10 Basic Wardrobe Essentials To Get Dressed Fast In The Morning While Looking Slimmer & Taller

By Karmen on 26 Sep 2021

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

It must be said that everyone, regardless of body shape and size, can look good in anything as long as the cut and styling are done just right. There are no rules to fashion and what you feel good in is the best outfit.

Politically correct disclaimers aside, there are clothes that are universally flattering and will make anyone look slimmer and taller. And naturally, they're handy if you like to get dressed quickly in the morning without a second thought and still look bomb.

Keep reading to check out the 10 basic wardrobe essentials with a slimming & elongating effect you can shop online in Singapore!

In general, what you should be looking for are high-waisted silhouettes and well-fitted, structured pieces that aren't boxy or too oversized. Darker colours are definitely the safer option that is flattering on everyone, but an outfit with various shades of one colour can also make you look taller and slimmer.

#1 Long Blazer

Photo from zxaiff.sg via Shopee.sg

When it doubt, throw on a structured blazer and you'll instantly look sharp. That said, stay away from boxy silhouettes, shoulder pads and material that's too thick as those are trickier to style. Go for thin blazers that are well-tailored and end below your bum - this is important for a slimmer look as shorter blazers cut you off visually at the hips, emphasising width.

Try this Casual Loose Blazer ($17.15) which comes in a variety of fun colours like green and pink as well as neutrals like black and grey.

#2 High-Waisted Structured Shorts

Photo from Love, Bonito

An easy casual work outfit pairing with the blazer are high-waisted structured shorts like this pair of Love, Bonito Amita Tailored Shorts ($39.90). The high waistline tricks the eye into thinking the legs start higher up above the hips. Showing off more of your legs also makes them look longer!

#3 High-Waisted Mini Skirt

Photo from Mango

A high-rise mini skirt has the same leg-elongating effect. We love this faux leather Mango Skin Effect Mini Skirt ($55.90) with a striking asymmetric overlap. Pair it with a top in a similar colour to create a one-tone outfit.

#4 High-Waisted Maxi Skirt With A High Slit

Photo from milanxiniang.sg via Shopee.sg

Wearing maxi skirts can be daunting especially for petite and plus sized ladies, but one design that everyone can pull off is something like this simple Black Skirt ($9.75) with a light, flowy A-line silhouette plus a generous slit at the side.

A thin material keeps the skirt from overwhelming a small frame or adding bulk, while the flared skirt skims past any undesirable lumps and bumps. A high slit at the side draws the eye up and down vertically which makes the legs look longer.

#5 High-Waisted Jeans

Photo from UNIQLO

The trick to looking good in skinny jeans is a high rise cutting and stretchy fabric. The high waist and snug fit sculpt the bum and legs, create an hourglass shape, and make the legs look like they go on for days.

Try the UNIQLO Ultra Stretch Skinny High Rise Jeans ($59.90) which features a high-rise tapered cut for a flattering fit from waist to ankle. Made of 12-ounce Ultra Stretch fabric, it hugs and shapes the body but remains comfortable.

#6 Black Cropped Camisole Top

Photo from choodan.sg via Shopee.sg

This versatile piece can be paired with everything on this list so far and more. Go for a cotton top or add texture to your outfit with this Velvet Cami Crop Top ($6.82).

#7 Black Fitted Long Sleeved Top

Photo from Cotton On

Short and quarter-length sleeves create horizontal lines on the arms which makes them look shorter, while cap sleeves are the worst culprit as they emphasise the biggest part of the arms. Long sleeves, on the other hand, makes the arms look longer as it emphasises length.

Opt for one that ends slightly beyond the wrist like the Cotton On The Sister Long Sleeve Top ($10) for an even greater lengthening effect. This black, form-fitting design also makes the arms appear slimmer.

#8 White V-Neck Tee

Photo from COS

A white t-shirt is something you're likely to reach for over and over again for the rest of your life so it's wise to invest in a good one.

Try the COS V-Neck T-Shirt ($35) which is made of organic cotton for a breathable and comfortable fit. It also features a flattering longline design which is great for making the hips look slimmer, as well as a v-neck which elongates the neck.

#9 Slip-On Pumps With A Medium Heel

Photo from Charles & Keith

Everyone looks fantastic in a pair of four or five-inch heels, but realistically, many of us aren't about that life. Medium-height heels are a lot more wearable and have the right balance of formal and casual to suit any occasion.

Opt for a slip-on design like mules and pumps to help streamline your morning routine. Try to avoid ankle straps which make the legs look shorter and broader, and thin heels like stiletto or kitten heels as they make the calves look chunkier in comparison. Check out these black Charles & Keith heels that fit the bill.

#10 Wrap Dress

Photo from SHEIN

Wrap dresses are like the milk tea beauty trend of the fashion world. Like milk tea-inspired lipsticks, hair colours and nail art, wrap dresses look great on just about everyone.

The wrapped top emphasises the bust, while the cinched in high waistline and flared skirt creates a slimming effect. This adds curves and hides undesirable lumps and bumps at the same time. Try this SHEIN Polka Dot Knot Side Wrap A-line Dress ($16).