Happy new year everyone!

Unbelievable to think that another year has passed us by again and yet just like last January and the one before that, I never learn to take it easy over Christmas and I am still always left with that horrible bloated tummy look from excessive over indulgence during the festive period.

Of course the easy answer is to not eat and drink as much and to hit the gym immediately come New Years Day, but if like me you can’t resist those second helpings of Christmas Pud, Mince Pies and Muled Wine and know that it takes a lot more than a couple of work-outs to return to your former glory. The solution is actually a lot simpler and boils down to learning the fine  art of dressing to  disguise your festive faux pas as you work your way back into shape.

Many women believe that wearing baggy, shapeless clothes is the best way to hide the pounds but in my mind this only ever emphasises and quite often exaggerates the problem as garments hit and fall off the body at the widest point.

Here are my top 10 top tips to dress yourself slimmer:

Tip 1: No Blocks of Colour

It may sound obvious, but wearing a solid block of colour head to toe will cause the eye line to spot your every flaw. Always break up blocks of colour with bright flashes, such as shoes, a necklace or bangles to stop the eye fixating on your middle area.

Tip 2: Support Underwear and Tights

Even though the party dress season maybe over for another year, clever hidden support garments still remain the quickest and easiest way to give a helpful little nip/tuck any time of the day. Knickers and tights with control panels will create a smooth line under trousers, whilst fitted slips will give an even, lump free silhouette under dresses.

Tip 3: Fit and Flare

As tempting as it may be to want to cover up in baggy shapeless clothes, rather than disguise the problem, this style of clothing only ever accentuates it. Always select tops and dresses that fit around the bust and flare out, skimming over the tummy and hips creating the impression of a more shapely and defined figure.

Tip 4: Big Belts

There is nothing like a big belt to tuck in and hideaway a big tummy! Choose a nice wide supple leather belt with a round buckle detail. Angle the belt so that it sits slightly higher on the base of the spine and tilt it forward as you bring it to the front so that it catches in and covers up flabby hips before resting the buckle at the bottom of your stomach, disguising that final last bumpy blip.

Tip 5: Voluminous and Flared Sleeves

Creating an exaggerated sense of proportion on the body is another way of disguising a big tum. Soft, billowing voluminous sleeves will make any waist look small. Likewise with jackets, coats and knits wear styles that have fluted or flared sleeves to give the same impression.

Tip 6: Waistcoats

Tailored waistcoats are a big hit on the high street this season and are a fantastic bulge evader! Picked up in the sales for next to nothing, choose a slightly longer style that ends just below the hips and has a flared hemline. Worn done up or undone, the shape will naturally hide your lumps and create the illusion of sexy proportionate curves.

Tip 7. Highwaist Flared Trousers

It goes without saying that ‘Muffin Tops’ are a definite no-no especially when you are self conscious of carrying a few extra pounds. Avoid the clothing catastrophe by opting for high waist trousers that sit just below the belly button. Better still wear pairs with a flare or boot cut to elongate and make a feature of your legs.

Tip 8: Low necklines

High necklines can often create a tube like effect on the body which in turn shows up any imperfections in body shape. Avoid by going for low scoop or V necklines that break up the front of the body. Fill in space with big, chunky necklaces to give the eye something to hone in on.

Tip 9: Wrap Dresses

If in need of a dress for a night out but scared you will feel more beached whale than belle of the ball, a pretty wrap dress is the perfect solution. Avoid overly patterned styles and always ties the belt in a knot rather than a bow to the side of the body so that the 2 tails hang down the over the hips and thighs, drawing the eye away from your middle.

Tip 10: Length of Tops

Just a crucial as waistbands, the length of tops is key to creating a flab-free look. Shorter tops that end on the stomach will increase width of waistline. Choose tops that end either on the hip or top of thigh in body skimming fabrics that do not cling to disguise tum, bum and hips.

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