Clever cheats to a slimmer you

Fed up of new year resolutions to drop weight? Lisa Haynes unveils the fashion secrets for figure flattery.

IF you’re not much of a long distance runner, fashion has all manner of figure-fixing shortcuts. From illusion dresses to leg-lengthening trousers, you can pretty much dress to create the figure of your dreams.

“Panel dresses are great for ladies whose hot spot is their hips, while jeans and skirts with tummy control hold in stomachs for a streamlined silhouette,” says womenswear designer Della Nelson.