How To Fake A Smaller Waist

The secret to an hourglass figure isn't in a diet, it's in your wardrobe...

It's the body part that the majority of women wish they could change, but shrinking that waist doesn't have to mean dieting and endless hours in the gym. From oversized belts to the right patterns, savvy dressers know the clothing tricks that can take inches off.

Make the kimono dress a part of your staple wardrobe; it's sleeves sit at exactly the right length to draw attention to your slimmest part, which is also pulled in further with the help of the obi-style belt. An all-over pattern ensures that eyes aren't completely fixed on the stomach area, though, and the column fit and midi style instantly lengthens the whole body. Look out for Jigsaw's Engineered Stripe Kimono Dress, £169, available in stores soon - the combination of vertical and horizontal stripes is a genius way of pulling off SS16's stripe trend without looking wide.

But it's not just a flattering belt that can help to whittle that waist. If you're looking for a helping hand in looking instantly slimmer, there are plenty of clever tricks and tips to give the illusion of a perfect hourglass shape. From the everyday coat that will give you an instant confidence boost in the morning to the flattering dress that creates Jessica Rabbit style curves - and not forgetting the all-important shapewear - there's a waist whittling trick for every occasion.

Whether you're a pear shape looking to balance out your shoulders to give the illusion of a tiny waist, or an apple shape that just can't seem to feel confident in anything the sits on the waist or stomach, there is a perfect option for you. Whatever your shape, click through to see our pick of the best buys to help you fake a smaller waist today, and give yourself that much-needed boost...

Whistles Double Dot Bodycon Dress, £150

Every woman knows the figure-fixing power of a great wrap dress, and the pretty print on this Whistles Double Dot Bodycon Dress works well with the clever draping to give you a killer figure. Wear with flats and a blazer to make it work in the daytime too.

Coast Meslita Skirt, £125

Probably the best weapon in your wardrobe is the full skirt. This Coast Meslita Skirt will give you the waist you've always dreamed of, every time you pop it on. The corset-like effect will seemingly shrink your waist by inches - you won't want to take it off! Just steer clear of wearing it with a blouse and drowning your top half.

Hobbs Catrin Dress, £159

This structured Catrin dress is cut perfectly to pinch in at the waist and add curves to the hips. The slight ruche at the waist is a subtle way of pulling you in, and the contouring seams make it the ultimate figure-enhancing dress. Team with a structured blazer and sleek court shoes.

Dorothy Perkins Grey Peplum Jacket, £28

Balance out your figure with a well cut jacket - this Dorothy Perkins grey peplum jacket  is on trend for the new season and will smarten up any casual outfit for the office, or dress up a pair of jeans for the cocktail bar.

Spanx Boostie-Yay! Comfort Corset, £89

Of course, the best way to whittle that waist is to start with the basics. There's a reason the celebrities swear by Spanx shapewear - they pull you in perfectly and give you a much-needed confidence boost. This Boostie-Yay Comfort Corset is comfortable to wear all day, and will instantly shrink and smooth.

Karen Millen Printed Pencil Dress, £160

This Karen Millen Printed Pencil Dress is a no-brainer. The busy print and illusion side panelling will turn even the most boyish figure into an hourglass silhouette.

H&M Boat-neck Top, £12.99

Faking a new figure is all about proportions. If you are wearing skinny jeans, team them with a structured blazer, if you are wearing a pencil skirt, make sure your're not sticking to one block colour and your top is always tucked in. If you've chosen a full skirt, add this H&M Boat-neck Top to accentuate your waist and hips and balance out shoulders, and you will instantly look curvaceous.

Topshop Neat Belted Slouch Coat, £79

Even your winter coat can help you to fake a nipped in waist - if you choose carefully. This Topshop Belted Slouch Coat features a neat belt and the all-important flared bottom to create a feminine outline, every day.