What to wear if you're tall or a plus size woman

If you've got long legs, there will be times when you simply want to blend in with the crowd instead of towering above it.

• Avoid clothes with vertical lines, like pinstripe suits
• Don't wear one colour top-to-toe
• Low-waisted, bootcut or straight leg trousers are great for long legs
• Opt for low, kitten heels rather than flats

If you have shoulders that would put an Olympic swimmer to shame, then try to balance out your body shape to give the illusion of a smaller frame.

• Opt for bootleg trousers and fishtail skirts that widen at the bottom of the garment, which balances out the shoulders
• Wrap-around tops are very flattering for wider shoulders
• Avoid halter-necks which draw attention to the shoulders
• Avoid delicate-looking tops, such as those with spaghetti straps

Big boobs are great - in their place! Show off your assets tastefully, creating a womanly, voluptuous figure rather than in an obvious, glamour girl way.

• Ensure that you wear a bra that fits you properly and creates a smooth line beneath your clothes. The right bra will lift your breasts and give definition to your waist
• Avoid tight-waisted or box jackets that will make your bust appear larger. Instead, opt for fitted jackets that skim the figure rather than hug it. Long jackets with a single button are a good option
• Avoid chunky knit tops
• Choose low, sweetheart necklines, fitted under the boobs to create a waist. V-necks are great as they break up the expanse of your chest
• Avoid high necklines that make your boobs look like they start from under the chin
• Watch out for 'pulling' on shirts
• Straight-legged trousers should be avoided at all costs. Instead choose bootleg trousers or a-line skirts which will balance out the boobs
• Don't wear long pendant necklaces.

Straight up and down need not be a problem; what you need is a little definition around the waist area, so let us set you on the road to womanly curves...

• Avoid shapeless dresses and instead opt for fitted clothes
• Go for simple necklines that taper in beneath the bust to create a waistline
• Hipster trousers are great for creating a waistline

Wobbly bellies are a common trait of the 'apple' body shape and a frequent source of frustration to the not-so-proud owner. Make sure you go shopping armed with top, tummy-concealing tips.

• 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.

Whilst child-bearing hips are great for that earth-mother look, there will be times when you want to conceal your more voluptuous areas.

• Don't wear dresses and skirts that cling or are cut on the bias
• Avoid narrow-legged trousers and tapered, knee-length skirts
• Avoid belts that pull you in at the waist - you don't want to create an even greater contrast from waist to hip
• Opt for a-line skirts and bootleg trousers that balance out the hips and thighs
• Skirts or dresses with a frilled hem are a good option
• Trousers with detail, such as side pockets will make you look wider
• Wear slash-necked tops to broaden shoulders and balance out the hips and thighs
• Choose longer line, fitted jackets. Never wear box jackets which emphasize a pear shape
• Avoid crop tops
• V-necked tops are great for drawing the eye away from the hip area
• Wearing one colour on the top and bottom is very slimming.

If the answer to the question 'Does my bum look big in this?' is a resounding 'yes!', then consider the following tips before hitting the High Street.

• Avoid wearing light colours on your lower half
• Avoid narrow-legged trousers
• Wear longer jackets that fall below the bottom and never wear jackets that end where your bum starts
• Wear jumpers around the waist over trousers to break up the expanse of bottom
• Opt for wide-bottomed trousers with no detail, such as pockets, with pinstripes on the bottom and avoid pleats.

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