10 ways to dress yourself slimmer

Instead of feeling guilty about our Christmas excesses for the entire month of January, we’ve looked to some of our favourite female figures for silhouette-enhancing style inspiration. By Alyson Walsh

Adele: Many shades of black

Adele’s beautiful curves and classic Hollywood glamour are all part of the attraction. The soulful star has an elegant, showbiz style, knows the benefits of the Little Black Dress and just when to add the right amount of embellishment.

Dress, £199, www.jaeger.co.uk. Shoes, £149, www.hobbs.co.uk. Earrings £16, www.accessorize.com
Michelle Obama: First Lady in white

This is just another occasion when Michelle Obama gets it right. Keeping it neutral, the First Lady elegantly shows off her athletic figure with a white skirt and eye-catching top, creating a look that’s smart enough to meet the Queen yet stylish enough for a date night with the president.

Top, £59, www.phase-eight.co.uk. Pencil Skirt, £29.50, Autograph at www.marksandspencer.com. Courts, £250, www.lkbennett.com
Kate Winslet: The miracle dress

Firmly in her red carpet fashion stride, Kate Winslet hit the headlines in this Trompe l’Oeil Stella McCartney number. The nifty black panels create the illusion of a super-sculpted body, proving Winslet knows exactly what works for her hourglass figure, on and off screen.

Dress, £65, Autograph at www.marksandspencer.com. Sandals, £149, www.hobbs.co.uk Art deco earrings, £36, www.martinewester.com
Christina Hendricks: Hidden agenda

Although famous for bringing the cleavage back, Christina Hendricks often keeps everything hidden. We think a higher neckline is much more becoming for a voluptuous figure, though we do admire the use of a striking print to flatter curves and highlight her flame red hair.

Dress, £130, www.alliumb.com. Shoes, £145, www.lkbennett.com. Clutch, £45, www.dune.co.uk. Earrings, £94 and necklace, £157 both Astley Clarke at www.my-wardrobe.com
Nigella Lawson: Food for thought

We’re pleased to see that the Domestic Goddess has ditched the mumsy cardigans for a more modern look. Whether it’s a drape jersey top and bum-flattering pants or a full-length Vivienne Westwood gown, Nigella compliments her curves and shows off her womanly silhouette, in style.

Blouse, £233, Vivienne Westwood Red Label at www.my-wardrobe.com , Trousers, £129, www.fennwrightmanson.com. Shoes from a selection at www.dorothyperkins.com. Necklace, £25, www.hobbs.co.uk
Nicole Scherzinger: The X Factor

Loud in every sense of the word, Nicole Scherzinger turns the volume down on this red carpet occasion. When a simple white body-con dress works in her favour. The nude platforms didn’t get our vote however we’ve replaced them with a metallic court for a more contemporary look.

Dress, £45, www.marksandspencer.com. Shoes, £320, Moschino Cheap & Chic at www.my-wardrobe.com
Mary Katrantzou: Keep it simple

Geometric digital prints in an array of colours are what Mary Katrantzou is known for, but in typical fashion designer-style when it comes to dressing herself she opts for silhouette-slimming head-to-toe black.

Dress, £99, www.isabellaoliver.com/baukjen. Boots, £170, www.dune.co.uk, Bracelet, £110, Aamaya by Priyanka at www.my-wardrobe.com
Mary J Blige: Casual glamour

Still totally Ghetto Fabulous, Mary J Blige has turned her back on thigh-skimming bodycon dresses and embraced understated glamour instead. Teaming sports luxe and modern metallics for a more glamorous, grown-up vibe.

Trousers, £49, www.marksandspencer.com. Sandals, £245, www.lkbennett.com . Metallic top, £330, Tibi and earrings, £115, Phoebe Coleman both from www.my-wardrobe.com. Glasses, £9.95 www.whatsabouttown.com
Kim Kardashian: Ahead of the curve

Dating Kanye West definitely has its perks: one of the best presents Kim Kardashian has ever received is a stylist! With fashion help at hand, Kim K’s taken a more subtle approach to style and is seen here making the most of her curves without letting it all hang out.

Jacket, £179, www.fennwrightmanson.com. Leather skirt, £425, www.lkbennett.com. Clutch, £260, Diane Von Furstenberg at www.my-wardrobe.com Sandals, £198, www.hobbs.co.uk
Salma Hayek: Off-duty chic

Salma Hayek self-effacingly says it’s a miracle she has a career being ‘dyslexic, short and chubby,’ but we think she doth protest too much. Her bombshell curves and cleavage to-die-for give the 46-year-old actress real movie star glamour. Off-duty Hayek tones down her assets with a feminine v-neck sundress that shows off her shape perfectly.

Dress from a selection at www.missselfridge.com. Sunglasses, £150, 3.1 Phillip Lim at www.my-wardrobe.com.Sandals, £195, www.lkbennett.com. Bracelet, £9.50, www.marksandspencer.
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