Have you been over-indulging lately? Or are you suffering from a bad hair day? Fear not, wearing the right clothes can disguise excesses and even make you look slimmer.

1. Take that off now!

We know winter is well and truly on its way, but that bulky sweater you're wearing – the one that's two sizes too big and goes halfway down your leg – may feel comforting, but it oozes shame. In your heart you know you're curvaceous, not shapeless. So resist any urge to raid your old 'fat wardrobe' or, even worse, your maternity clothes. Instead, think positive and make the most of what you've got.

2. Dressing your top half

Most of us feel the squeeze initially around the upper arms and waist when we put on weight. So maybe you don't feel so sexy in that itty-bitty cami top or belted cardi right now. But all is not lost. Wearing a tailored jacket over the cami can hide arms, exaggerate a waist and draw the eye to your décolletage (the only place we can celebrate excess weight – hurrah!). Wear v-neck tops rather than round necks (that décolletage again), and choose tops with sleeves (shirts are a good option, particularly under a flattering tank-top). As for jumpers, cashmere is a good bet, as it's warm but not too chunky. Dark colours – burgundies, browns, black – will help too.

3. Dressing your bottom half

If you can't do your jeans up at the waist, you're probably wearing a pair that sit too high. Hipsters, the most flattering jean shape for normal women - bypass the waist altogether, so if you haven't got a pair, now's the time to invest. Most of us will find the thighs the biggest problem area. If your trousers are pulling horizontally taut across your thighs, you need an instant cover-up. An oversized wool cardi/coat to the knee like www.stellamccartney.com Stella McCartney's ethnic-inspired version (£545) is the perfect solution.

4. Skirting the issue

If you're feeling too uncomfortable in a pencil skirt at the moment, you might be cheered up by wearing an A-line shape with a pair of high-heeled boots. A wrap dress is another good solution. Although they tie at the waist, the eye is drawn down the body. Choose one in a muted shade with pretty patterning to hide your lumps and bumps.

5. Footwear

Now is not the time to be reaching for comfy trainers or pretty pumps. When the weighing scales creak, bring out the heels. They'll give you confidence and create a much sleeker profile. If you regard wearing stilettos as foot torture, get to the sales and buy a pair of chunky heels with round toes instead.

And finally...

Accessorise to the max. Hats, gloves, stoles, brooches. If they're looking at your lapels, they're not looking at your bum, are they?!

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