There seems to be an obsession with celebrities and how slim or not so slim they are. Newspapers, magazines and the television are full of pictures of very slim actresses, super models and singers. Many of these women have "enhanced" bodies either through a rigorous diet and exercise regime that most of us don’t have time for, or with surgery. Remember some of these women make a living out of their appearance, us lesser mortals have more important issues in our lives and cannot afford the time nor the personal trainer and nutritionist.

Photographs are often digitally enhanced so it is difficult to see what these women really look like.

Women should have curves. Think of Jenifer Lopez who has been voted one of the sexiest women in the world. She certainly has curves and looks fantastic. Biologically women carry an extra layer of fat under their skin which they need to keep them healthy. Most men prefer women to have curves; in fact in some cultures a "well covered" woman is considered an asset. In countries where food is scarce or has been historically, a fat wife is a sign of wealth and health.

Our body shape is determined by our skeleton and genes. Some women have a naturally curvy body where they tend to carry extra weight on their hips. Women, who carry extra weight around their middle, tend to have straighter bodies. How ever much weight you gain or loose, your body will be the same basic shape.

So often women are desperately trying to loose a few pounds here or there and struggle to keep to a restricted diet and harsh exercise regime. Whilst eating healthily and exercising in moderation are very beneficial, many women find themselves in a cycle of "good" days and "bad" days and never reach their goals. The right choice of clothes can make a huge difference to how "heavy" you look.

When choosing clothes, your aim is to give the illusion of having a balanced body shape. In other words; shoulders and hips in line, a defined bust and waist, a gently curved tummy and bottom. Some women have this body shape and can show it off by wearing clothes that drape their curves. Soft, flowing fabrics are best with soft patterns such as swirls and flowers. Women with straighter or more athletic shaped bodies are better in straighter clothing lines, so fabrics that have more rigidity such as linen or denim.

Medical guidelines for an ideal weight are quite flexible, so as long as your weight is within the recommended weight in ratio to your height, there is no reason to beat yourself up about a few pounds here or there.

Once you have worked out what your body shape is and found clothing in the shapes and fabrics best suited to your body shape, it can be confident in the body you have. Everybody is a different shape and size and finding your own personal and unique style is what will make you stand out in a crowd, not your size or shape.