Primed to party

IT IS less than two weeks to Christmas, a bit too late to lose a kilo or two in anticipation of all that year-end feasting. But surely there are ways to camouflage that beer belly or rein in those jiggly bits and walk tall into that glam year-end bash?

Certified image consultant, Kanako Mori, founder of L'Atelier K, offers an array of tips and tricks to help you put your most stylish foot forward this festive season.

To begin with, the elegant Ms Mori, who trained at the famous Academy of Image Mastery, points out that whenever you elongate your height, you look slimmer. And the best way to do this is to create a column effect.

This can be achieved by wearing the same or similar shades on the top and bottom half of the body or playing with layering - if the colour worn on the inside, for example, the shirt, is darker than the one on the outside, for example, the jacket, there is a slimming effect.

Visual trick

A tried-and-tested visual trick to draw the eye away from the mid-section is to have something eye-catching near the face, be it an interesting design feature near the neckline or shoulder, or accessories like a necklace or ear rings.

What about the notion that big, colourful prints can camouflage an expanding waistline? Actually, small, busy prints can do a better job of it, but the effect of prints is more nuanced than that. Ms Mori advises choosing prints that are suitable for the individual's features.

She says: "If your facial scale is large, meaning you have relatively big eyes, nose, and mouth, and there is little space between facial features, choose prints that are large with less space. If your facial scale is small and there is lots of space between facial features, choose prints with smaller motifs and more in-between spaces. This rule works for tops and shirts as they are worn closer to your face."

Turning to the challenges of the beer-bellied, Ms Mori says: "If you have a protruding belly, having a belt hanging below the belly does not look so great."

Instead, she recommends wearing trousers with a side adjuster as the absence of belt loops creates a clean look. As to pockets on trousers, Ms Mori says: "Having front slant pockets will make you look slimmer. But avoid them if you are pear-shaped as the pockets will open!"

Is it acceptable to tuck the shirt out when attending informal gatherings? Yes, says Ms Mori, but there are ways to do this casual look well. "Make sure that the shirt is neither too long nor too short. Your back or belly should not be visible if you bend over or raise your arms; and the hem of your shirt should end just above your crotch. Most importantly, the rest of the shirt should have a good fit for your body."

Regardless of whether shirts are worn tucked in or out, fit is paramount, Ms Mori says. "If you can't find the right fit off the shelf, invest in tailored shirts. It will be well worth it."

The choice of shirt collars make a difference too, Ms Mori says. Spread collars are suitable for narrow and longer face, where as straight point collars or standard collars are more universal in their appeal.

Bermudas, say Ms Mori, are perfectly acceptable for a family Christmas barbecue, but pay attention to the condition of your shorts and shirt. She says: "You don't want to look like you just stumbled out of your afternoon nap." Also, opt for a polo shirt or short-sleeved shirt over a T-shirt for a more stylish look.

Overall, whether your calendar is packed with black-tie events this Christmas or you are simply kicking back with family and friends at poolside parties, the golden rule applies: less is more.

Says Ms Mori: "Consider your features and dress to enhance your natural beauty. Select just one focal point to your look, whether it is a cool shirt, a beautifully textured skirt or intricate accessories and harmonise everything else to it."