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10 Basic Wardrobe Essentials To Get Dressed Fast In The Morning While Looking Slimmer & Taller

10 Basic Wardrobe Essentials To Get Dressed Fast In The Morning While Looking Slimmer & Taller

Fashion Apparel
By Karmen on 26 Sep 2021
Digital Editor

It must be said that everyone, regardless of body shape and size, can look good in anything as long as the cut and styling are done just right. There are no rules to fashion and what you feel good in is the best outfit. But politically correct disclaimers aside, there are clothes that are universally flattering and will make anyone look slimmer and taller. And naturally, they're handy if you like to get dressed quickly in the morning without a second thought and still look bomb.

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In general, what you should be looking for are high-waisted silhouettes and well-fitted, structured pieces that aren't boxy or too oversized. Dark colours are definitely the safer option that's flattering on everyone, but an outfit with various shades of one colour can also make you look taller and slimmer.

Here's our list of basic & versatile wardrobe essentials that'll create a slimmer & elongated look:

#1 Long Blazer

woman wearing black blazer mini skirt and white t shirt in front of a dressing room with rack of blazers in different coloursPhoto from zxaiff.sg via Shopee.sg

When it doubt, throw on a structured blazer and you'll instantly look sharp. That said, stay away from boxy silhouettes, shoulder pads and material that's too thick as those are trickier to style. Go for thin blazers that are well-tailored and end below your bum - this is important for a slimmer look as shorter blazers cut you off visually at the hips, emphasising width.

#2 High-Waisted Tailored Shorts

woman wearing love bonito black Amita Tailored Shorts and nude sleeveless topPhoto from Love, Bonito

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An easy casual work outfit pairing with the blazer are high-waisted, structured shorts. The high waistline tricks the eye into thinking the legs start higher up above the hips. Showing off more of your legs also makes them look longer!

#3 High-Waisted Mini Skirt

woman wearing sand cream faux leather mango mini skirt with asymmetric flap and turtleneck sweaterPhoto from Mango

A high-rise mini skirt has the same leg-elongating effect. Pair it with a top in a similar colour to create a one-tone outfit.

#4 High-Waisted Maxi Skirt With A High Slit

woman wearing black maxi skirt with high slit and a grey t shirtPhoto from milanxiniang.sg via Shopee.sg

Wearing maxi skirts can be daunting, especially for petite and plus sized ladies, but one design that everyone can pull off is a simple black skirt with a light, flowy A-line silhouette and a generous slit at the side.

Choose one that's made of a thin material to keep the skirt from overwhelming a small frame or adding bulk, and a flared skirt that'll skim past any undesirable lumps and bumps. A high slit at the side draws the eye up and down vertically which makes the legs look longer.

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#5 High-Waisted Jeans

woman wearing UNIQLO Ultra Stretch Skinny High Rise Jeans and red sweaterPhoto from UNIQLO

The trick to looking good in skinny jeans is high rise cutting + stretchy fabric. The high waist and snug fit sculpt the bum and legs, create an hourglass shape, and make the legs look like they go on for days.

#6 Black Cropped Camisole Top

woman wearing spagetti strap black crop top and high waisted jeansPhoto from choodan.sg via Shopee.sg

This versatile piece can be paired with everything on this list so far and more.

#7 Black Fitted Long Sleeved Top

woman wearing black long sleeve fitted top and white jeans cotton on singaporePhoto from Cotton On

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Short and quarter-length sleeves create horizontal lines on the arms which makes them look shorter, while cap sleeves are the worst culprit as they emphasise the biggest part of the arms. Long sleeves, on the other hand, makes the arms look longer as it emphasises length.

Opt for one that ends slightly beyond the wrist for an even greater lengthening effect. A black, form-fitting design also makes the arms appear slimmer.

#8 White/Black T-Shirt Dress

woman wearing cos white v neck loose tshirtPhoto from COS

A t-shirt dress is something you're likely to reach for over and over again for the rest of your life, so it's wise to invest in a good 100% cotton piece. The loose, casual fit helps hide any post-meal food baby and thicc hips.

Wear it as a t-shirt dress with crew socks, or tucked under your favourite bottoms.

#9 Slip-On Pumps With A Medium Heel

model wearing white shorts and charles and keith singapore black Pointed Toe Mules with low heelPhoto from Charles & Keith

Realistically, most people look fantastic in a pair of four or five-inch heels, but only when stationary! If you aren't about that sky-high-heel life, opt for medium-height heels. You're more likely to actually wear heels instead of reaching for your trusty sneakers, and get that perfect balance of formal and casual to suit any occasion.

Opt for a slip-on design like mules and pumps to help streamline your morning routine. Try to avoid ankle straps which make the legs look shorter and broader, and thin heels like stiletto or kitten heels as they make the calves look chunkier in comparison.

#10 Wrap Dress

woman wearing a red mini v neck wrap mini dress with small patternsPhoto from SHEIN

Wrap dresses are like the milk tea beauty trend of the fashion world. Like milk tea-inspired lipsticks, hair colours and nail art, wrap dresses look great on just about everyone.

The wrapped top emphasises the bust, while the cinched in high waistline and flared skirt creates a slimming effect. This adds curves and hides undesirable lumps and bumps at the same time.

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