Fashion Clothing Flattering Outfit Tricks Celebrities Swear By By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on February 24, 2010 @ 04:25PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Getty The world's best-dressed celebrities aren't always the ones with the fanciest, most elaborate outfits. Sometimes, the secret to creating a jaw-dropping look is really just expert styling — as in, finding undergarments, shoes, and materials that work to elongate, enhance, and provide overall balance. If you're looking for celeb-approved tricks to help elevate your wardrobe, read on for expert advice from author Charla Krupp, who pinpoints a few fashion go-tos you may never have noticed. 01 of 11 Take the Plunge Getty; Courtesy The upside-down triangle shape of a V-neck opens things up and brings the focus to your face, while also balancing out baggy or bulkier bottoms. 02 of 11 Reach for Pointy Toes Getty; Courtesy A slender toe and thin heel work to extend your leg, while square-toe styles might actually make you appear shorter. 03 of 11 Invest in Underwear That Fits Getty; Courtesy Too-snug panties might actually create bulges, while visible panty lines (VPLS) are oftentimes distracting. Instead, opt for something discreet, such as thongs, G-strings, or even a seamless pair of cheekies should you desire more coverage. 04 of 11 Embrace Shapewear Getty; Courtesy Every great outfit begins with the right foundation, and aside from creating a sleek and smooth look, these pieces work to lift and accentuate, too. 05 of 11 Use Jewelry Strategically Getty; Courtesy Long necklaces add length to a short neck and bring attention away from hips and to the front and center of your body. Mid-chest bibs or big chandeliers say look at the face and not the middle. Sparkly cuffs, stacks of bangles, and cocktail rings draw the eye to wrists instead of upper arms. 06 of 11 Pick Simple, Unadorned Denim Getty; Courtesy Consider investing in some dark, unembellished straight-leg or boot-cut jeans. These simple styles are sleek and won't cut your off, creating a long and lean appearance. 07 of 11 Layer a Jacket Over Jeans Getty The crisp, straight lines and narrow lapels of a blazer will balance things out and ensure your look is extra sharp. 08 of 11 Think About Fabric Getty While shopping, consider materials. Cotton, denim, silk, or wool gabardine are generally on the slimmer side and won't add any extra volume. Wide wale corduroy, on the other hand, along with crushed velvet, leather, suede, mohair, angora, taffeta, boucle, and flannel, tend to be a bit bulkier. 09 of 11 Go Monochromatic Getty Tops and bottoms of the same color create an uninterrupted vertical line, making you look taller. 10 of 11 Match Your Shoe Color to Your Leg Getty Coordinate tones to elongate your bottom half. In winter, wear black opaque tights and black pumps; in summer, try neutral skin-hued versions with bare legs. 11 of 11 Wear You Hair Up and Off Your Face Venturelli/Getty Pull your hair into a high ponytail or bun on the back of your head and then lightly tease at the crown to bring out your bone structure. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit