10 how-to-dress-slim-tips

sparkle in front of a CAMERA

I usually know exactly what to wear. A different look for every event. However, when it comes to being on TV, I always have a little ‘costume crisis’. Dressing cutely is one thing, getting away with it on TV is totally another.

The camera makes you look fat. There is a reason that models are expected to achieve the almost impossible hip measurement of 90 cm. Film makes fatter. Photo film and video. In short, caution is advised.

Through trial and tribulation I learned what works and what doesn’t. I’m sharing this knowledge with you. That’s right, because I’m nice and secondly because you’ll soon see a much better version of yourself on all those Instagram posts and family photos.

What not to wear

Dresses or outfits with 3D embroidery. I was once given a fabulous Valentino to wear for a Marie Claire event that I hosted. Flown in from Milan, the best netting embroidered with tiny leather butterflies. The dress had two drawbacks. One; you couldn’t wear underwear so I was forced to do a Patricia Paay and two; instead of seeing a beautiful dress on the photos the next day, I saw a Fat Woman. 3D clothes. Don’t do it.

Quilted, hard or bulky styles. Those bulky sweaters and quilted tops are lovely, but not for TV. They make you look heavy and square. No woman is made happy by that.

Leather. A black leather top with a little sleeve is super sexy. But the shine on the material makes it look robust and colossal on camera. Only an option if worn under a jacket that slims down.

Prints. Danger. I recently chose a very funky MGDM top for on RTL Boulevard. Black with a rococo-type print. Cute in real life, but on TV a disaster, even the make-up artist whispered in my ear that it made me look massive.

Watch out with black. I once bought a lovely poncho from Isabel Marant, which made me look like a giant black spot on TV.

What to wear?

Slimline fabrics. A good jersey, a blouse. Materials that gently hug your body shape without taking up too much space.

If you don’t have a drop dead gorgeous killer-body, I suggest wearing a jacket. It slims down and hides those little fat rolls that we all have on our hips (muffin top) or at the bra-strap.

A good scarf. I’m in love with my CHANEL cashmere scarf. It’s warm but also brings a little panache to a simple outfit. You can also use it to camouflage problem areas.

Think about what you’ll see when you’re being filmed. No-one will see that your dress has a stunning hemline if it’s hidden behind a table.

Go for statement accessories. A stand-out earring or funky brooch on a simple jacket gives you instant allure.

Ensure that you have ‘peep holes’ and ‘swish’ in your outfit. A jacket casually draped over your shoulder shows off a little waist so you look slimmer. Wearing a combo of different colours also creates ‘peep hole’ areas.

Cover your upper arms. Only Michelle Obama can get away with not doing this, or 20 year old models. For the rest of us mere mortals, showing upper arm to the camera is a very bad idea.