Flatter yourself and flatten yourself!

How to work with what you've got is one of those things that should come naturally to us women, but it's surprising how few of us get it right when it comes to showing off our body's 'best bits'.

This last Wednesday Famers, as part of the 30 days of Fashion and Beauty campaign, put together a workshop on the dos and don'ts of figure flattering - and more importantly - flattening! 'Dress to Flatter your Figure' was a collaboration between the Australian Women's Weekly and Nancy Ganz's "Body" shape wear, using outfits completely sourced from the in-store Farmers Spring collection.

I took pen to paper and noted down some of the excellent advice provided by Leonie Barlow, Anna Caselberg and Stacy Beatson to share with Thread readers, so that we can all make the most out of Spring - and our own beautiful bodies.

So here are some of the most important tips for looking great this season:

- Leggings always make the most out of great legs, but don't be tempted to pair them with hot heels if you're not sure you can pull the look off. Ballet flats are the most flattering choice, and the safest bet for some of us older gals... leave that particular combo to the brat pack.

- Always invest real time into creating your seasonal look, as a carefully crafted collection needs some forethought and planning. Ditch the kids, grab an honest friend and plan on a few hours at least in your favourite store. Quick clothing purchases are often bad clothing purchases.

 

- Don't be too frugal when it comes to buying a classic item like those lovely military blazers we're seeing - these looks will last at least a couple of seasons, so make sure your jacket will last with it.

- And on that note: when buying ANY part of your wardrobe, but especially those big items, stop and ask yourself how much of your current stash will complement it. If you can't remember, take 24 hours to sleep on it, and plan those match-ups in your head.

- The theory that good posture will appear to take 3 kgs off your frame is true, so stand up straight! And great tummy/butt hugging underwear like the Nancy Ganz boy-leg pants will slim off at least another kilo, so combine some shape-wear with the ballet back and you'll look a dress size smaller instantly.

- To achieve that perfect silhouette underneath nicely tailored pants or those skinny jeans we love, add those cheeky boy-leg pants again, and you'll lose that underpants indentation on your hips.

- Black is always an easy option on any occasion, but if you only choose black clothing because it's 'easy' or 'safe', try adding just one piece of colour to your outfit to brighten your look. But if you looooove black, then stick to it.

- Always match a straight-line tunic with equally straight-line pants, not leggings. Leggings need to go with something softer on top.

- Draping is more tricky than it seems, so follow the rules: Those of us with flatter chests and either broad or slender shoulders can wear draping at the front (for example a floaty crossover blouse) but if you're larger in the chest, avoid it like the plague. Instead, take advantage of the current love of draped/pouch-y pockets on either side, to draw the eye away, thus creating a more flattering shape.

- Layering up several different pieces is always a great trick to have up your sleeve, but make sure that each layer is quite soft or fine, so as not to add bulk.

- When you have one major print going on, avoid over-doing it by keeping all your other pieces simple block colours. This draws attention to the accent piece, rather than overwhelming it.

- If you choose to wear a longer sleeve layer underneath your top, make sure it is in a similarly dark shade to your pants, to tie the outfit together, and again, avoid overwhelming passers-by. This also lengthens those limbs, which is always a bonus.

- Little boyish vests, smart tailored waistcoats and delicate floaty florals; they're still here and they'll be around for a while, so if you haven't grabbed one yet, what are you waiting for? Vests and waistcoats can flatter every type of body when worn correctly, so match your shape with the right piece: if you're prone to a boxy boyish shape, and blessed with a small waist and tummy area, any style will work, but for a bit of a boost in the bust, try a shorter structured vest in denim to lift that chest line and break up the torso. If you hate the phrase 'pear-shaped', look for a waist length tailored piece that adds some bulk higher up but cinches in your middle, to balance out those hips. Those with larger chests or slightly 'soft' arms, aim for a longer line open vest, and look for some of the great options out of there that are asymmetrical or longer in the front panels, to lengthen your body and create a slimmer silhouette.

- Accessorizing is a great skill to have, and a winner for those who hide behind complete black, so come out of that shell, and break up blocks of colour with a patterned kerchief or scarf tied strategically at the neck. Experiment in the mirror to find the right shape for your neck and shoulders. Remember the aim is to lengthen that neck and make the silhouette sleeker, rather than being swamped in extra fabric. Less is more, less is more, less is more. Repeat.

- On that note, if you love huge jewellery, decisions need to be made. Large earrings OR a large statement necklace, but never both. If you're wearing a scarf, don't add in a necklace and get tangled up.

- What we wear underneath impacts hugely on what our visible clothes make of us. As well as taking weight instantly off, good underwear can lengthen your torso visibly. Apparently, those of us who complain of being 'short-waisted' are more often 'low-busted' - so if that hits home with you, reassess those bras my friends, then take a hike to your local underwear outlet and get fitted - and lifted.

- If you're new to the whole 'mummy-undies' phenomena, and feeling anxious, instead try a bra-camisole singlets, that can be worn instead of your normal bra, and will sculpt and slim your torso with great panelling - but also great comfort.

- When putting on a body band or longer-line piece of shape-wear, roll it up and step into it, like we do with stockings. This means that you're defying gravity from the very start of your day, and can pull everything up to fit perfectly, rather than pulling it over your head and risk looking like a stuffed pastry.

- Choose shape-wear that is the same dress size as you normally wear, not one size smaller or one size bigger. Otherwise you risk that highly uncomfortable corset-like sensation.

With summer just around the corner, it can feel a bit daunting to have to bare some more skin, but as long as we stick to the rules and make the most of our best bits, it will all go swimmingly, so get those mummy-undies and go for gold!p>

By Rachel Osborne, 11 September 2009