Is it really true that the right shapewear can all but eliminate most worries about belly buge or muffin top? Hmmm. Lets think about this...the only serious fashion crime is a lovely outfit that just doesn't fit! Face it, you've had a kid or just don't have time to spend three hours a day at the gym! What can you do?

I often wear two pair of control top panty hose to flatten my OH SO poochy tummy. Most runway as well as catalogue models also do this. Never mind that I am about to pass out! Seriously, I swear by Burlington control top and support hose. They totally take care of what mother nature failed to complete. And, they are super affordable!

If you’re really serious about tummy control, check out a product called SPANX. They are carried in better department stores and are even sold here on eBay. SPANX are rather expensive (about $20 bucks a pop) and DON'T seem to stand the test of time, BUT man do they do the job! You can lose serious inches in one fitting.  They have a no-slip waist band which fits snuggly underneath your boobies and makes you look absolutely great in your clothes. But they tend to cause a high line around your bra. Also, LIPO IN A BOX has incredible shrinkage and is super tight. You can count on losing up to 2 inches in every area. BUT...it costs about $84.

As for clothes that really enhance and slim your waist, try the new wrap dress and skirt styles. They may look daunting, but the style actually helps hide your stomach and makes you appear slimmer. Another type of style to help with tummies is the front-tied sarong style. This is the perfect camouflage. And don’t be afraid to play with hemlines. The shorter hemlines can actually make your legs look sleeker and can help you achieve that "leggy" look, often distracting from a bigger tummy.

Need to slim that waist or even create one? Add an "A-line" skirt instead of a straight one to create a thin waist and flowing line. To create a waist in business clothing, go with the fitted jacket rather than the old box style, which looks so bulky, big and heavy. A good rule is to dhoose a jacket that hits you at the middle of your third finger when standing. You won't believe the difference a fitted jacket will make. Designers Judith Hart and Nygard (carried at departments stores) have incredible washable designs in jackets and suits at great prices. If you don’t have the dollars to invest in new garments, take your existing jacket/blazers to a trusted tailor. Ask thier opinion and LISTEN to them. They will more often tell you the truth when they understand what you are trying to accomplish. It may be that you just need to scrap an outfit. A good seamstress can put in a few strategically placed seams to create a whole new you, all at a fraction of what a new suit/jacket would cost.

The style of your pants can also help. Instead of pleats try the flat front style cut. They smooth out the stomach making it look flatter. Be cautious about purchasing flat front pants that are too tight - lots of us do this. Make certain that you fir for yoour hips first, theyy have the waiste taken in. If your butt has a few dimples, and whose doesn't, try wearing a pant with a pattern. Patterns tend to hide dimples.

I don’t have all the answers. No one does. No one is perfect - even professional models ALL have flaws…they just have a few more secrets than some. I hope these tips have helped. I also have a review on looking taller & slimmer as well as disguising an inflated butt.  Be sure to read those for additional tips. 

You CAN manage your figure. Remember, you can dress like a million bucks without the price tag. Shop smart.