Twiggy's style tips

Twiggy was the world's first supermodel, is a successful fashion designer and actress, and the face of M&S. She shares style tips from her fabulous new book

Flatter your middle
Conscious of your tummy, but want to wear a figure-hugging skirt? Go for black or navy, with tummy-flattering knickers.

Most women's bodies change as time passes and I have learned to adapt the way I dress. I can't wear certain things any more, but you know what? That's okay. Accept it and work out what does suit you.

Love layers to hide the bits you want to draw the eye away from. I've done it for years. For instance, try a waistcoat teamed with jeans and a lovely shirt to below the crotch. Let's be honest, there are very few women at any age who can wear tight, completely tucked-in things.

Create a waistline
I've never really had a waist. Even when I was at my slimmest, my silhouette was very straight, up and down. But I have learned to give myself a bit of a waist by optical illusions. For this, bring on the belts.

Worn well, belts distract the eye away from a bloated tummy, a heavy-set upper body and all manner of sins. A belt visually cuts the overall shape in half and magically makes for a more slimming optical illusion.

You don't have to be a skinny bean. Chunky belts cinched at the waist enhance womanly curves, even on fuller figures.


Perfect jeans
Long jeans can make legs look longer and slimmer, especially with heels.

Avoid wearing jeans with low pointy kitten heels at all costs, as this can make you look top heavy – not what you want.

The positioning of the pockets on the behind can make such a difference to your bottom, so choose the design carefully.

My two top trouser tips
If you favour high-waisted trousers and have a bit of a tummy, layer your look with a structured tailored jacket or a cardigan.

Another tummy flattener is to invest in tops that cover the crotch zone. A man's shirt can look chic. Roll up the sleeves and layer a long-sleeved T-shirt, leaving some of the top buttons open. This is much more flattering on a sticking-out tum. Pile on a few beads, and voil"!

Twiggy's book, Twiggy: A Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous Over Forty (Michael Joseph, £20), is out now.

Don't miss our interview with Twiggy
See photos from our Twiggy photoshoot
Check out our tips on how to wear this season's trends to flatter your body shape

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