Fashion Forward: Trimming to slimming

(WSVN) You open up the closet door, start trying things on, but nothing looks right. Before you panic and swear to never eat chocolate again, there are a few shopping tips to help you look slimmer.

For most women size really does matter. Especially when you'r talking dress size. But did you know can lose a dress size just by changing what you wear

We hooked up with fashion stylist Mario Vergel at Burdines in Aventura for some trimming tips.

He's the guy celebs, like Gloria Estefan, turn to when they need to be red carpet ready.

Mario Vergel, Fashion Stylist, says "I think the goal is to always you know what not to make it so busy that it overpowers who you are I think simplicity is the key term here that should never be overlooked..."

We started with the basics: dark colors such as black, can make everyone look slimmer.

And with this little number some asymetrical ruching provides an added bonus.

"Ruching is great when you want to camoflauge your midriff, which is usually the trouble area for most women..."

When it comes to patterns big prints are a no - no...

"You don't know wether to look at the print the ruffles the neckline..."

It's just wrong there is no focal point you don't know where one ends and the other one begins the stripes are going the wrong way it's enlarging without a doubt..."

Stick to small prints or prints with simple graphic outlines.

"The flower is still large, but it's not full. It's the outline so you're still seeing the dark color see through.."

"So basically this print it's almost less busy...absolutely..absolutely..."

Mario says the key to dressing slimmer is to create a focal point away from your problem area. Take this outfit for example. Since underneath she's wearing all black, the pink sweater becomes the focal point and your eye goes to the tie at the bustline away from the midrif and hips.

"You almost lose the bottom because this is the focal point..."

"This is the perfect example of a bad focal point...you've got this shirt where it's bringing attention to the midrif and it's highlighting that this pant has an elastic waist...the elastic waist is something that's created for comfort it's not something you want to showcase..."

General rule of thumb for anybody: stay away from horizontal stripes anywhere unless you want to look bigger.

Vertical is the way to go because it elongates the body and don't be afraid to use simple jewelry to create a focal point.

"Your eye will go to where the accessory is..."

Keep it simple and you can create the illusion you went on a diet when you didn't.

Remember no matter what you wear, feel good about yourself on the inside...that's what counts.