How to look slimmer — instantly!

When trying to camouflage excess weight, your natural instinct may be to hide underneath baggy attire. But you should actually be doing the opposite, says Jenna Zielbauer, stylist and Cotton Candy Couture owner. “A form-fitting dress with color-block paneling can instantly make you look 10 pounds lighter and, even better, create the illusion of a smaller waist and hips.” Try this three-quarter-sleeve color-block cowl neck dress by Three Dots ($64, bloomingdales.com).

“Wearing a flare jean with a wedge elongates the leg and makes it appear thinner,” says Lizzy Schwartz, owner and senior stylist at Alene Too and Kyle By Alene Too. Try these jeans from 7 For All Mankind ($65, 6pm.com)—the cotton stretch in the fabric makes them easy to move around in, while the fit screams supermodel-length legs.

Whittle your waist by throwing on a well-cut wrap dress, like this flirty, long-sleeve ballet version from Asos ($44, asos.com). “The tie at the waist not only cinches the area, but also helps to distract the eye from any problem areas while the flowing skirt helps to camouflage your lower midsection,” says Zielbauer.

Avoid the dreaded muffin top with the right leggings, such as these Nike Dri-Fit Filament Athletic Capri Leggings ($45, macys.com). “A soft legging with a flattering wide waistband holds you in without being uncomfortable,” says Karyn Riale, retail buyer at The Shop at Equinox. A bottom like this is perfect for running errands or even doing yoga.

Wearing a v-neck or scoop neck blouse helps break up your chest, making your top area appear smaller. By showing off your neck and chest, this three-quarter-sleeve top from NY Collection ($22, macys.com) creates the illusion of a lengthened and narrower torso.

Wear a blazer, like this one from Aqua ($59, bloomingdales.com) to trim down your back and sides. “It’s a great way to add color to your outfit while covering all the spots that make you uncomfortable,” says Schwartz. Not crazy about your arms? Toss the jacket over a sleeveless shirt you’ve been shying away from. Plus, a blazer is an essential closet staple: It can be worn with pants, dresses, or skirts.

Look trim before you grace the gym in these flattering plank capris by Nancy Rose ($74, nancyroseperformance.com). The body-conscious fit features a flattering design that conceals bulges and tummy flab, says Riale.

If you need extra help tucking in that tummy, a body shaper is your best bet. The In-Power Line Super Higher Power Tummy Control Shaper undergarment by Spanx ($38, nordstrom.com) easily slips over your midsection and thighs to magically slim both areas. Bonus: Shapewear also prevents unwanted jiggle.

Boot cut pants, which have just a slight flare at the bottom, help balance out your hip proportion, while creating lean vertical lines that lengthen your legs. The Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Classic Boot Cut pants ($94, zappos.com) are a slimming option for wider hips.