Find a pair of heels that you love.
Wear a shoe with a
heel-even if it's a small one. The higher the heel, the slimmer
you'll look, because it elongates your legs and forces you to throw your
shoulders back-creating killer posture-as you walk. Look for heels with a platform. These comfortable styles
hold your arch at a more gentle angle and give an extra bit of support
at the balls of your feet.
Yes, clothes alone can help you do that. If you have wide hips, give the impression of a smaller waist by finding a dress or top that wraps where you're the slimmest. Try on several sizes and styles to find something that falls at a flattering angle. Clothes shouldn't pull or cling to you; instead, they should skim your body. Women with wide shoulders will benefit from V-neck shirts. The deeper the V, the narrower your shoulders will look. By exposing skin below your neck, this style subtly draws the eye downward, giving the illusion of a more vertical silhouette.
Downplay your flaws.
If you aren't crazy about your legs, don't draw attention to them by wearing light-colored pants or jeans with sanding or whiskering. Pale colors and details will immediately attract the eye. Also avoid cargo-style pants with pockets on the thighs, which add bulk where legs are often the thickest. To minimize a tummy bulge, look for tops and shirts with a wide band at the waist.
Don't be intimidated by shapewear.
Today's shapewear is much more body-friendly than older versions. No more pinching hooks and straps, or binding fabrics. Take the time to find pieces that work with your body and your budget. The Underwire Long Leg Bodysuit creates a smoothing effect under dresses and pants. When trying on, if something feels a little too tight at the store, it'll feel 100 times tighter after four hours at a cocktail party. Choose a larger size that will still hold you in for maximum comfort.
Check out unexpected stores for great finds.
Head to the men's department for oversize button-downs, T-shirts and sweaters. Since menswear tends to be boxy and not fitted, pair these tops with leggings or skinny pants and belt the waist to create a feminine look. For DIY accessories, like ribbon-tie necklaces, pick up supplies, including pearly beads and pretty ribbon, at a crafts store to make your own.
Follow trends-to a point.
Of course you don't want to look frumpy, but there's no reason to buy stylish clothes if they don't flatter your figure or aren't age-appropriate. Short skirts are hot right now, but if you aren't a teenager they can be difficult. To find one that works with your figure, look for styles that are only a few inches above the knee. Make sure that it covers the widest part of your thighs,and wear skin-tone heels to give your legs length.
Spend where it counts.
Don't skimp on great-fitting staples that you'll wear for years.Invest in hardworking closet staples like black pants, a white blouse and a black pencil skirt. These items are the foundation of any wardrobe. Because they can be styled to look great for variety of different occasions, they should fit your body perfectly.
Shop for your size.
Many women buy clothes that are just too big, hoping to hide their flaws. In reality, loose-fitting clothing actually makes women appear larger, not smaller, because it deprives them of a shape. So don't hide behind miles of fabric. Instead, look for tops that skim your shape but don't billow, such as jackets with cinched waists. If you're buying something that contains Lycra-especially jeans-opt for a size that's a little too tight in the dressing room. It'll stretch to fit your body perfectly, whereas a bigger size (the one that fit like a glove at the store) will sag after a few weeks.
