I went on a winter vacation in Europe with family friends. I looked like a bag lady with all those layers of clothing, even though at that time, I was underweight. My friend looked fabulous. Slim, elegant and she was as warm as a toast.

Her secret?

Tip No. 1 : Wear thermal underwear that fits like a glove, is well ventilated yet insulates so well without creating additional bulk. You could skip a layer or 2 of clothing in a mild winter and get away with it. The fewer layers you wear, the slimmer you look. It should be tight fitting. A bonus of tight winter underwear is that it acts as a sort of girdle to hold in the saggy bits of fat, giving you a slimmer silhuette.

Tip No. 2 : If you are going to wear a dress or skirt, make your legs look slimmer by wearing wool stockings. Choose one in black or a very dark color where possible, for that slimming effect.

Tip No. 3 : Wear fewer layers made of warmer fabrics. Winter is the time to take out your cashmere and wear it. Wear wool or si

Tip No. 4 : Wear coats that hint at your figure. A too tight coat with unsightly bulges makes you look fatter. A coat that fits well flatters your figure.

Tip No. 5 : Keep warm with a gorgeous pink pashmina shawl. It doesn't add bulk to your frame, instead, it perks up your look beautifully. Better than a necklace in that besides making you look great, it keeps you warm.