MAKING HIPS LOOK CURVIER

Dear Jellybean,

I've always been tall and really skinny. I have a small waist, and pretty small hips. It never bothered me before, until recently some girls have told me the only reason I need really small pants is because I have no hips. It really embarrasses me because I'm the thinnest of all my friends, and of all the girls in my class. They think I'm weird of have an eating disorder or something, which I do not. I'm just wondering if there's any way to make my hips bigger? Thank youu.
-Twiggy

Dear Twiggy,

It's so interesting that I got your question the same day as another girl wrote to me, asking for fashion tips to make her hips look smaller. Just goes to show, we ladies come in all shapes and sizes, and we are rarely ever happy with what we've got! I bet my curvy-hipped correspondent would willingly switch places with you in a second. But since your issue is just as valid as hers, I'm going to give you the opposite advice that I gave her - in other words, how to use clothing to make yourself look curvier.

(Btw - I recently gave advice to another girl, who wrote asking for tips on gaining weight and becoming curvier. You didn't ask me that, but if you're interested, read my advice to her on this page).

Anyway, here are my tips on how you can make yourself look curvier with your fashion style.

Start At The Top

You might think you need to be worrying only about what you're wearing on the bottom, since that's where your hips are. But your best fashion strategy starts at the top. People with a boyish figure lack curves, so make sure you wear outfits that have a top and a bottom to give definition to your waist. Skip one-piece dresses or flowing, baggy tunics (unless tightly belted - see the tips on belts below). Baggy outfits just make you look smaller than you actually are.

You also need to be thinking about how your tips fit you at the waistline. Try wearing jackets, tops and dresses that are structured or tightly fitted at the waistline. Clothing like this that carves out a waistline will create instant curves. Another top that will give you a curvy effect and V-neck and wrap tops. They add volume to your chest area and also help to define a waist.

Belt It

Belts can help you accomplish an hourglass look too, by defining your waist so hips seem wider below. Cinch a wide leather belt over a jacket or dress to create that hourglass look you're after.

Pants Picks

To help enhance any curves you do have on the bottom, wear light-colored pants and jeans that hug your hips and are quite fitted. Skinny, tapered jeans in a light wash, or tight white jeans, are ideal for creating extra curves on the bottom. Pants and jeans with side pockets can also help to bulk out your slim hips.

Skirt Sense

Bright, graphic prints are way in style for skirts this season. Lucky for you! These notice-me patterns draw attention to the bottom half and can make a girl look curvier in the hip region. Pair a printed or pattern skirt in bright colors with a solid, dark-colored top to look hippier instantly. Flared and frilly skirt shapes will help to add more volume to your figure, as will pleated styles.

Fabric Know-How

Shiny or reflective fabrics such as satin and other metallics are famous for emphasizing width. Wear a brightly colored satin mini with a dark-colored tee for a look that's glam and emphasizes any curves lurking on your figure. You can also wear chunky knits to great effect. Try a thick sweater-dress over tights with a belt at the waist, or a hip-hugging knit tunic over a curve-enhancing pencil skirt.