One of my secrets to looking smaller than I really am, has been the use of the shrunken cardigan. I really believe them to have magical powers. But you have to find the right one and use it the right way. I can so many shrunken cardigan’s that it’s bordering crazy. As odd as it may sound I want to tell you how to pick the perfect shrunken cardigan and blend it into your wardrobe.
Specs:
1- Keyword: Shrunken. Make sure that the cut makes it look one size smaller than what your size is. Basically the buttons should almost pull if you closed them all the way.
2- V-neck: This is key. A scooped, or rounded neck will not work as well since it will hang over and not lay across your chest right.
3- Material: I can’t state how important this is. Try to stick to cotton, and materials that don’t have “sheen.” This will really make a difference when it comes to how it sits on your back and “back-fat” and rolls. I’ve found that cotton blends sit best on me.
How to use:
1- Wear your cardigan over tanks, dresses, and shirts that aren’t form fitting for the best results. If you’re going to wear it over form fitting attire it’s always best to layer. Two tanks layered on top of each other almost always look better than one. I even try to layer up my shirts if possible. It gives a much smoother look, and it’s slimming.
2- A great way to wear your new favorite cardigan is to wear on top of a tunic that is slightly too big. Close one or two of the middle buttons, and drape on a few long necklaces. Make sure your shirt/tunic peeks out from under your cardigan and you’re good to go. This is a great look with leggings, or a pair of skinny jeans.
By buttoning the middle section you create a smaller waist. If you’re daring this looks fabulous with a plunging V-neck!
3- You can also get this affect with a longer shrunken cardigan. Just button about 3-4 buttons, leaving the top and bottom buttons open. This is actually great with summer dresses. For an added bit of glam throw on a skinny belt on your natural waist in a florescent color!
If you stick to these simple rules I promise you’ll look smaller and everyone will be asking if you’ve lost weight.
Here are some great cardigan choices for every budget. Or just use them for inspiration and find your perfect one!
Under $50: Halogen Elbow Sleeve, and Susina Pointelle Knit Cardigan
$50-$100: Halogen Chiffon Trim Cardigan
$100+: Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Burberry Check

















Fab info and tips on how to use a cardigan to make you thinner!
Wow, this is a lot of words trying to “fix,” i.e. reinforce negative body image. Just be healthy and happy and stop trying to feel better through masks and coverups and all that. Fashion is a wonderful tool for self expression but this kind of article panders to the LOWEST common denominator. BOO.
While I understand the problem with negative weight image, I would disagree with the overall assessment towards the article. True, there is not a perfect shape size or look, however, there is an important talent to be learned in terms of finding clothes that A) Fit you – B) Present your personality. The goal isn't truly to “lose 10 pounds” (although there are numerous health benefits to this depending on the individual) but rather to not look 10 pounds bigger (by wearing clothes with the wrong cut, shape, and material, for your body.)
Okay, that I agree with. But word choice is important. By writing an article that touts the benefits of “looking 10 lbs. lighter” vs. paying attention to fit and a desired (for your body type, for your style) silhouette, one is perpetuating a discourse that puts our worth on our weight instead of creating an intelligent discourse around fashion and style. We can talk smart. We can refuse to pander.
Fab info and tips on how to use a cardigan to make you thinner!
Wow, this is a lot of words trying to “fix,” i.e. reinforce negative body image. Just be healthy and happy and stop trying to feel better through masks and coverups and all that. Fashion is a wonderful tool for self expression but this kind of article panders to the LOWEST common denominator. BOO.
While I understand the problem with negative weight image, I would disagree with the overall assessment towards the article. True, there is not a perfect shape size or look, however, there is an important talent to be learned in terms of finding clothes that A) Fit you – B) Present your personality. The goal isn't truly to “lose 10 pounds” (although there are numerous health benefits to this depending on the individual) but rather to not look 10 pounds bigger (by wearing clothes with the wrong cut, shape, and material, for your body.)
Okay, that I agree with. But word choice is important. By writing an article that touts the benefits of “looking 10 lbs. lighter” vs. paying attention to fit and a desired (for your body type, for your style) silhouette, one is perpetuating a discourse that puts our worth on our weight instead of creating an intelligent discourse around fashion and style. We can talk smart. We can refuse to pander.