Longer Leaner Looking Legs 2: Monochrome outfit vs. 2 Color

CHIC FRENCH WOMEN WITH THEIR PREFERENCE for outfits in the same dark neutral color are proof that a monochromatic outfit has the most slimming potential — and the most potential to make your legs look longer and leaner.

But for certain age women, those dark colors next to the face can be aging. Of course, French women deal with that problem by wearing a scarf in a flattering color. But the question: Are the advantages of monochrome pant and jacket/top dressing sufficient that you would never wear a jacket or top of a different color? Or, as I show in the right-most figure, a tweed jacket and solid color pants? I think not.

In the image above, in the two figures on the left, I am wearing the same black jeans and boots. In the two images on the right, I am wearing the same dark brown pants and shoes. Certainly the monochrome outfits make me look a bit slimmer — and my legs a tad leaner. But to my eyes, not much.

On the other hand, that loose red tunic hides the tops of my ample thighs. Just as the long, mid-thigh suit coat does. But that short fitted jacket I think is actually more slimming than the longer, bulkier suit jacket. The effect with the tweed jacket might be stronger if there were not pleats at the waist of the pants. Fashion experts advise avoiding waist pleats for longer leaner looking legs — and for generally looking slimmer. Also I avoid any pants with an elasticized waist. Elasticized waists make me look “bulky in the middle” no matter what sort of top I wear.

The general rule for monochrome outfits holds, but variations likely will not make your legs appear decidely shorter and heavier. That is, assuming that you stick with solid color pants in a dark neutral and a top or jacket that harmonizes. On the other hand, black pants worn with a yellow top splashed with big red flowers will not make your legs look longer and leaner (or you slimmer) than a monochrome outfit. Because with the bright top and dark pants you break the line of the body.

By the way, in the two right-most images I am wearing my real French béret from the Galeries Lafayette. A Christmas gift that delighted me enormously. Nothing like a real French béret to make you feel French — and to remind you to live chic and slim à la française.

Other longer leaner looking legs techniques I tested were the experts' various recommendations for shoe styles. Read on.

NEXT Longer Leaner Looking Legs 3: Shoe Styles

PREVIOUS — Longer Leaner Looking Legs 1: Darker Pant Color vs. Lighter

Introduction to Longer Leaner Looking Legs