So you've decked the halls with Christmas cookies and fa-la-la-la-la'd your way dozens of times around the dessert table. Now, with all the festivities finished, you've started to resemble jolly old St. Nick a lot more than you'd like. So before you find time to make your way to the gym to work off that extra holiday joy, here are some tips and tricks to mask the bowl full of jelly you've acquired this break.
Tip #1: Wear your size.
The No. 1 way to mask your unwanted pounds is not -- I repeat, not -- to wear tunics and tall tees twice your size.
Wearing clothes that are too big for you not only emphasizes that you've been a little naughty this season, but also works against your body type. Instead, opt for fashions that fit closer to your body and fabrics that fall favorably against it. Try the Emily dress by Susana Monaco ($103 at www.mr charlesshop.com) in teal, which features a wool jersey fabric that flows away from the body, creating a slimming silhouette.
Tip #2: Don't waste your waist.
In the battle to mask the binge, most people forget the most important tactic is to emphasize the most feminine (and in many cases smallest) part of your body: your waistline. Emphasizing the waist will help draw attention away from less flattering portions of the midsection, creating a more feminine, less boxy shape. Yes, that means stay away from the shapeless, waist-less baby doll dresses we've all grown to love. Try the Satin Shift tunic ($19.80 at www.forever21.com) in royal or orange, which will wow the masses without breaking the bank.
Tip #3: When it comes to print and color, let it flutter.
You don't have to drown in a sea of black until you lose those unsightly pounds. Black is fab, but life is no funeral procession. Don't be afraid to experiment with color or print.
Just make sure that with color, you opt for an attractive tone like the Floral Knit Tunic ($19.80 at www.forever21 .com) in coral, which is a universally appealing color for all skin tones.
For prints, bigger is better. Choosing larger patterns will help distribute interest across areas more complimentary to the body's shape.
Try the Floral Kimono Dress ($19.80 at www.forever21.com) in a black and white print, which will add vintage flair to your wardrobe.
Tip #4: Stay high.
High-waisted bottoms are coming back with a vengeance.
Rightfully so, because this ultra-chic trend is a great ally when dressing up your new curves.
In pants, the key is to
add width to the bottom of
the pants, creating a wider leg.
The Susana Wide-Leg Jean ($29.80 at www.forever21.com) gives the best of both the high-waist and wide-leg styles, while its ultra-dark wash and trouser fit make it perfect for a night out in State College.
Tip #5: Walk the A-Line.
One of the most universally flattering shapes is the A-Line.
The secret behind it is its ability to offer balance to the body without adding bulk.
Isaac Mizrahi's Strapless Blue Dress ($19.99 at Target) offers simplistic elegance and can be worn alone or layered on with a cardigan or pashmina, like the Pure Pashmina Wrap ($59.99 at www.thepashminastore.com) in silver grey, to add a touch of chic.
