We all know how to dress to appear thinner, right?—every woman above a size 5 does! The basics: Solid, monochromatic colors are slimming; busy patterns make you appear short and squat. Dark colors hide problem areas, while light colors accentuate the more positive features. However, calves can be a problem area that tends to get passed over when talking about body image. And now with the summer season rolling in and bringing with it skirts and sundresses, you have even more of a reason to be conscious of this body part. Here are some ways to make your calves and ankles appear thinner, simply by wearing the correct shoes!
Tennis shoes have the tendency to cut your leg off at the ankle, accentuating the thickest areas. Always wear the lowest cut socks you can stand (some people hate the way they feel, I know) and find a sport shoe that cuts lower below your ankle.
A personal trick I use to make my calves appear thinner is to apply a gradual self-tanner to the sides of my calves. This creates fake definition and from the front makes them appear more narrow. (I also do this on my abs to create a faux six-pack). It's the equivalent to using make up on your face for highlights and low-lights.
Anytime you can, wear a mule or backless shoe. The long visual of skin all the way down to your heel creates a sexy line and makes your ankle appear thinner.
I, personally, have very thick ankles. Wearing straps that cut horizontally across my ankle accentuates the thickest area and makes my legs appear shorter. Shorter is never better. For this reason, I tend to wear straps that circle high at the back of my ankle and then dip below to my foot in the front. This creates longer lines making me seem taller and in turn creating a longer and thinner calf and ankle.
As a general rule, never wear any shoe (or shirt, or skirt or pants, for that matter) that ends at the thickest point of your body. For example, if you have chunky calves, never wear a boot that ends in the middle of your calf. Opt for the boot that ends just below your knee at the narrowest point. Also be certain that the boots are not too tight or you may end up with a muffin top…
Matching your shoes to your hose or tights, when wearing a skirt or a dress, will also help your legs look thinner. If your skirt is also in a matching color, you'll look thinner from the waist down.
And lastly, your legs will look instantly longer, leaner and more defined in heels! They don't have to be terribly high, but do remember that the higher the heel, the thinner you look. Wearing a heel forces the calf muscle to work harder, therefore creating a more defined look.
Unfortunately, these cankles of mine will probably never go away, but I can do everything in my power to keep them from ruining the looks of my beautiful Manolos!
~ Colleen Katana
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5 comments:
As a professional shoe collector I found this very informative! I sure love my heels. My fiance often asks why women wear shoes that hurt our feet so much. Now I'll just tell him to read this article! Maybe now he'll finally get it! haha.
Love it...very well written! :-)
Are there any excercises you can do to cut down on cankles? I hear that they are hereditary, but I have them, and if I wear heels it ends up stressing my knees, so I feel like it's a losing situation.
As a cankle sufferer, I have to say, these tips seem helpful and I cannot wait to put them to use!
Thank you =o)
Hi Jessica,
Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you!
Hmm, cankle exercises...that's a tough one. I, too, have cankles comparable to Miss Piggy's (yes, they're that bad)and though I don't think that there are any exercises to specifically target your ankles, you can make them appear smaller by defining your calves more. This creates a larger ratio between your calves and ankles creating a sleeker look. Calf raises are an easy way to get this desired look. Lean your forearms against a bare wall while standing and press up on your toes. Pulsate up and down for 20 counts (or whatever is within your ability). I typically do 3-4 sets of 20 repetitions.
Also, I do a squat/calf raise combo. In my hands I hold 2-lbs weights (soup cans also work well!). With your feet shoulder width apart, do a normal squat. Once your knees are bent (be sure they don't go over your toes, this can be bad for your knees)raise yourself onto your toes. Then still on your toes, lift yourself from the squat, hold for three counts (still on your toes) and lower your heels to the ground. Again, I typically do 3 sets of 20 reps, but be sure not to push yourself too hard!
Also...cardio is the best way to shed weight from all over your body...cankles included! Hope this helps Jessica!
debsta97 --
These are great ideas to use at no crazy price to put into action. I'm so glad I ran across Colleen's tips.
Debbie
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