here's some stuff i collected from a newsletter

A suit will make you look longer and leaner if the jacket is fitted and the pants are straight-legged...

If your middle needs a little lengthening, try to wear a tunic top or poncho top. These are made to be untucked and give your waistline a trimmer look...

Looking thinner may be as easy as looking at the handbag you carry. A handbag that is too small will actually make you look bigger...

A knee-length, A-line skirt in a heavier fabric will minimize thighs and show off shaplier calves...

If your hips or tummy are your "problem" area, look at the neckline of your top or blouse. Emphasize the neckline with jewelry or find a top with a little decoration at the neckline to draw attention away from the problem areas...

If you need to shop for something fancy, you may want to look into separates rather than a fancy gown. You'll be able to get a better fit and address each area better...

Pick knee length skirts. This will lengthen your body and not only make you look taller, but leaner... Look at a pattern that creates an optical illusion which slenderizes. Diagonal stripes do the trick in this area...

Look at your neckline...V-necks will make you look longer and taller, which will make you look thinner... If your thighs are a problem area, pants with a boot-cut will balance your thighs and hips and give you a sleeker look...

Like to wear a neckerchief knotted around your neck? If you wear that same scarf open and hanging straight down, it will give you a neck and face that looks longer and thinner. Wear a V-neck top with the scarf and you will make your face look even thinner...

What about your shoes? Flat, chunky loafers will make your calves look thicker and make your legs look shorter. Add a thinner heel and your ankles and legs will seem to shed pounds... Shoes with ankle straps cut the line between your leg and foot, making your legs also look shorter. Sling backed heels make the legs look slimmer and if you can stand to wear them, pointy shoes create instant length to the legs...

Contrasts between light and dark when wearing a dark skirt and light hose will draw the eye to the thickest part of the calf. Wearing dark hose and dark shoes with the dark skirt and a longer line will be created from the knees to the toes...

Wearing a low slung chain belt instead of a thin belt at the waist will lenthen the torso. Darping the chain belt across the hips will make you look taller and thinner...

Using a too-small purse will actually make you look bigger. Unless you're extremely petite and tiny, the size of the purse should match your stature. A shoulder bag that rests in the curve of the waist will add length and slimness to your body...