Looking Slim Rule 8

Continuing a series based around Leah Feldon's 10 Rules for Dressing Slim. It's good to know her Top Ten are all covered in the Personal Style Workshops, so this is just a refresher for you.

Rule 8 Build on the Right Foundations

Underwear can make a big difference to how you look in your clothes. Visible panty lines not only look bad but they often create bulges eg bikinis create bumps across buttocks AND hips, boy-leg cuts emphasise heavy thighs.

Experts reckon 70-80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, could that be you? You need a 'wardrobe' of bra styles. Push-up bras create cleavage and look great in a low-cut top but add lumps under snug knits, that's when you need a seamless, moulded cup (t-shirt bra). A convertible bra for different strap styles (halter neck, criss-crossed, wide set, racer-back). Some women need padded bras, others need minimiser bras, while side support panels are a great choice if you bulge at the sides (under the arms).

Sheer pantyhose offer leg support (compression to increase blood circulation) and help hold you in. Good ones aren't cheap but they are definitely worthwhile (M- I've started wearing Kolotex Sheer Relief).

'Shapewear' is the next step up from underwear; it's designed to slim and "de-jiggle" you. You may have heard of Nancy Gatz' Body-slimmers and Trinny & Susannah's Magic Knickers. There's something for every problem area: body suits, body slips, half slips, tummy-toner panties, waist cinchers, derriere lifters, long-leg panties, and leggings.