To make shoulders look wider, we play some visual tricks. Blouses with lapels are great...leaving the top 2 or 3 buttons open and spread the collar/lapels out. The points of the collar draw the eye outward. Very slight padding in the shoulders of the blouse will also help. Tops with shoulder ornamentation are also good...epilates, ties, buttons, etc. Wider shouldered jackets and those with exaggerated lapels are great! Go for some of the military styled jackets that are coming back this year...they usually have a lot going on to help shoulders look wider.



In terms of bras, I love Victoria's Secret. The IPEX bra with the wire is worth trying on because the shape of the cup naturally lifts the breasts without padding. Try a few different models on and see which lifts you while also providing nice shape.

The long legs are a physical characteristic most women would kill for. So we'll really want to accentuate them while playing down your waist. Exercise is going to help get your belly and waist back in shape but until then, here are some strategies. Short wasted women need to avoid wearing tops tucked into their skirts or pants. You want to call all attention away from the location and/or size of your waist so all tops need to be both long and worn out.

Tunics are a great option. If you plan to wear a belt, it needs to be low slung on your hips, not around your waist. No color changes can take place at waist level. We are looking for continuous color from your shoulders to your hips. Go for longer jackets and avoid cropped tops of any sort at all costs! Also avoid fitted tops. We do not want rolls highlighted. Wear high heels as much as possible.

Even though you are tall with nice long legs, nothing makes one look thinner than extending one's visual line. Wear your trousers long and make sure there are no pockets, pleats etc to bulk up your mid section. Make sure your pants are paired with a long tunic top or long jacket....again, nothing tucked in.

In terms of skirts, knee length or a bit longer is fine. Make sure there is no detail at the top...no tucks, gathers, pleats, etc. Look for a clean line skirt that is either straight or a-line. Details at the hem are fine. Go on the Spiegel catalogue web site and look at the Signature Spa Knit collection. They have a great Bateau- Neck Tunic and some other coordinating pieces including a great skirt, cardigan, and pants for the fall and winter.

Also look at the Off-shoulder swing tee...in fact, just cruise the site and see if anything grabs you. You can write back to me with the item names and I'll let you know if it could work for you! In terms of dresses, I didn't see anything that really grabbed me on this site.

I would recommend a faired sheath dress as your best option. They are classic and the details, if any, are usually at the neckline or shoulders. They should be easy to find in department stores. Just look for something that has shape but is not form-fitting and just gently flairs as it reaches the hem. No cinched waists or belts. Go for darker colors as well. If you find something two toned or multicolored, just make sure the color change does not occur at or around your waist.