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Page 7 Fabric should never be tight across your tummy. A neckline that dives into your décolletage will flatter your chest and narrow your torso. Go for buttonless wrap over tops as they will clinch your waist, whilst the tie belt will hang down to distract from your tummy. Keep styles simple, streamlined and straight. Show lots of leg. Skirts and dresses should end above the knee. Make a high visibility statement with bright colors. Keep your necklines low, accessories should be polished and in proportion to your frame. Try not to buy black, keep all eyes on you in bold bright colours. Finally remember shorter torso, longer legs, taller lady! Boost boobs Float over tummy and hips Work your waist, legs and arms And my biggest tip of all, invest in a pair of magic pants – they can literally change your look in an instant. The dress will always work well for you as separates tend to focus on the very area you are trying to hide — silky slip dress don’t have enough detailing to distract from your paunch though, and bias cut styles are the queens of cling and will vacuum seal your belly bulge. Instead opt for an empire line dress, perfect for supporting and boosting your chest drawing attention away from your belly.
Louise:
I am 27 and have just had a baby and think my figure has changed from an hour glass to I don't know what!! What styles would suit me now? I'm 5 ft 2 inches with chunky thighs, a big butt, 36C boobs (sagging now) and a bit of a tummy that has stretch marks on it. This has got me quite down, I used to love clothes but now I haven't got a clue. I feel like a frumpy rather than yummy mummy. I'm still mixing between maternity wear and my old clothes but I just look a mess. Please help!
Gok:
Firstly let's celebrate the birth of your little one but let’s not think that because you are a new Mum style needs to go out the window! Don’t make the mistake of trapping yourself in a world of 'comfortable' clothing in a bid to detract from your body shape which has, of course, completely changed! I think what you need is a body boost — hoist those tits up, trap that tummy in and elongate those legs. Invest in a push up bra and a great pair of heels — it’s amazing how quickly you will notice the difference!
If your tummy is the bit that’s getting you down, don’t worry there are a few simple rules that will help to make you feel more confident:
See Gok's tips on how to deal with a mummy tummy >>
Judy:
My daughter, sister and I are all small women. My sister is 4 ft 11", my daughter 4 ft 10" and myself 5ft. We really have trouble when it comes to clothes. Can you give any advice please?
Gok:
Blokes love a shorter woman, it's no surprise as gorgeous things come in small packages!
My advice to you all is simple:
Tiny? So was series 3's Ali Birch — catch her story here >>
Jan H:
What's the best gear for a 50 year old 5ft 3" female (apple shape I think, never sure about that one!) whose belly is the biggest sticky out bit. Nice legs, small bust, not bothered about arms, bum or thighs, just would love to hide the belly and look a bit more trendy.
Gok:
There are some rare women who naturally have a flat, or even a concave stomach. Some do endless sit ups to get that six pack, while others just push salad around their plates and never eat anything naughty! I will have you know that a tummy is a turn on, there’s a reason why the world’s oldest dance form is belly dancing...your sexy belly is proof that you like a bit of naughtiness and spice in your life.
Three golden rules for you:
Clare:
I have an hourglass figure, but since the hourglass isn’t in fashion at the moment, how on earth do I find clothes? Because of my small waist, trousers hang open at the back (they need to be big to go over my bottom and hips), and any dresses which fit over my chest are squeezed tight over my stomach. I am totally inspired by your programme to love my curves (something I never did before), and I desperately want the kind of clothes which you suggest will flatter my shape, but I just can’t seem to find them!Always ensure the curve of your waist and bottom are defined Keep skirt hems below the knee Never wear loose unstructured styles Elongate your legs with wide mid rise trousers Look for jackets with a high fitted waist
I have an hourglass figure, but since the hourglass isn’t in fashion at the moment, how on earth do I find clothes? Because of my small waist, trousers hang open at the back (they need to be big to go over my bottom and hips), and any dresses which fit over my chest are squeezed tight over my stomach. I am totally inspired by your programme to love my curves (something I never did before), and I desperately want the kind of clothes which you suggest will flatter my shape, but I just can’t seem to find them!
Gok:
Your sexy silhouette is begging to be outlined in a dress. A three quarter sleeve, square neck tailored dress with kick pleats at the hem is your perfect 'check my curves' style. The sleeves will finish at waist level, focusing attention on your slimmest part and the square neck will broaden your shoulders, slimming your waist in comparison and balancing out your bottom.
I know finding that pair of perfect trousers is your mission impossible but if you want to know the key to making it work, I’ll tell you! Buy larger sizes that fit over your hips and buttocks, then take in the waist with alternations. This may seem like a massive hassle but I cannot tell you the euphoric joy of a perfect fitting pair of trousers. For the sake of a week and £20 at the tailors you will never regret it.
I’ll leave you with a few of my golden rules:
