Are you one of those people who have problem areas and just can't seem to lose the pounds? There is hope, just dress so that your problem areas don't show at all. The human eye is easily fooled, you just have to know what tricks to use.

Here are some tips, warnings and guides to help you look slimmer.

• The colours of your clothes. It tends to be better to wear dark colours than light ones, or softer colours than strong ones. The brighter the colour, the more your 'flaws' will show through. If possible, avoid floral patterns that emphasise rather than hide your imperfections.

• Stripes. Avoid horizontal stripes at all costs. They make you look wider than you really are, whereas vertical stripes "stretch" you. The width of the stripes can also play a role. The wider the stripes, the wider the overall impression. So look for clothes with narrow, vertical stripes.

• The cut-out. The more of your neck is visible, the taller and therefore slimmer you look. A V-neck is definitely preferable to a round neckline.

• Waist. If you want to hide your guinea pig waist, don't choose clothes that emphasise your waist. Go for low-cut jeans that sit below your waist and lengthen your upper body. High-waisted trousers, on the other hand, visually shorten your upper body and make it look more square.

• Size. The clothes you wear should fit you well. Clothes that are one size too small emphasise our undesirable proportions, while clothes that are too big look baggy.

• Folds. Just no pleated skirts or pleated trousers.

• Fabric. You should not wear shiny fabrics such as silk or satin in the areas you want to conceal. This will draw attention to these areas.

• Hair. Wear your hair up or combed back so that it doesn't hang in your face and make your face look wider.

• Accessories. Wear accessories and jewellery in the places you like, because they draw the eye and distract from problem areas.

• Self-confidence. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in and wear them with confidence. People around you will notice when you are happy with yourself and your look and this will be transferred to them.