Do you have at least one garment in your closet that you never 
wear because it makes you look fat? Maybe you take it out and try 
it on every now and then but it still doesn't flatter. It doesn't 
matter what you weigh you can easily make yourself look fat with 
the wrong clothes. Learn these basic camouflage rules and you'll 
never make the same mistake again.

1. Avoid anything stiff. A stiff garment forms a square box 
   around you. It doesn't fall into flattering loose folds but 
   stands out on its own making even skinny people look large. 
   Having a shape is important whatever your size. 

2. The same goes for the large tents that we try to camouflage 
   ourselves in. It doesn't work we just look larger. Shape is 
   needed.

3. Other than in your accessories don't wear anything shiny. 
   Shiny is great for jewelry, bags, decorative motifs, scarves,
   but not for a whole garment. Shine reflects the light making 
   you look bigger and  showing every curve and bump. 

4. You know about avoiding horizontal stripes but are you aware 
   of hidden stripes? A belt in a contrasting shade, large top 
   pockets, contrasting ribbing on the bottom of  a jersey? 
   These are all stripes and can make you look larger than you 
   wish. Look carefully at a garment to check for these design 
   traps and avoid them.

5. Conversely, subtle vertical stripes are (usually) your 
   friend. Find them in a garment's style and stitching,  
   a deeply cut V-necked jacket, a silk scarf hanging loosely, 
   long beads, the drape of pants or skirt etc. 

6. But vertical stripes on tightly clinging leggings or pants 
   are not flattering. The stripes follow your curves, 
   emphasizing them cruelly.  

7. Avoid bulky fabrics such as quilted parkas- these often 
   offend on two counts, one by horizontally machined quilting 
   and another by too much padding. They look enormous and so 
   does anyone who wears them. Thick mohair jumpers are another 
   fattener. Thinner fabrics, such as polar fleece, can be 
   equally warm so there is no need to bulk up.

8. On the other hand don't buy cheap thin fabrics. A fabric 
   must have enough body to hang well rather than clinging. 
   Even T-Shirts in cheap thin fabrics look dreadful and they 
   don't last as long so are not really cheaper. Buy fewer 
   and buy quality.

9. Monochrome dressing is slimming and elegant. Dress in one 
   color from top to toe, preferably a dark neutral. For 
   interest vary textures or add color in your accessories.  
   A plain black outfit with a turquoise silk scarf or bright 
   pink earrings for example. 

10. Don't wear frills and ruffles if you have passed your 10th 
   birthday. They add bulk and look tacky.

11. Beware of clothes that are too small, they are fattening. 
   Not only are they unflattering but wearing them makes you 
   feel fat all day. If a garment is tight chuck it out or 
   pack it away until it fits again.

12. If you have put on a pound or two don't forget to check 
   your bra. Does it still fit? Its so easy to forget and to 
   keep wearing a bra that fitted once. Badly fitting bras 
   create horrible bulges across your back, treat yourself 
   to a new one.


If you bear these tips in mind when shopping for clothes you 
will have a much better chance of losing a pound or two and 
looking great. 

For information about weight loss and fitness and to lose actual 
pounds visit  http://www.trim-you.com/ 

This article was written by Liz Beresford. Liz is a registered 
nurse and owns and operates http://www.trim-you.com  where you 
can find news and up to date information about various weight 
loss diets and supplements.