5 Fashionable Ways to Hide Holiday Pounds

Most of us are guilty of overindulging during the holidays, when cookies, cakes, and cocktails are as common as good tidings. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to looking like the rump roast you're carving. Instead follow these easy slimming tricks to keeping your winter layer under wraps while you step out in style!

1. Create shape with a belted waist.
We might be tempted to reach for loose-fitting tops and dresses when we're battling bloat, but bubble-shaped garments can actually make you appear bigger than you are. The best way to camouflage any belly bulge is to create the appearance of curves in all the right places-by using a skinny belt to lightly cinch your midsection and give you a tailored, hourglass shape.


2. Elongate your legs in nude heels.
A great rule for slimming style year-round is to always avoid sectioning off your legs, which can make you look shorter and squatter. Long, uninterrupted lines from head to heels mean a longer, leaner appearance. Flesh-colored heels, which also happen to be totally on-trend this season, take this slimming philosophy to the max as they create a seamless line from your waist to the floor. Pair them with body-shaping nylons and a high-waisted pencil skirt or a flattering holiday dress to make your legs look miles long!


3. Draw the eye in with a V-neck top.
A plunging neckline creates a slimming vertical line by drawing the eye down and in. How low you go is up to you-even a slight "V" will accomplish the desired effect and help the waist appear narrower.


4. Smooth with body-shaping undergarments.
The secret to slimming style starts with your undergarments. Spanx and other smoothing slips and hose should be your best friends during holiday season when you want to camouflage any extra party indulgences. Luckily these magical wardrobe foundations come in a bevy of styles and options so you can pick the problem area you'd like to target, whether it be smoothing your midsection or contouring your lower half.

See the best socks and tights to pair with dresses this season!


5. Add tailored structure.
This year's hot military trend brings flattering structure and tailored elegance to the frontlines of winter style. To benefit, look for this season's blazers with embellished shoulders and structured lapels; they offer effortless, flattering shape for every body type. After all, what could be easier than throwing on a jacket that simultaneously defines the waist, broadens the shoulders, and offers stylish coverage!


More from Kaboodle:
25 Sexy and Slimming Little Black Dresses
Gorgeous Entertaining Essentials to Make the Holidays a Breeze
Killer Heels that You Can Actually Walk In
Celebrity Hair and Makeup Looks You Can Easily Recreate
The Best Christmas Gifts for 2010
Holiday Shopping Made Easy!

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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