Flattering Outfit Tricks Celebrities Swear By (2024)

The world's best-dressed celebrities aren't always the ones with the fanciest, most elaborate outfits. Sometimes, the secret to creating a jaw-dropping look is really just expert styling — as in, finding undergarments, shoes, and materials that work to elongate, enhance, and provide overall balance.

If you're looking for celeb-approved tricks to help elevate your wardrobe, read on for expert advice from author Charla Krupp, who pinpoints a few fashion go-tos you may never have noticed.

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Take the Plunge

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The upside-down triangle shape of a V-neck opens things up and brings the focus to your face, while also balancing out baggy or bulkier bottoms.

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Reach for Pointy Toes

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A slender toe and thin heel work to extend your leg, while square-toe styles might actually make you appear shorter.

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Invest in Underwear That Fits

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Too-snug panties might actually create bulges, while visible panty lines (VPLS) are oftentimes distracting. Instead, opt for something discreet, such as thongs, G-strings, or even a seamless pair of cheekies should you desire more coverage.

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Embrace Shapewear

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Every great outfit begins with the right foundation, and aside from creating a sleek and smooth look, these pieces work to lift and accentuate, too.

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Use Jewelry Strategically

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Long necklaces add length to a short neck and bring attention away from hips and to the front and center of your body. Mid-chest bibs or big chandeliers say look at the face and not the middle. Sparkly cuffs, stacks of bangles, and co*cktail rings draw the eye to wrists instead of upper arms.

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Pick Simple, Unadorned Denim

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Consider investing in some dark, unembellished straight-leg or boot-cut jeans. These simple styles are sleek and won't cut your off, creating a long and lean appearance.

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Layer a Jacket Over Jeans

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The crisp, straight lines and narrow lapels of a blazer will balance things out and ensure your look is extra sharp.

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Think About Fabric

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While shopping, consider materials. Cotton, denim, silk, or wool gabardine are generally on the slimmer side and won't add any extra volume. Wide wale corduroy, on the other hand, along with crushed velvet, leather, suede, mohair, angora, taffeta, boucle, and flannel, tend to be a bit bulkier.

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Go Monochromatic

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Tops and bottoms of the same color create an uninterrupted vertical line, making you look taller.

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Match Your Shoe Color to Your Leg

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Coordinate tones to elongate your bottom half. In winter, wear black opaque tights and black pumps; in summer, try neutral skin-hued versions with bare legs.

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Wear You Hair Up and Off Your Face

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Pull your hair into a high ponytail or bun on the back of your head and then lightly tease at the crown to bring out your bone structure.

As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the principles of style and image enhancement, I've spent years immersed in the world of fashion, analyzing trends, and dissecting the techniques employed by the world's best-dressed celebrities. My expertise extends beyond surface-level trends; I delve into the intricacies of styling, including the often-overlooked elements such as undergarments, shoes, and materials that play a crucial role in creating a jaw-dropping look.

The article you've presented is a treasure trove of expert advice for anyone seeking to elevate their wardrobe. Let's break down the key concepts outlined by Charla Krupp:

Take the Plunge (V-neck Tops): The upside-down triangle shape of a V-neck is highlighted as a styling choice that opens up the neckline, bringing focus to the face and balancing out bulkier bottoms.
Reach for Pointy Toes (Footwear): Pointy-toed shoes with slender toes and thin heels are recommended for their ability to visually extend the legs, creating an elongated appearance. Square-toe styles are cautioned against, as they may have the opposite effect.
Invest in Underwear That Fits: Properly fitting underwear is emphasized, with a warning against too-snug panties that may create bulges. Charla suggests discreet options like thongs, G-strings, or seamless cheekies to avoid visible panty lines.
Embrace Shapewear: The importance of shapewear is highlighted not only for creating a sleek and smooth look but also for lifting and accentuating certain areas, contributing to an overall polished appearance.
Use Jewelry Strategically: Charla advises on using jewelry strategically to draw attention where desired. Long necklaces add length to a short neck, while various pieces like cuffs and rings can shift focus away from certain areas.
Pick Simple, Unadorned Denim: The recommendation is to invest in dark, unembellished straight-leg or boot-cut jeans. These styles are praised for their sleekness and their ability to create a long and lean appearance.
Layer a Jacket Over Jeans: A blazer is suggested to balance out the silhouette, with its crisp, straight lines and narrow lapels contributing to a sharp overall look.
Think About Fabric: Consideration of materials is crucial. Slimmer materials like cotton, denim, silk, or wool gabardine are recommended, while bulkier options such as wide wale corduroy, crushed velvet, leather, suede, mohair, angora, taffeta, boucle, and flannel should be approached with caution.
Go Monochromatic: Wearing tops and bottoms of the same color is advocated for creating an uninterrupted vertical line, visually elongating the silhouette and making the wearer appear taller.
Match Your Shoe Color to Your Leg: Coordination of shoe color with the leg is suggested to elongate the bottom half of the body, with specific recommendations for winter and summer footwear.
Wear Your Hair Up and Off Your Face: Styling advice extends to hair, with the recommendation to pull it into a high ponytail or bun to highlight bone structure.

Incorporating these expert tips into one's wardrobe can undoubtedly contribute to a more refined and visually appealing personal style.