What to Wear when Your Weight Yo-Yos: Spring - Summer 2008

Despite our best efforts, there's no doubting that the average woman's weight fluctuates periodically through the year; and, whilst said weight fluctuations aren't anything to be ashamed of, it can be a real struggle to find the right clothes in your wardrobe for the unexpected bloated stomach, or the odd spare inch around the waist. However, this article aims to provide you with some great suggestions to cover up tums, bums, boobs and waists this spring / summer.

The most common problems amongst women are bloated stomachs, and, as it's most common for unexpected weight to head straight to the stomach and waist-lines, these will be the first two areas I'm going to cover.

Now, the most important pieces, this season, for those bloated stomachs, are cardigans and camisoles; both of these are great items for layering (and can therefore cover up more than a few pounds, without making you look like you were built like a bus), yet don't cling to the body; overall, perfect for those not-quite-bikini-ready-tummies.

Pair these with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a look that's bang on trend - also, by using slightly over-sized accessories, you're detracting more attention away from those areas you're not keen on people paying too much attention to - this actually works for any body part you're trying to hide, so bare it in mind for the future.

To flatter those waists, ditch the belts that were oh-so-chic last season, and head straight for the cropped jackets and cardigans (yes, they are useful for something!); however, be careful what you pair with them, as not all trousers and skirts work well with cropped tops - however, bell bottom trousers or those with wider legs work especially well, this season, and bell skirts are especially great for anyone with good legs, and are perfect for those slightly warmer summer days.

If you're not confident enough to wear anything tailored, however, I'd recommend pairing cropped jackets with well-fitting jeans, preferably in a light wash denim, as dark denim may bring the tone of the outfit down slightly (and not in a good way).

Now, the next area I'm going to cover is bums and thighs; whilst these areas can be particularly hard to cover up, a well-cut dress can be perfect, and, for those who feel you need a little extra support, control points are always a great option, and no one need know you're wearing them.

No matter what you're told, however, smock dresses are not going to work, this season; instead, you want to add curves - simply look for those dresses that nip in slightly at the waist, and try to avoid thin belts.

So, now that you have the basics, hopefully you'll be able to set about making the best possible fashion choices for this season, and still manage to cover up those areas you're not quite ready to show off.

For more information, see May's issue of Vogue magazine, which was my main source for the article.