"How to look stylish and make a lasting impression every time" For real women with real bodies Eight leading international Image Consultants reveal the secrets of looking fabulous,  no matter what your shape, size or age

Step 1 - Love Who You Are

Many people ignore the fact that the idealised body images that surround us are just that - idealised - and don’t represent what the majority of us are really like. Many of us find ourselves in a relentless pursuit of the elusive perfect figure - leaving us chronically dissatisfied with our appearance. This often results in low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

The truth is, the vast majority of people don’t have (and won’t ever have) "perfect" bodies.

Most of us are much more likely to talk and get to know somebody who is friendly and approachable rather than a more physically attractive self-centred person. Our personality and behaviour count for a lot. We need to accept ourselves for who we are and what we’re meant to look like.

Recognise your attributes and make the most of them rather than dwelling on imperfections. Your attitude towards yourself makes a big difference. Lack of confidence in your appearance can lead you to behave in defensive ways that appear unfriendly and aloof, and this behaviour is likely to put people off rather than your appearance.

Believing in yourself and feeling good about the way you look will help to automatically send off more positive signals about the person you really are. So don’t waste any more time trying to be a second class somebody else and get on with being a first class you!

Step 2 - Learn How to Flatter Your Body Shape

Firstly you need to identify your body shape.  There are basically six common body shapes, and a couple of vertical variations.  However please remember, that you may not completely conform to one of the shapes.  You may be a combination of a couple of shapes.

By recognising your assets you can choose clothes to flatter them and camouflage parts you don’t want to emphasize.  Here’s a few simple tips from our image stylists.  There’s many more to come . . .

If you have the classic triangle shape, you will want to balance your hips by widening your shoulders. There’s also several rules you need to follow for top and jacket lengths, and skirt and pant styles.

triangle shape

If you’ve an inverted triangle frame, with wide shoulders, perhaps a big bust and narrow hips, you’ll need to widen your hips.  Choosing pants and skirts in the right colour, fabric and style will have a big impact on your overall look.  There’s also certain types of top styles and dress styles you need to avoid so your shoulders don’t look even wider.

inverted triangle

If you  have the classic oval shape (broader through the middle and upper torso, with no waist indentation and often with a full bust and sloping shoulders) then there’s lots you can do to minimise your stomach area and elongate your overall body length.  For starters you need to concentrate on vertical lines and avoid tucked in tops.

oval shape

A diamond body shape is characterised by narrow shoulders and a small bust and back, with most of the weight distributed through the midriff and waist area. If you have a diamond shape you should avoid anything overly fitted, patterned, contrasting or tailored through the waist.

diamond shape

The hourglass figure is usually every woman’s dream, but depending on the proportions, can be di