Smooth a belly
"My waist is big compared to my hips," says Deborah Rose, 47. Finding the right waistband to fit and flatter her stomach is a priority for her. "I don't want to appear as if I'm trying to look my daughter's age," says Deborah, but she doesn't want to look "too old ladyish" either.
Opt for a flat, stitched waistband.
Try inverted pleats for a slim shape.
Look for a sturdy fabric that won't cling.
On Deborah: Skirt, George ME, $16, sizes 4-18; at Wal-Mart. Top, Cable & Gauge, $49, sizes S-XL; at select Macy's stores. Earrings, $28; Bracelet, $38; Shoes, Classified, $35, sizes 5 1/2-10;
Stretch shorter legs
Maria Taylor, 28, has an eclectic fashion sense she calls "funky cool," and she loves shopping for skirts. Maria describes her legs as "short but very shapely." Finding the right hem length is key to showing off those legs.
Choose a hem that hits just above the knee.
Check for skirts in the petite section -- even if you're not technically a petite.
Seek out straight skirts to elongate your frame.
On Maria: Skirt, $44, sizes 4-20 (petite and regular); Top, $17, sizes XS-XXL; at Old Navy. Bracelet, $6; at Forever 21. Belt, $25; Shoes, $20, sizes 5-12 (no 10 or 11); at Payless ShoeSource.