Fashion director Peta Hunt shows you how to lose lbs instantly - no diet required!
1 First, remember it's never about what size you are - it's all about getting a correctly fitting dress. It has to be well made and well fitted - don’t buy a dress and dream that you are going to change from a size 18 to an 8 in three months – keep it real.
2 Save your final dress fitting to the last possible moment this allows time for as much weight loss and firming up of tums etc as possible.
3 One of the easiest tricks is to buy a really good, generous-sized wrap to take the eye away from flabby flesh and give you a better outline. If you have a slimmer-shaped dress but you lack confidence a good wrap can cover any area you feel needs a little help.
4 If you or your maids do have the dreaded “bingo wings” look for bolero jackets in chiffon, organza or lace. They're really elegant and refined, plus, if you're wearing a strapless dress it will draw the eye to your neckline and away from flesh that has been allowed to escape from your dress as well as giving a better silhouette.
5 Get good underwear. It can lift you up, flatten you out and keep your bits in place. Most lingerie and hosiery companies produce slimming underwear. Lots of celebs use 'Magic Knickers' for smoothing tums and bums - while they can't make you two stone lighter they can make you a little firmer looking. Available at most department stores and through online retailers, including: www.johnlewis.com, www.figleaves.com, and www.bareessentials.co.uk
6 If you have a good bust show it in a subtle way. A dress with a good neckline rather than a strapless one can frame your décolletage, then use a pendant or choker to draw attention to it.
7 Want to look slimmer? Then think taller! High heels can give you the extra height thus creating the illusion of being slimmer.
8 A heavy bust needs to be balanced, so again choose a dress that is either a scoop or v-neck with an A line skirt or a full floaty one. Unless you want to look like Jordan, don’t go for a huge skirt, equally don’t go for anything that is too tight - it's not really the day to look like a sex goddess!
9 Worried about sweat marks? Then go get some sweat pads from your local department store, in the haberdashery department. They cost about £3.75 a pair. You stick them to the armpit area on your clothing, to stop any dampness coming through.
10 Flat chest? You can wear any shape dress you like but do invest in those Silicone breast enhancers commonly known as 'chicken fillets' because of their colour, shape and fleshy feel. They're silicone gel shapes that fit inside your bra and give the appearance of a fuller size and shape. Your local lingerie shop or department store should be able to help, prices start from £6 up to about £60 - still cheaper than a boob job...!
For lots of fashion ideas whatever size or shape you are, click here
