10 stylish ways to make your waist look smaller without hitting the gym

Most women would die to know the secret to getting that wasp-thin waist without lengthy hours at the gym.
While shape-wear can easily give the illusion of a smaller midsection, there are numerous fashion options that can make your waist look thinner.
Citizen Digital combines secrets shared by top international stylists on how to hide a dreaded bulge while looking and feeling effortlessly exquisite:

1. Invest in high-waisted pieces

High-waisted outfits are all the rage among the stars PHOTO/COURTESY

High-waisted outfits, including jeans, leggings and skirts, are all the rage among the stars — and with good reason.
“These pieces tend to sit at the best spot on your waist and cinch in your waist, causing it to look smaller,” says celebrity stylist Ali Levine.
“They’re not only great to make your waist look smaller, but they’ll also help you keep up with the fashion trends,” adds Levine.
To avoid appearing dowdy, make sure you wear your correct size by getting a fitting. And to really elongate your appearance, add heels to make your legs appear longer and leaner, advises Levine.

2. During cold season, wear fitting body warmers

During cold season, wear fitting body warmers PHOTO/COURTESY

There is no doubt that the cold season will make you want to hibernate under layers of wool.
However, this can easily make you look several kilograms heavier. What to do?
“When wearing bulky clothing, like a sweater, always wear it true to size…to fit your figure,” says celebrity stylist Anthony Henderson.

3. Create a shape

“Wearing a ton of layers in the cold winter months can often make you feel like you have no shape,” says New York City-based stylist Sara Cooper. A great trick is by layering it over high-waisted bottoms.”

4. Draw attention elsewhere

Her dress’ uniqueness captures the attention PHOTO/COURTESY

Taking attention from your waist is yet another trick you can use to create a trimmer midsection.
Stylists insist that sometimes showing off your waist with a belt, especially a wide one, can draw unwanted attention to the area as it could appear too bulky with the wrong outfit.
“Wearing a bejeweled neck sweater or detailed-collar neck blouse will keep the eye drawn upward and naturally make the waist blend in beautifully with the rest of your body,” explains fashion expert Hilary Kennedy.

5. Wear outfits that have flattering stripes

Wearing vertical lines over your midsection can actually reduce the appearance of your waistline PHOTO/COURTESY

“Wearing vertical lines over your midsection can actually reduce the appearance of your waistline. This includes vertical-striped prints, as well as the lines created by hanging scarves and sweaters,” says Rain Blanken, fashion expert for About.com.
Blanken says women who wish to make their waist appear smaller should stay away from horizontal lines, especially on tops and sweaters, which often for make any figure appear wider.

6. Wear the right belt

The right belt can create an hourglass figure PHOTO/COURTESY

The right belt can create an hourglass figure, but it all depends on the type, as well as the garment itself.
Graubard recommends a corselet, which is a wider belt specifically designed to cinch in the waist, running between 3-6 inches in width. A corselet can also be worn over a dress or coat.
“For those with straighter figures, try a slim leather belt that matches your apparel, such as a gray belt over a gray sweater,” states Graubard.
“Narrow belts can be styled over dresses, sweaters, coats, and jackets.”

7. Look for panel sides

The most fashionable way to create a smaller waist is to wear clothing that has black or navy panel sides PHOTO/COURTESY
“The most fashionable way to create a smaller waist is to wear clothing that has black or navy panel sides,” explains model and fashion expert Jaimie Hilfiger.

8. Wear that wrap dress

Any woman can wear the easy wrap dress PHOTO/COURTESY

“Any woman can wear the easy wrap dress — and dresses that accent the middle are a good way to make the waist look smaller,” says Graubard. Stylists say the wrap dress is a coveted fashion trick to make any woman’s midsection appear tinier.
One featuring a fun pattern will also take attention away from the areas you’re looking to conceal. To ensure that your dress won’t show every lump and bump, make sure it’s the right size and the fabric is high quality.

9. Rock that flare gown

“These are dresses with a slim top that slopes into a gently flared skirt,” explains Graubard. “It’s often seamed at the waist to achieve its signature shape.”
To make your waist appear smaller, you can also add on a belt, but take caution: “Sometimes a thicker belt will make your waist look larger, so be sure to pick the best width for your body type,” warns Levine.
To find out whether a skinny or wider belt will suit your dress, Levine recommends you snap a photo of yourself modeling both. You’ll then be able to determine which one you believe flatters the most.

10. Wear shoes that has colour similar to your leg’s complexion

“The closer the shoe’s color is to your natural leg or hosiery tone, the longer and leaner your body will look. And the leaner you look, the smaller your waist will appear. This works well with dresses, pencil skirts, mini-skirts, and even cropped pants,” says Kennedy.
(Additional reporting by Fox News)
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