8 secrets for dressing slimmer

5. Bet on belts
Belts can also be a great tool when trying to dress slimmer. Wearing a belt with a nice buckle lower on your hips will draw the eye to the belt and elongate your overall look, especially if the belt blends with your clothing colour, Collins says. Belts can also help tie a look together, and are a very versatile accessory.

6. Skinny versus wide pants -- you can wear both
Since skinny pants are still on the fashion radar, there are ways to wear them and look streamlined, Collins says. If you are going to wear skinny pants, pair them with a voluminous top or long blazer, she says. The same principle applies when wearing a wide-legged trouser. Pair them with a fitted shirt or jacket. "The whole outfit shouldn't be completely voluminous or stick straight," she explains. But pairing one with the other makes it simple to dress both slim -- and stylish. Collins also says that if you are going to go with a skinny jean or pant, you can achieve a sleeker look with stylish boots worn over the pants.

7. Wear colour
Use bright colours wisely, Collins says. Since classic browns, beiges and charcoal greys look good on everyone, she suggests bright splashes of colour as underpinnings to an outfit. Wear a rich magenta or deep blue camisole under a dark grey suit jacket to spice up your look without going over the top.

8. Flattering footwear
When helping her clients pick the right footwear, Collins chooses boots as the no-fail option. Boots are flattering on everyone, and everyone can look sleek in a boot, she says. If you are wearing a pair of jeans, just adding boots and a blazer will complete your outfit, and also be slimming. Heels, too, are a slimming footwear, but stay away from ankle straps, which cut off the lines of the legs, she explains.

Wearing stylish clothes that fit you well -- and that you are comfortable in -- can help retrain you to appreciate your body, Collins says. After all, it's only when you are comfortable in your own skin that you can feel good in what you put on.

Read more:
• Healthy weight loss guide: Diet, nutrition and exercise tips
• 8 clothing and accessory picks from fashion insiders
• How to look stylish: Fashion tips and style ideas
• How to wear trends without looking like a teen

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