How Not to Look Fat

by Danica Lo

A former plus-size model and lifestyle columnist offers innovative solutions on how how maximize one's slimming potential through a variety of fashion tips and tricks that help one look thinner in all situations. Original.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was both hilarious and completely helpful! I always knew I liked v-neck t-shirts better than crew neck shirts, and now I know why, they are slimming!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who isn't perfectly pleased with how much they weigh or anyone who has ever had a photo taken of themselves and been surprised and disappointed at how not-slim they look.

There's no real dieting advice or exercise recommendations, although there are some cocktail recipes to make night's out less bloating, and moves to firm up your muscles temporarily for an instant slim-down. There's ways to stand, ways to walk, ways to pose in pictures that will make you appear slimmer (or at least not make you appear heavier) as well as clothing rules and brand recommendations to make the most of your wardrobe choices.

I got this book a few years ago after the 60 lbs I gained from baby #1 didn't melt away like I thought they would. It was a huge boost to my self-image to know how to leave my house looking the best I could at the weight I was.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting. I was hoping for some useful tips for every body shape to maximize your fashion potential. What I got was a book for the plus-sized with tips to hide a double chin, flabby arms, beer belly, and fat thighs. There were a few rules that could be helpful, such as how to draw the eye to more flattering areas, which every woman can use. Also, visual images were in the form of drawn illustrations which were effective and less awkward to look at than actual people, especially when discussing various styles of underwear, bras, and bikini bottoms. Overall, I would recommend this book for larger, shorter women, which is what the author seems to cater to, but if your body type is something other than this, the tips may be less than flattering for you. For me, a very long-legged person with a little bit of extra pounds from their last pregnancy, elongating my legs isn't necessarily what I'm looking for.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent and just what I needed! I turned down corners and underlined lots of items. I appreciated that the author is a size 14, and has done Plus size modelling, so not only does she understand, but she has learned some tips! She is frank and funny, and sometimes opinionated, but I loved that, because I'm that way, myself. I did get a lot of ideas! I already knew about V necks, so was glad to read that. Let's see, most of American women are overweight, and the V neck is universally flattering, and round or crew necks are NOT, so I just looked at a Northstyle catalog and what did I find? 90-95% round necked tops and dresses! High or low scoop. According to Danica Lo, unless you are a tiny woman with a small chest, round necks are not a good idea. So what are designers and manufacturers trying to do to us?? It would be NICE if they'd work with us overweight women who want to look nice. In fact, I used to be slim (up to age 40) and could wear anything I wanted, but now that I'm older and heavier, I really had no idea how to dress and how to minimize the weight. I wish there would be magazine articles or books about HOW TO DRESS once you aren't slim and young anymore. But, I do highly recommend this book!

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book awhile ago and just had it sitting on my bookshelf since then. Full of helpful hints on how to play up your assets instead of playing them down. Since 45 it seems I try to see how many double chins I can make whenever I take a picture and this is when I'm down to a size 6 I still seem to have this goat. She tells you to bring your tongue back to your soft palette which will tighten your chin and how to hold your head to minimize it. I practiced in front of my daughter who thought I was nuts. There's also a hint from a personal dresser about what to do with a boar brush. I have one so I'm going to try it out. My daughter doesn't so I'll not mention that part - sharing boar brushes for that purpose is gross! She tells you which jeans to buy, where the pockets should be, etc. Helpful hint after helpful hints. I'm keeping this book for reference. I would recommend this book.

[Wrensmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate that the author of this book is a plus-sized model. She actually has a clue about the problems those of us who are well-endowed in various ways have finding decent-fitting clothing.

[Maritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny with some good tips! Recommend!

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This doesn't focus on body types but still has good hints.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet and to the point. Covers clothes, hair, makeup and even scents. Some good practical advise. Thank you.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not particularly "fat" so most of this didn't apply to me but there were a few good tips. Would definitely recommend if you consider yourself overweight.