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Dress to play up your assets
Come on now, let's admit it. None of us have the perfect bodies we ogle at longingly in the pages of glam mags. In fact, we all have problem areas we wish would just go away.
While you might not be able to get rid of them so easily, you can certainly make sure no-one but you knows about them! Whether you are top heavy or pear-shaped, have flabby arms or love handles -- they can all be hidden cleverly if you pick your outfits well.
If you have large hips...
Take heart. You're not alone. Try throwing on a pair of flat front trousers with wide legs to balance out the width of your hips.
A-line skirts in all lengths are your friends! Softly draped styles will make your body look proportionate and won't draw unneccessary attention to your problem area. And as a general rule, stick to muted and dark colours -- they are slimming.
Avoid like the plague big prints or detailing around your hips. This will make already large hips look super-sized! Severly tapered styles, pleats and horizontal stripes are a big no-no. We don't care how many fashion magazines advocate these trends -- they're just not for women with voluptuous curves below the waist.
Camouflage capers for chunky arms
Say bye-bye to noodle straps and sleeveless styles if you have flabby arms. Try short or long sleeves that will cover at least your triceps. But make sure the sleeves are not too tight, or the flab will start bulging out, drawing attention to your arms.
Bell sleeves and three-quarter sleeves are the most flattering and fashionable styles for you.
Skinny blues
Draw attention away from your arms by wearing a thin scarf knotted around your neck. The bonus of this move is a chic and fashionable look. Bangles are a fun way to add volume to thin wrists.
Steer clear of spaghetti straps if your shoulders are extra-bony -- a slightly thicker version of sleeveless vests is preferable. Keep your sleeve length slightly long to cover up your skinny arms.
Tone down that bust
While a big bustline is not something most women complain about, sometimes too big is just too big. If you're top heavy and would like to balance out your body, try V-necked tee-shirts. This style makes you look smaller and slimmer. Vertical stripes do exactly the same thing.
Round necked tee-shirts, however, do just the opposite -- so steer clear of them. High necks and halter dresses will also do the same and so will boxy double-breasted jackets.
And, finally, the biggest favour you can do yourself is invest in the right bra. If you're not sure about your correct size, get a professional to help you out.
Get a fuller chest
The other side of this coin is the woman who desperately wants a bigger chest. Well, there's help for you too. Try round necked tee-shirts and halter neck dresses. Tops and dresses with ruffles and detailing in the front accentuate the bust, so do give them a shot.
Stay away from tube tops -- they'll make you look truly tiny. Use your body to your advantage -- slinky backless styles are yours for the taking!
And ladies, a word of advice: hit a lingerie store right now to see how the right bra can change your life! From push-ups to padded gel inserts -- you don't have to be small anymore.
Banish those love handles
Why on earth are they called love handles, when the last thing you feel for these pesky flabby bits is love? Women all over the world are plagued with the infamous 'muffin top' look that is not only unsightly, but also difficult to lose.
The quickest way to get rid of the bulges pouring out over your waistband is to throw away your low rise jeans and buy a high rise pair instead. You could also try the layered look -- a tee-shirt and jeans, off-set with a cardigan over it will hide your love handles. Empire-waisted dresses and tops are your best friends -- they emphasise your bust and flow out covering unsightly bulges.
And finally, if all else fails, invest in a body shaper. We promise you won't regret it!
Cover up that paunch
The trick is to wear loose clothing around your midriff, so minimal attention is drawn to it. Loose trousers, tops that have a little give around the waist and straight fits are your best bets. Go for empire-wasitline dresses and A-line tunics.
Do not, under any circumstances, try to squeeze your flab into tight clothes. This will only cause unsightly bulges and tyres. And for heaven's sake, stay far away from midriff-baring outfits!
Want slimmer thighs?
Every woman has felt self-conscious about her thighs at one time or another! However, luckily, there are many fashion choices to conceal thunder thighs.
Firstly, the rule of thumb: keep your pants and skirts darker than your tops. Dark colours are more slimming than light ones -- use this knowledge to your advantage.
Skirts are your friend. Just make sure they're long enough to cover up the thighs! Try vertical stripes -- they give the illusion of slimness and length.
Pants that taper at the ankle are your enemy -- they will make your calves look thin and thighs huge, giving you a chicken-leg look!
Chicken leg woes
Legs that are too skinny will end up looking gangly and awkward. To give them some fullness, try wearing patterned tights or panty hose. Long skirts will cover up your legs and nobody will ever know!
Don't attempt short skirts or hot pants -- they will give you the dreaded chicken leg look! Also avoid skinny jeans -- it's a fashion trend that's just not for you!
Standing tall
While most of us feel that being tall is a blessing, and makes you look like a model, some tall women end up feeling very self conscious about their height and fashion options.
If you are very tall and want to lessen the impact of your height, try wearing long dresses with a belt. Wide belts serve as a dividing line between the torso and legs -- and they don't make your torso look long the way narrow belts do.
Of course, stick to flat shoes instead of heels, and choose your bags carefully. Large, oversized bags were made for you -- small, dainty ones tucked under your armpit will look disproportionate.
Add on a few inches
On the other hand, a lot of women face the opposite problem -- of being too short. To make yourself look taller than you actually are, try these tricks.
High waisted anythings are great for adding length and making your legs look longer. Try high waisted jeans, trousers and skirts. However, make sure your jeans are not bell-bottoms. Flared bottoms will make you look shorter instead of taller! Capris do the same thing, so avoid them.
Narrow belts were made for you -- wrap one around your waist and see how it instantly makes your torso look longer.
And of course, invest in a pair of killer heels for those extra inches!