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Flattering body proportions with color

Svenn

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Does this apply to men? I have fairly large hips/thighs relative to my shoulders such that I want to get more of a V shape to my silhouette. The conventional wisdom is to wear a light top and dark pants, to make the top appear bigger, and detract from the big legs. However I've found that the eye is drawn to the contrast between the bottom of the shirt and the pants where they meet at the waist, which forms a glaring horizontal contrast point at my worst asset, which isn't flattering. I end up settling for a monotone all-darkish outfit. There's a lot more freedom with blazers/sport coats of course, since they're flowy in the hip area. Thoughts?
 
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VinnyMac

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Does this apply to men? I have fairly large hips/thighs relative to my shoulders such that I want to get more of a V shape to my silhouette. The conventional wisdom is to wear a light top and dark pants, to make the top appear bigger, and detract from the big legs. However I've found that the eye is drawn to the contrast between the bottom of the shirt and the pants where they meet at the waist, which forms a glaring horizontal contrast point at my worst asset, which isn't flattering. I end up settling for a monotone all-darkish outfit. There's a lot more freedom with blazers/sport coats of course, since they're flowy in the hip area. Thoughts?
...which is exactly why high-waisted skirts and pants have come back into fashion for women.

My advice: Stop trying to hide it, and get into shape.
 

mensimageconsultant

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Interesting post deserves a decent response.

Beyond the obvious tactic of increasing the size of the underlying upper body, color does make a difference. But instead of high-contrast (e.g., white shirt with charcoal pants), medium-contrast with an interesting color on top (e.g., bright blue with charcoal pants). Patterns increase the options. Within a somewhat conservative but no-jacket environment, a bengal-stripe shirt might be the maximum distraction. Or a sweater over a dress shirt.
 

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