The Skinny Essentials

What slimming staples should you add to your wardrobe?

We asked two experts—Emily Neill, founder of the Boston-based fashion consulting company Closet Smarts and author of the before-and-after book Closet Smarts, and Danica Lo, New York Post fashion columnist and author of the self-help book How Not to Look Fat—for their most figure-flattering fashion advice. Here, their top tips for every body.

Tops

• Fake a flattering hourglass shape: Wear a shell and cardigan in a solid color, then fasten the center two buttons.
• V-shape necklines or stand-up collars are universally flattering and slimming on most women.
• Wrap tops can accentuate the narrowest part of your upper body.
• Jackets that cinch below the bust or have darting define your waist.
• A single-breasted suit jacket with three or four buttons will elongate a larger upper body. (Double-breasted jackets add bulk.)

Shoes

• Look for shoes in neutral shades: They blend well with skin or hosiery, making your legs look longer and leaner.
• Another option: Draw the eye away from trouble areas and add punch to any outfit with heels in an unexpected print or color.
• Reveal some toe cleavage with pumps that are cut low in the front (with a low vamp) to lengthen the look of your leg.
• Chunky-heeled shoes balance a thicker leg; thin, stiletto heels emphasize it.

Accessories

• Choose a purse that’s in proportion to your body. A small purse can make a larger body look even bigger.
• Carry a short-handled purse in your hand (like a tote bag) if you have a larger upper half. Lower half larger? Wear your bag on your shoulder for balance.

Bottoms

• A skirt with a slight flare at the bottom keeps larger hips in proportion.
• Midrise slacks (which sit mid-way between belly button and hips) with a 2- to 3-inch-wide waistband will help cover some of your stomach and make your butt look smaller.
• Pants with a slight flare will balance out your rear.
• Trousers that have a crease down the center elongate and slim the leg.

Lingerie

• Choose sheer black pantyhose (the most slimming shade).
• A good-fitting bra should lie flat against the skin between your breasts, and the back shouldn’t ride up toward your shoulder blades. Bra cups should mold to your breasts.
• Control garments, from panties to camis, can create a slimmer line. Don’t be embarrassed to try them on. Do a comfort check—could you wear it all day?
• Bring a thin dress, skirt, or shirt into the dressing room to see if the control garment creates any telltale bumps.