Unfortunately I am suffering from the effects of too much food and drink this Christmas. When it came to eating and drinking, I took the view, ’so what it’s Christmas’. The Christmas nibbles, glasses of mulled wine, a huge meal on Christmas day and more chocolates than you can imagine have had a devastating effect on my waist line. Yesterday whilst slumped in front of the TV I had to loosen my belt and undo my top button - not good.

Of course I know that come new year with my new years resolution to give up drinking completely and only eat healthy food and walk every where, the Christmas bloat will disappear in no time. But what about in the mean time?

I will be employing a few tricks to help make myself look slimmer. Did you know that you can take pounds off your weight and inches off your waist by wearing the right clothes.

• Head to toe black - this is a great way to get a streamlined silhouette and look slimmer. You can always brighten the look up with some colurful accessories.
• A long scarf or necklace. This will make your torso look longer and slimmer.
• Wrap tops and dresses - These just look great and are very flattering.
• Long trousers that cover your shoes - again these will make you look longer and slimmer.

This retro chiffon circles and stripes scarf will look great worn around the neck with plain black top.