3 Sneaky Ways to Look Slimmer

Even if you've been less than diligent about diet and exercise, you can still step out looking slimmer this summer. Here, best-selling author Charla Krupp reveals brilliant fashion and beauty tricks from her book How to Never Look Fat Again. Get a jump start on your diet and fitness goals with our Virtual Weight Loss Simulator.

Buy a New Bra
The one thing every woman can do right now to look thinner in her clothes is to buy a new bra, says Krupp. "Eight-five percent of women are walking around in the wrong bra, and it makes their breasts look lower than they should be." The goal is to create as much space as possible between your waist and chest so your torso appears longer and leaner, advises Krupp. The trick is to have an expert measure you instead of automatically buying the same size you always do. Head to the lingerie department at a fine department store or a specialty shop like the Intimacy boutique to get hooked up (no pun intended). Click here for more tips on how to get the perfect-fitting bra.

Show Off Your Legs
When it's warm outside, you can't hide your stems in dark tights and leggings. "Bare legs can be the sexiest look of all, as long as you're committed to keeping them in top form," says Krupp. To reveal slimmer legs, start by shaving. "It might sound obvious, but many women think they can get away with a little leg hair," says Krupp. (Here's looking at you, Mo'Nique.) Use a good razor like Venus Embrace to ensure a close shave. Next, nix pastiness and cover veins with a sunless tanner or bronzer such as DuWop Revolution. Finally, slip on a pair of nude heels that blend into your skin tone to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

Stray from Certain Styles
Purge your wardrobe of what Krupp calls "High Fat" clothing and accessories. Some of the worst summertime offenders:
• Oversized T-shirts
• Capri pants (if you have cankles)
• Sleeveless shirts (if you have arm flab)
• Gladiator sandals or any shoe that cuts you off at the ankle
• Shorts and boy-short swimsuits
• Metallic swimsuits or shiny satin skirts (they accentuate every bulge)

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