Boot Cut Jeans

"Jeans should hug you in all the right places," says Jill Martin, author of Fashion for Dummies.

"Dark boot legs are the most flattering. The slight flare at the ankle will give a long, lean appearance."

Add a longish top for coverage and a cropped, fitted jacket to nip in your waist.


Body-Lengthening Clothes

"Everything should be body skimming," says celebrity stylist Robert Verdi.

"The most common misconception is that bigger clothes will make you look slimmer."

Pile on lightweight vertical pieces (think long cardigans, scarves, necklaces) to build a body-lengthening look without the bulk.


Structured Fabric

Dresses made from a structured fabric conceal imperfections, while crisscross detailing visually cinches in your middle.

"The shape of the dress has to be hourglass, coming in close to the body and then gently draping out," saysThe Biggest Loser stylist Liza Whitcraft.

And if you're shy about doughy arms, keep 'em under wraps with a cropped, fitted cardigan.


Accentuate Your Waist

A voluminous white tunic may sound like the antithesis to dressing thinner, but it can be surprisingly flattering.

"Define your waist with a skinny belt," Verdi says.

"And the farther you are from the floor, the skinnier you'll look, so wear platform heels."

Remember to harness the power of slimming undergarments—they're the sneakiest look-trim trick of all.


Long, Dark Pants

Shoe-skimming superdark pants create a long, lean silhouette."If you're bottom-heavy, wear them with a white top,"Martin says.