Special Effects

Whether it is longer legs, a slimmer waist and a well-proportioned figure, one doesn’t need to resort to faddish diets or time-consuming workouts to de-emphasize those trouble spots- here are ten ways to alter your appearance with clothes.

1. For a lean look, go long. Opt for cardigans and single-breasted unconstructed jackets that fall just below your hips, or fitted blouses and tunic tops that land just below your waist. Pair these longer length-tops with slim, but not tight, pants and skirts.

2. To make your waist look smaller, try tailored shirts and jackets with soft shoulder pads.

3. Solid, monochromatic colours are great camouflage in the battle of the bulge. Both top and bottom pieces should be tones of the same or similar colour. Darker colours such as black, navy blue, and grey are the most slimming of them all. If you do want to go for a pattern keep them simple and in no more than two or three colours.

4. To make legs look longer, the hemline of your skirt should fall right at the knee. Matching your belt and shoes to your skirt or pants can also create the illusion of longer legs.

5. Wear shoes with a two-inch heel. They’ll help you appear taller, slimmer and shapelier. Just remember, too high of a heel is not good for your feet. Dark nylons worn with a dark skirt can make your legs seem more slender.

6. Boost your bust by drawing attention to it with patterns, romantic ruffles and Empire-waisted (the seam appears under the bustline) tops. Wearing a light colour on top and a darker colour on the bottom (for example, a white T-shirt with dark blue jeans) makes your upper half look curvier.

7. Accessories help draw attention from trouble spots. For example, if you want a fun, young look that de-emphasizes your stomach, don’t wear a bright or ornate belt. Instead, tie a trendy extra long scarf around your neck to create a vertical line.

8. Things to avoid if you’re want to conceal extra weight: horizontal stripes, pleats, patterns, shiny fabrics and ruffles.

9. Properly fitted undergarments can help disguise many figure flaws. For example, if you are larger than a B-cup, a good support bra will actually make you appear slimmer by de-emphasizing your bust line. For a clean, lean line, try control top pantyhose and shapers. Make sure you are wearing the correct size undergarment — ill-fitting bras and panties can cause bulges and bumps that draw attention to extra weight.

10. If you want to balance an ample bosom with narrow hips, go for ’40s style fitted jackets with a peplum (flared below the waist) over slightly flared skirts. Dark tops paired with lighter-coloured bottoms, and pleats and gathers are other ways to enhance your hips.