Shading on the Sides

You can sew the slimming effect straight into a garment by working the sides instead of the middle.

Look for a dress with darker panels down each side seam and a lighter panel up the front. The shaded edges of your torso melt back while the bright center comes forward, so the middle reads narrower. Because the contrast is built into the piece, the curve comes ready-made: no belt to cinch, no jacket to layer.