance—your kindness, strength, and spirit are what truly shine.
- The space you occupy in this world is yours by right; never apologize for existing exactly as you are.
- Your body tells the story of your life—every mark, curve, and change is a chapter of resilience and growth.
- You deserve to speak to yourself with the same compassion and tenderness you would offer to someone you love.
- Nourishing your body and soul isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary act of self-respect and care.
- The parts of yourself you’ve been taught to hide may be exactly what makes you magnificently unique.
- Your body is not a project to be fixed—it is a vessel for experiencing the fullness of life’s joys.
- You are allowed to love yourself completely today, not when you reach some future version of yourself.
6. Pair contrasting colors in an outfit
Last but not least, let’s talk about color pairing!
If you pair a shocking pink top with yellow pants (That example is awful…), two contrasting colors will look like you can chop into two color blocks.
The result? Makes you look shorter and bigger visually.
Instead, we should always pair our outfit with a similar tone so that our outfit always looks united and complete.
This also explains why people always look taller in a monochromic outfit.
With the different shades of the same color, you just look naturally more put together.
Wearing tone-on-tone is probably the easiest way to look high fashion on a budget!
( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ MY SEPT PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ
(Continue scrolling for the article!)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So there you go – the 6 colors that make you look fat and big.
What are your thoughts on that?
No matter your size, you can embrace all the colors and I mean it!
As a pear-shaped girl, I love wearing white jeans and pastel color tops as it just makes me feel really refreshed and out together.
The intention of writing this article is to let people figure out what colors will make you look bigger so you can balance it by choosing the slimming fabric, cutting, and accessories!
For example, you can always wear a V-neck shirt instead of a round-neck shirt to elongate your neckline to make you shed the volume on your upper body.
Added to this, instead of choosing a shining fabric like silk, a matte structured fabric like tweed can make you look way slimmer.
So, feel free to play with the colors with tricks and tips.
After all, life is too short to just wear black!
To wrap things up, below is the checklist of colors that make you look bigger.
- White
- High saturation color
- Pale color
- Nude color
- Big prints and patterns
- Pair contrasting colors in an outfit
By the way, if you are interested in how to wear clothes that flatter our bodies, you may find these articles useful!
See you there!
- How to fix a muffin top in jeans? (This article is the most popular read of all time, I’m sure you will love it!)
- How to wear jeans with cellulite? #4 will surprise you!
- How to wear jeans if I am not slim
- How to wear harem pants? Time to get creative!
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