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Why Dressing Well Starts with the Right Foundations
How To Dress To Look Thinner: If You Want To
Flattering Fashion Tips for All Body Shapes
What Style Dress Is Most Slimming?
Slimming Outfits for Over 50: Style That Evolves With You
A Closer Look at New Zealand Fashion Trends
The Power of Colour Placement and a Colour Consultant's Role
What To Wear Under a Blazer: Female Edition
Final Thoughts: It’s About Confidence, Not Size
In episode 21 of The Style for Life Podcast, Stephanie Rumble — a professional fashion stylist, accountability coach, and colour consultant based in Christchurch, New Zealand — shares her top tips on how to dress to look thinner and create a slimmer, more balanced silhouette. Drawing from decades of experience working with women of all body shapes, Stephanie offers practical, body-positive wardrobe advice that helps women feel confident in their clothes.
Whether you're looking for slimming outfits for over 50, ideas for plus size dressing, or wondering what style dress is most slimming, this comprehensive guide breaks down the key takeaways from the podcast into actionable tips for everyday styling.
Why Dressing Well Starts with the Right Foundations
Before diving into outerwear or outfits, Stephanie makes one thing clear: good style starts underneath. What you wear closest to your skin can significantly impact how your clothes sit, cling, and flatter your figure. Think of your underwear as the scaffolding that supports your overall look.
“Clothes won’t change your body. But they can change how you see yourself.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Flattering outfits begin with well-fitted underwear. Bras should lift and support without digging in, and knickers should create a smooth line without unwanted bulges or visible seams. Stephanie, a former bra-fitter, reminds us that most women wear bras that are too loose in the band and too large in the cup. Choosing the right base garments can instantly elevate how everything else fits.
If you're ready to take control of your wardrobe from the inside out, Stephanie's personalised styling services offer tailored advice and hands-on support to help you get started.
Wardrobe Tips for a Smoother Silhouette:
Choose moulded cup bras to avoid lace and seam lines showing through tops.
Opt for knickers that don’t create a "double bum" effect or highlight the wrong curves.
Consider bodysuits or fitted singlets to smooth the waist and minimise visible bulges.
These choices not only improve the fit of your clothing but also influence how confident and comfortable you feel throughout the day. A strong foundation sets the tone for everything you layer on top, making your style more polished and pulled together.
How To Dress To Look Thinner: If You Want To
Stephanie emphasises that the goal isn’t to appear slimmer — it's to feel your best. But many women do ask her for guidance on how to dress to look thinner, especially during wardrobe audit sessions or styling consults. Wanting to dress in a way that flatters your shape is a completely valid goal, and one that can be achieved with just a few thoughtful adjustments.
“If you want to look slimmer, that’s great. But only if it’s what you want.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
These simple tweaks can create a visually slimmer silhouette:
Wear one colour head-to-toe to create a continuous line
Choose clothing that skims, not clings
Avoid heavy, bulky layers that add unnecessary volume
Look for high-rise pants to elongate the legs
Layering is key, but you want to balance proportions. Think of using a structured blazer style instead of a shapeless cardigan. Pair with dark bottoms and a statement top to draw the eye upwards. These styling techniques are subtle but effective, helping you feel polished and put-together without sacrificing comfort.
Flattering Fashion Tips for All Body Shapes
Every woman is unique. Understanding women's body shapes is essential to dressing in a way that enhances — not hides — your natural figure. Stephanie reminds us that many women don’t actually know their true body shape, and once they discover it, everything changes.
The right clothing can draw attention to the areas you love and gently redirect from the areas you’re less confident about. This isn’t about hiding — it’s about feeling empowered through your wardrobe choices.
“It’s not about hiding your body. It’s about feeling good in your body.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Common Mistakes When Dressing for Your Shape:
Choosing oversized tops when you're fuller-busted
Wearing low-rise trousers when you carry weight in the tummy
Using tight or clingy fabrics in the wrong places
Dress Tips by Body Shape:
For the inverted triangle body shape in females: Balance wide shoulders with volume in the lower half
When choosing clothes for a rectangle body shape, use belts or tucks to create the illusion of a waist
Pear shape: Draw the eye up with bold colours and fitted tops
Apple shape: Opt for shift dresses or styles that flow past the midsection
Once you understand your proportions, shopping becomes easier and styling becomes more strategic. It reduces frustration and helps you build a more functional and flattering wardrobe.
What Style Dress Is Most Slimming?
Choosing the right dress can be a game-changer when you want to look and feel your best. Stephanie highlights several popular dress silhouettes and explains why certain styles work better than others depending on your shape and styling goals. When considering what style dress is most slimming, think about movement, structure, and how fabric interacts with your shape.
“Style is like your wardrobe — you can’t do it once and hope for the best. You have to keep feeding it.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
The answer depends on your proportions, but some styles tend to flatter most figures. Stephanie recommends these as top contenders:
Shift dresses for those with fuller middles
Wrap dresses to highlight curves without clinging
Empire waist dresses for pear shapes or wider hips
Key Dress Guidelines:
Avoid dresses with seams or belts directly over the tummy
Use solid colours or vertical prints to elongate the body
Make sure the hemline flatters your legs—consider a slight heel to add height
A good dress should move with you, not fight your body. The right silhouette provides both comfort and confidence. When your dress flows naturally, it enhances how you feel throughout the day.
Slimming Outfits for Over 50: Style That Evolves With You
Fashion over 50 doesn't have to mean playing it safe. In fact, it’s often the ideal time to express your style with greater clarity and confidence. Many of Stephanie’s clients are women over 50 who want to feel stylish, relevant, and empowered by their wardrobe.
Key Tips for Slimming Outfits for Over 50:
Stick to skimming, not squeezing — especially across the bust, waist and hips
Choose structured pieces like blazers and tailored pants
Add height with platform sneakers or modest wedges
These aren’t just age-appropriate suggestions. They’re confidence-boosting strategies that help express who you are at this stage of life. Whether you’re dressing for work, casual outings, or special events, your wardrobe should support your current lifestyle while honouring your individuality.
If you're ready to make a full lifestyle shift, Stephanie's accountability coaching programme is a transformative next step. It’s designed to support women in aligning health, mindset, and self-image.
A Closer Look at New Zealand Fashion Trends
New Zealand’s fashion sector is not only alive and well — it’s evolving with purpose. Understanding local fashion behaviour can help you make more conscious style choices and invest in pieces that reflect both who you are and what you value.
Fashion spending lifted by NZ$2 million to NZ$334 million, or 0.5% year-on-year, showing resilience in New Zealand’s fashion industry between July 2024 and July 2025. (Ragtrader)
Fashion clothing consumption in the Auckland region is estimated at 14.28kg per person per annum. (SRG Expert)
The New Zealand fashion, clothing and textile industry added $7.8 billion to the economy in 2023 — more than the supermarket, construction, and mining sectors. (Ensemble Magazine)
Nearly 40% of New Zealand customers now prioritise ethical and environmental concerns when purchasing fashion. (Afterpay Newsroom)
These statistics reflect a growing movement towards mindful consumption and a desire to make fashion more sustainable, personal, and reflective of values.
The Power of Colour Placement and a Colour Consultant's Role
As a professional colour consultant, Stephanie explains that where you wear colour matters as much as which colours you wear. She often incorporates colour placement when offering fashion tips for different body types, and the visual effect can be truly transformative.
Bright colours draw the eye. So, place them where you want attention:
Want to highlight your face? Wear colour up top
Want to minimise the lower half? Use dark or muted colours below
For many women, an updated colour consultation can breathe new life into a tired wardrobe. Knowing your ideal palette makes shopping more intentional and helps you create cohesive outfits that reflect your personality.
If you want to take this deeper, explore Stephanie’s tailored education programmes focused on confidence, wellbeing, and communication — both inside and outside the wardrobe.
What To Wear Under a Blazer: Female Edition
A blazer style can be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Whether you're dressing for the office, an event, or smart casual situations, knowing what to wear under a blazer as a woman ensures you maximise the potential of this classic layer.
Great Under-Blazer Options:
Fitted singlets or camisoles to reduce bulk
Blouses with interest around the neckline (but not bulky sleeves)
Light knits or fine-gauge sweaters for cooler seasons
Stephanie often sees women pairing the wrong under-layers with well-cut blazers, which undermines the impact of the outfit. Choose garments that streamline your silhouette to maintain clean lines. When done right, a blazer instantly adds polish and structure to your look.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Confidence, Not Size
The overarching theme of this podcast episode is self-acceptance. Stephanie reminds listeners that dressing well is not about changing who you are — it’s about honouring who you are today. You don't need to be a certain weight or shape to feel stylish, seen, or put-together.
Whether you're undergoing a wardrobe audit, discovering your body shape, or simply learning how to dress to look thinner, your personal style should be a source of joy, not pressure. The right clothing choices can support your wellbeing and boost your everyday confidence.
Clothes won’t change your body. But they can change how you see yourself. And that makes all the difference. With a few small shifts and a deeper understanding of your unique proportions, you can build a wardrobe that not only fits — it uplifts. Embrace your individuality, and let your clothes reflect the confidence already within you.
And if you're ready to step into your next level of personal or professional presence, learn more about Stephanie’s broader services, including her speaking and presentation coaching to elevate the way you show up in every room.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of underwear makes you look slimmer?
Wearing the right foundation garments can significantly impact how your clothing fits and looks. A well-fitted bra — particularly a moulded cup style — can lift and support the bust while smoothing out lines under fitted tops. Seamless underwear or shaping knickers can help eliminate bulges and create a smoother silhouette under skirts or trousers.
Stephanie Rumble recommends starting with a wardrobe foundation check during a personal styling session. Her styling services include practical support to help you feel confident from the inside out.
How do you know what your body shape is?
Your body shape is based on your natural proportions rather than your size. Start by observing the relationship between your shoulders, waist, and hips. For example, if your shoulders and hips are similar widths with a defined waist, you might be an hourglass. If your hips are wider than your shoulders, you may be a pear shape.
Stephanie provides body shape analysis during styling consultations, helping you understand how to flatter your proportions using clothes you already have or with strategic new purchases.
What clothes help you look slimmer if you have a fuller tummy?
Clothing that skims rather than clings is key. Shift dresses, wrap styles, and high-rise trousers can help smooth and elongate your figure. Avoid seams or belts that cut across the tummy, and opt for vertical patterns or single-colour outfits to draw the eye upward.
Using a fitted singlet or bodysuit underneath can also provide structure and reduce visual bulk. Stephanie offers style workshops that address challenges like this with hands-on advice tailored to your lifestyle.
What’s the best neckline for larger busts?
A V-neck or open collared shirt is usually most flattering for fuller busts. It helps elongate the neck and break up the space across the chest. High necklines can make the torso appear compressed, which may not be as flattering depending on your body shape.
If you’re unsure which neckline works best for you, Stephanie can guide you during a colour and body shape consultation.
Can wearing the same colour head-to-toe make you look slimmer?
Yes, wearing one colour from head to toe can create a continuous vertical line, which visually elongates the body. It doesn't have to be black — any tone-on-tone combination works. This technique is often used in capsule wardrobe planning to reduce visual clutter and highlight shape rather than size.
A good stylist will help you identify colour palettes that suit your complexion and help create versatile combinations that also feel authentic.
What should you wear under a blazer to avoid bulk?
Stick to fitted singlets, camisoles, or fine-gauge knitwear. Bulky blouses or tops with puffed sleeves can distort the line of a blazer. The goal is to keep the layers underneath smooth and body-skimming so that the blazer can do its job of adding structure.
Stephanie addresses this during her wardrobe audits and shopping trips, helping clients pair the right layers for function and style.
How do you dress well in your 50s without looking outdated?
Focus on structured pieces, quality fabrics, and outfits that reflect your current lifestyle. High-rise trousers, well-cut blazers, and flattering dresses can provide ease and sophistication without sacrificing personality.
Many of Stephanie’s clients are women in midlife looking to refresh their wardrobes without feeling like they’re chasing trends. Her style coaching encourages dressing with intention at any age.
Why is colour placement important in styling?
Colour draws the eye, so where you place it makes a big difference. Bright colours worn near your face draw attention upward, while dark or neutral colours on the lower half can downplay areas you may want to minimise.
This is something Stephanie covers in her work as a colour consultant. A colour consultation can help you understand how to use colour not just for flattery, but for self-expression.
What are the best types of dresses for looking slimmer?
Shift dresses, wrap dresses, and empire-line dresses are often the most flattering. These styles create length, smooth over the midsection, and help define the waist. Pairing these with the right shoes and accessories can also help elongate your frame.
Stephanie shares examples of these options in her podcast and consultations, helping clients decode which styles align best with their body shape and lifestyle.
How can I make my wardrobe more sustainable?
Start by wearing what you already own and learning how to style it in new ways. Audit your wardrobe each season to identify gaps and avoid over-purchasing. Choosing versatile, high-quality items that suit your body shape and colouring helps reduce waste.
