Thick middle?
“Everything in my wardrobe clings to my full stomach—it’s my biggest body gripe since having kids.”
THE PROBLEM: High-waisted bottoms are back in style, but they can end up emphasizing the stomach.
Tucking a shirt into the high-waisted skirts ends up erasing natural curves and creating more bulk—and a skirt with horizontal stripes magnifies the stomach area instead of slimming it.
THE FLATTERING FIX: Opt for the stomach-taming, bodyelongating combo of a crochet tunic and shorts. “The tunic’s texture instantly camouflages a belly bulge and the pastthe-hips length creates the illusion of a longer, leaner torso while also skimming over any bumps and bulges,” says Dawn Del Russo, stylist to Vivica A. Fox and Rachel Bilson. Layering the tunic over a white tank and shorts creates a column that elongates the figure, Del Russo adds. For an even more slimming effect, look for the latest technology in shapewear shorts: built-in tummy control panels to smooth out lumps and bumps without the constricting feel of shaping underwear.
GET THE LOOK: Charming Charlie Navy Blue Rosa Tassel Earrings, $12, CharmingCharlie.com; Chico’s Textured Pullover, $89, Chicos.com; Old Navy First-Layer Fitted Tank in White, $10, OldNavy.com; Slimsation Short in White, $54, Slimsation.com; Chinese Laundry Ollie Wedge Slide Sandal in Natural, $56 with 20% off code FIRST20 at checkout, ChineseLaundry.com
CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING BONUS
BANISH BELLY BLOAT with a stomach wrap infused with green tea and seaweed. The algae’s iodine absorbs into skin and helps flush out fat-packing toxins while green tea’s caffeine has a diuretic effect to help eliminate excess fluids. Try: FitTea Body Wraps ($30 for four, FitTea.com)