}{When you want to look slimmer, avoid stripes which run horizontally. These stripes will give the illusion of widening and this is not the look you want to achieve. Instead, wear a vertical stripe pattern that will make you look tall instead of wide.

|Avoid any horizontal stripes if your weight is higher. This pattern makes you look wider and is completely unflattering. Instead, wear clothing with vertical patterns, which will draw attention to height rather than girth.

|Every woman should at least have a few key items in her closet. It is important to have jeans hemmed for sneakers and some for heels, then a couple pairs of darker, dressier slacks. Let's not forget the mainstay for every woman, the little black dress.

|Keep up with the latest styles. Styles are constantly changing, and you can find out what is new by looking at fashion magazines every now and then. They typically display news trends in style first.

|There is no need to go along with every popular fashion trend. What may look great on that runway model may make you look like a carnival side show. Do what makes you comfortable. You should follow your natural instincts. Following your instincts will pay off in the long run.