Drawstring pants serve you best — easily drawn in at the waist for at least three sizes. Elastic-waist pants are the next-best option; tailored slacks the least forgiving. If you carry weight in your hips and thighs, avoid cargo pants or styles with thigh embellishments.

By three sizes down, a good tailor becomes your best friend — alter wherever possible before buying new. Don't fear pre-owned: a fraction of the cost, no guilt when you outgrow it, and vintage quality from top brands often beats today's same-label production.

Comfort and stability first — sandals, wedges and sneakers in camel go with everything. Don't write off belts: shift them slightly above or below the natural waist until you find your sweet Tspot. A belt under an open blazer can make the midriff read slimmer.

A surplice or wrap shape flatters the majority of women — gentle draping camouflages the midriff and side ties adjust as you reduce. A-line dresses should skim, not cup, the tummy. Tunics flatter when they end just below the widest part of the hips. Empire tops highlight the bust and forgive a tight midsection through many reductions.

Pick three complementary colours that make you sparkle. Build four tops (neutral, solid, patterned, striped), three bottoms (dark jeans or cotton/linen, neutral drawstring, dressy tencel pull-on), one or two dresses (at least one day-to-evening), plus a well-constructed blazer and a lightweight jacket or sweater.

Head-to-toe black doesn't celebrate the journey you're on. Wear colours that make you smile when you pass a mirror. Skip stretchy, shiny or shapeless fabrics and loud florals — solids and vertical stripes lengthen and lean.

Soft scarves in varied sizes (worn as headband, hatband, sash, purse accent or around the neck) give the most bang for your buck and need no resizing. Add hats for bad-hair days, a 16–18" collar necklace plus one long pendant, and small brooches to anchor scarves and wraps.