Look fabulous: 5 ways to look and feel good on a fat day

We all have days when we are not thrilled with our bodies but the thing to remember is this: If you are always having fun with your style, you will always look good. There are no rules when it comes to fashion and I hate when we are made to feel excluded from certain styles because we don't have the body of a lithe 16-year-old. "If you want to wear it, then it's for you" is my mantra. There are some tricks of the (rag)trade that always make me feel confident even when the water retention is at an all-time peak and I'm getting thigh chafe after weeks of subsisting on chocolate and toast. 5 ways to look and feel good on a fat day 1 Long tall hottie A longline jacket, kimono or cardigan will elongate the body, gives the impression of height and slims the figure. It can also be a good option for covering upper arms.

Long tall hottie A longline jacket, kimono or cardigan will elongate the body, gives the impression of height and slims the figure. It can also be a good option for covering upper arms Kimono, €49.95 at Mango

Kimono, €49.95 at Mango 2 What a waist If your figure is leaning towards hourglass, celebrate you lucky thing and then wiggle into an awesome fit and flare dress. This shape is one of the all-time best ways to make you feel instantly fabulous. The waist of this style sits high, hitting you at the base of the rib cage before kicking out and potentially hiding a multitude.

What a waist: If your figure is leaning towards hourglass, celebrate you lucky thing and then wiggle into an awesome fit and flare dress. This shape is one of the all-time best ways to make you feel instantly fabulous. The waist of this style sits high, hitting you at the base of the rib cage before kicking out and potentially hiding a multitude. Dress, €155 at Hobbs

Dress, €155 at Hobbs 3 Button up Not all fat day dressing is about exploiting cleavage to deflect attention and synching in at the waist, for those of us who are a bit more straight up and down a tunic or shirt dress will make the most of your legs and can be worn with boots or flats for casual and smart dressing.

Button up: Not all fat day dressing is about exploiting cleavage to deflect attention and synching in the waist, for those of us who are a bit more straight up and down a tunic or shirt dress will make the most of your legs and can be worn with boots or flats for casual and smart dressing. Shirt dress, €145 by 2nd Day at Arnotts

Shirt dress, €145 by 2nd Day at Arnotts 4 Dazzling decoy If you are a big fan of the sleeveless look but are a bit self conscious about getting the arms out then accessorise a sleeveless top or dress with bracelets or bangles to direct attention to the slimmest part of the arm, the wrist.

Dazzling decoy: If you are a big fan of the sleeveless look but are a bit self conscious about getting the arms out then accessorise a sleeveless top or dress with bracelets or bangles to direct attention to the slimmest part of the arm, the wrist. Bracelets, €14.99 at H&M

Bracelets, €14.99 at H&M 5 Balancing act If you're feeling like your lower half is channelling a Kardashian (and not in a good way) it's important to balance the silhouette and play to your strengths. High-waisted trousers will synch you in at your narrowest point and a fitted long sleeve top will accentuate your slimmer half. Pair with some killer heels for an on-trend dressy look.

Balancing act: If you're feeling like your lower half is channelling a Kardashian (and not in a good way) it's important to balance the silhouette and play to your strengths. High-waisted trousers will synch you in at your narrowest point and a fitted long sleeve top will accentuate your slimmer half. Pair with some killer heels for an on-trend dressy look. High-waisted culottes, €179 at Jigsaw

High-waisted culottes, €179 at Jigsaw Main image L-R: Shirt, €29.95 and skirt, €49.95; dress, €49.95 all at Zara; Sleeveless jacket, €325 at Whistles