What to wear if you are of AVERAGE height & weight

If you're of average height, you may want to look taller:

• Narrow, straight-legged trousers that fall to the bottom of the heel will give the illusion of height
• Opt for a top and bottom of the same colour, which will draw the eye up and down
• Wear longer-length jackets undone
• Trousers or skirts with high waistbands elongate the legs
  
  

Although your shoulders may be average, you may not want to draw attention to them. If this is the case, avoid the following:

• Delicate tops with spaghetti straps
• Halter-necked tops
• Slash-necked tops

Despite having average-sized boobs, there may be occasions when you want to give the illusion of a fuller bust.

• Always wear a bra
• Wear high-necked tops or roll-necks to accentuate your boobs
• Opt for delicate tops with spaghetti straps
• Sleeveless, round-necked tops that show off your arms are great
• Wear tops in a lighter colour than your lower half

Don't be tempted to hide your waist under shapeless, smock-like clothing. Add definition and create a waistline to be proud of.

• A-line skirts are great for slimming a wide waistline
• Wear tops that are fitted under the boobs to give definition
• Wear fitted clothes and avoid shapeless dresses
• Wear hipsters instead of high-waisted trousers

If your tummy isn't a problem area, but isn't necessarily something you would want to draw attention to, try bearing in mind these rules when you go shopping:

• Flat-fronted trousers and skirts are really flattering for a larger tummy. Make sure you avoid pleats and front zips - side and back zips are a much more flattering option
• Low-waisted trousers make the stomach look smaller
• Don't wear anything that's gathered at the waist
• Wear soft, forgiving fabrics that don't cling to the tummy
• Wrap-around tops create folds across the tummy that detract from any other rippling in that area
• Avoid belted jackets and coats. The belt will ride up and give the impression that you are pregnant.

If your hips and thighs are of average size, then you are one of the lucky ones. Make sure you flatter this area by avoiding the following which can visually add pounds to the hips and thighs:

• Long dresses and skirts cut on the bias
• Trousers with detail, such as side pockets
• Belted jackets and coats which flare out at the bottom.

We all have off-days, and, if at any point, you've asked the question 'Does my bum look big in this?', try these tips:

• Avoid lighter colours on your bottom. Darker colours are always more slimming
• Avoid trousers with pleats and other details, such as pockets or pinstripes
• Avoid horizontal stripes.

Compiled by Abbie Fereday based on programme content from the BBC Two series, What Not To Wear, presented by Susannah Constantine and Trinny Woodall.

source: BBCI