Size 16 plus women - Black is not slimming

For those of you carrying a bit too much weight please don’t make the mistake of hiding yourself in black.

Black defines and outlines the shape of your body. So for example, great legs look fabulous in sheer black tights, however if the shape of your legs isn’t so great then a neutral natural colour will be much more flattering. This rule works with the rest of your body too.

Dark colours draw attention to your curvy bits

Blocks of dark colours not only can look very drab but actually may be drawing attention to your, shall we say, your more "curvy bits", instead of disguising them, if that’s what you are trying to do. Instead, find a print that’s not too small and twee. The print will break up the outline of your body. Look at colours that suit your face and help make you look and feel well. Be brave in beautiful colour because you know if you are over weight you may as well look luscious and beautiful.

A black ensemble isn’t going to make a size 20 woman suddenly have Kate Moss proportions. A curvy, size 20, red haired woman could look stunning in a violet print dress.

Keep your fabrics mat particularly for the places on your body where you are full. Large bosoms in silk shirts – I would think not. Please stay away from shiny fabrics because the light bounces off it. Your worst bits will be hi-lighted. Imagine a shiny satin jacket and now think about the top of your arms. Unless your arms are your slim bit, the shine will magnify them and you will not look great. A chubby thigh, in shiny satin jeans isn’t a great look either.

The myth about stripes

Another myth is stripes. Evenly spaced horizontal stripes on say a top or sweater can actually be extremely flattering. The stripes literally stretch you out giving the optical illusion of making your torso look longer and therefore slimmer. Vertical stripes stretch you from side to side making you look wider. I know this is the opposite of what so many popular fashion magazines tell you. However, after dressing several thousand women, I know I am absolutely right on this point…so you will have to go our and try it.

A "no-no" for double breasted jackets

Large breasted women (and in fact really anyone carrying too much weight) should not wear double breasted jackets!.