iVillage
your daily makeover destination
by Melissa Kagan

No matter how you're built, chances are you often wish you had a different body. Whether it's your hips, your chest, your arms or your rear, there will always be an area that will bother you. But instead of worrying about your body, you can learn to accentuate the positive and downplay the negative with what you wear. You don't have to overhaul your entire wardrobe — just start with a piece like a slimming dress and then take it from there. There are plenty of choices to tempt you, so we've narrowed them down to six of our favorite styles.

A No-Show of Arms

How do we love the Martina crepe dress by Diane von Furstenberg? Let us count the ways. This brown and ivory leopard-arabesque-print beauty ($345) is the quintessential transition dress for summer into fall. Pair it with espadrilles during the warm months and then layer it with a cardigan, tights and boots or platforms come colder weather. The layered look is key for fall, so it won't feel forced. Available at DVF.com.


Shop for more short-sleeve dresses.


Why it's slimming:
  • Sleeves hide heavy arms.

  • The busyness of the detailed pattern detracts from problem areas without being overwhelming.

  • The low V elongates the neck.

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