A few years ago, a feature on how to look slimmer might have included depressing tips on why you shouldn't have dressing on your salad (erm, that's the best part) and doing some awful 24-hour lemon water diet. Hallelujah for 2018, then, and the fact that aspiring to be a size zero is much less of a trend. The body positivity movement has meant we're much better at embracing our different body shapes and sizes, and that doesn't involve obsessively counting calories.
We all still want to look our best, and for any given silhouette, there will always be pieces that flatter more than others. So, rather than a fad diet, we'd suggest exploring the fact that your wardrobe holds all the solutions you need to look your best. The A-list knows this already and often uses dressing tricks to accentuate the parts of their bodies that they love. Ready to learn from the pros? Keep scrolling for seven tricks on how to look slimmer.
#1: Show off your best features.
Style Notes: One brilliant trick is to draw eyes away from the parts of your body you're not so fussed about and to the bits that you love. Whether it's your legs, your clavicles or décolletage, accentuate your best features. From off-the-shoulder tops to skirts with slits, there are plenty of pieces that will help you do that.
Key Buy:
Rixo's skirts not only come in fabulous prints, but the slits are subtly sassy.
#2: Barely there heels will elongate your legs.
Style Notes: If there's anyone who knows how to use their wardrobe to suit their figure, it's Kim K. She's got a knack for knowing which pieces highlight her small waist but also what shoes make her legs appear longer. It's a no-brainer that barely there nude sandals do the trick. At under 5'2'', she knows how to make the most of her height.
Related: Summer 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
Key Buy:
This pair of shoes from Stuart Weitzman are a staple for every wardrobe.
#3: Fitted pieces give any figure definition (and we all know the power of a belt).
Style Notes: Blake Lively often makes interesting and bold fashion choices, but she never forgoes one major trick: Her outfits always fit her perfectly. While this bright ensemble could drown out her curves, thanks to a strategically placed belt, it gives her definition.
Key Buy:
Invest in a belt to cinch anything that's oversized.
#4: A block colour will draw the eye.
Style Notes: Beyoncé could look great in a bin bag, but she also knows how to dress her incredible curves. This look makes the most of her figure and draws the eye up and down the body, thanks to the block colour.
Related: The Secret to Making Your Butt Look Good in Jeans
Key Buy:
Wrap dresses are super flattering.
#5: Crop tops and high-waisted trousers will flatter.
Style Notes: There is a sophisticated way to wear crop tops, and Ashley Graham knows it: Just pair with high-waisted trousers. The exact formula of brightly coloured top paired with darker trousers on the bottom half is the most flattering way to do it.
Key Buy:
Get in another trend with this pair of top-stitch high-waisted trousers.
#6: There's no harm in showing some cleavage.
Style Notes: There's no rule that says you can't show off your cleavage. In fact, we'd go so far as to say the "boobs" trend is very 2018.
Key Buy:
The polka-dot trend is still hanging around for S/S 18.
#7: Bold shoulders can give an hourglass figure.
Style Notes: If you're looking for a way to balance out your hips and give yourself an hourglass shape, try padded or power shoulders by the way of a belted blazer.
Key Buy:
All you need is a belt.
Right, pass us the chocolate.