You're working out and feeling good. Here are some smart tips for looking good too.
Click here for Men's Edition
Lori Bergamotto has been a featured style expert on NBC's Today,
Access Hollywood and CBS's The Early Show as well as CNN, E! and VH1.
Losing inches and dropping pounds are some of the sweetest signs of workout success. So why not
reward yourself for your hard work by adding some stylish and flattering key pieces to your wardrobe?
Not only will you feel more confident about your new muscles and emerging curves when you're out on
the town but you'll also be more motivated to get to the gym and keep up that healthy lifestyle.
Here's our guide to looking great in and out of the gym.
At the Gym
Opt for breathable, not baggy
To enhance your confidence and your workout, ditch the oversize tees and too-roomy workout pants
in favor of a semi-fitted ensemble. Your range of motion won't be impeded by excess fabric, and
let's face it, you can't perfect your downward dog with inches of clothing riding up. Instead,
go for short-sleeved tees or tanks with a relaxed fit and pants in a stretchy material to tastefully
underscore your curves.
Choose a sports bra that fits
Sports bras can be a tough category to navigate. This is because most women tend to pick a size
based on their cup measurement. Actually, the most effective way to find the best fit is to
consider your overall figure. For instance, if you have a medium-size bust — but a broad
back and wide shoulders — you should buy a large-size bra.
Be mindful of your new measurements, and dress accordingly
If your thighs are an issue, opt for a boot-cut workout pant — it creates a more balanced
shape. Show off a pair of killer gams with capri leggings or shorts that hit at mid-thigh or just
below. If it's your stomach that needs minimizing, pick up a pair of drawstring pants —
they'll allow you to customize the waistband to your comfort level and ensure that your tummy
stays tightly tucked in. (And keep doing those crunches.)
Don't be afraid to show some skin
Since the arms are usually the first place you'll see results, show yours to their best advantage
by exposing some skin in that area. Racer-back tanks make shoulder blades look great and you'll
look even fitter than you are. Still unsure? Go for a ribbed tank — the vertical lines
are flattering for any body type, and the added texture prevents clinging.
Out and About
Embrace your waist!
Got a small waist? Accentuate your shapely figure with a high-waisted pencil skirt, or invest in
a neutral-color belt that you can wear with anything. If you're tall, pick up a wide belt; for
those of you who are petite, a thin belt also has the same defining capabilities. By cinching in
the waist, you create a sexy hourglass shape and conceal those work-in-progress areas.
Zone in on a key area, and work it
Focus on the part of your body you feel most confident about — whether it's a toned back
and lean arms from yoga classes or a sculpted derriere courtesy of your cardio obsession —
and highlight it. A dress with a T-strap or halter top will accentuate your upper body, while a
mini-dress with a hem length that lands one inch above the knee and paired with high heels will
show your lower half in the best light.
Dare to wear denim
One of the perks of losing weight is that you get to buy new jeans. Dark-wash denim is the most
universally flattering shade. (Light-wash denim will make you look bigger than you are.) If you're
a curvier girl, go for boot-cut jeans: They're made for your body type. Feel good about your
legs? Pair straight-leg skinny jeans with a flowing top and sky-high heels. But no matter what
your issue, avoid jeans with a tapered leg; the silhouette is unflattering.
