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How to hide your larger-than-life bits

Unless you are a supermodel or have their flawless bodies, most of us have imperfections when it comes to our bodies.

Most people tend to not be proportional, and find that they have a certain body part that stands out more than the rest.

While that is not necessarily a flaw, some people can be self-conscious about exactly how to go about dressing their larger-than-life body parts, and make them look fabulous.

If you have large feet, a big bosom or even broad shoulders and often struggle to camouflage the body parts that stand out more than the rest, there is an answer for you.

Neliswa Motsuenyane is an image consultant and fashion designer, while Bontlefeela Mogoye is a celebrity stylist who has styled many covers of the fashion magazine Previdar.

"Sometimes putting together looks for huge or broad body features can be a big disaster, excuse the pun. However, if done strategically with the right styling eye, those very same difficult-to-manage body parts can stand out in a very impressive way," Motsuenyane says.

The two fashion experts lent us their styling eye and gave us tips on how to best dress larger-than-life features.

A big chest

Forget the proper print to wear, whether to wear vertical or horizontal stripes or sticking to black basics. When it comes to managing a large chest, Motsuenyane says all one needs is a good, supportive bra.

"Having a large bust can be difficult to manage, especially when it comes to finding clothes that don't seem overly revealing and too sexy. The best solution for managing your big bust in a style-effective way is to have a solid foundation of a good bra. A big- chested woman cannot compromise on a good bra, as those that may seem cheaper do not offer support and make everything you wear look like a big blob on your chest. So it's not the clothes that do the trick here, but what's underneath them."

Motsuenyane gives these tips when buying a good bra:

Bra size knowledge is key, so get yourself measured by a professional.

Go for extra support. Always look for a bra that has strong and thick arm handles.

A large foot

Famous women like Wendy Williams and Tyra Banks have spoken out about wearing abnormally sized shoes, and while they may be able to find their sizes effortlessly because they have stylists galore, it can be a painstakingly difficult challenge for the average woman with a big foot to find any joy.

So what can you do if you have big feet and still want to look your best? Being big footed is any woman who wears a size eight shoe and above.

"When we think of big footed, in our minds we quickly think of sandals, wedges, flats and pumps, because most the time it is what's available in such sizes," Mogoye says.

"Even sneakers tend to be limited in size, and most big-footed women have to resort to wearing men's sneakers, which are often not as cute. In South Africa our market doesn't give much availability for such sizes, which is a problem."

Mogoye also emphasises that women should not feel alone, as some celebrities also face the same dilemma, and we can learn a thing or two from them.

"We have seen a lot of celebrities gracing us with amazing shoes in their big feet. For example, Charlize Theron, who is a size nine-and-a-half, pulls off shoes amazingly, so much so that you can never tell that she has a big foot.

"The likes of Oprah Winfrey, who are always in high heels, Paris Hilton also has her line of shoes motivated by her US size 11 foot - all these women, besides having the means to acquire the shoes they need, can teach women a lot about being comfortable with your big feet, as it is nothing to be ashamed of.

"It is all about being confident enough to know what looks good on you."

Mogoye gives women with big feet tips on how to look great and pull off the Amazonian woman foot with style.

You always want to wear stylish flats that do not expose too much of your feet, that is flats with more stripes, or gladiators. They are a big-footed girl's best friend.

Peep-toe shoes are to be avoided.

Big-footed women tend to have long toes, so wearing peep-toe shoes always gives the impression that your foot is begging for mercy to squeeze out of the shoe.

Pointy shoes are also to be avoided by all means.

Very broad shoulders

While most women find men with broad shoulders sexy and appealing, when it comes to the men finding the right fit of clothing, it can be a complete nightmare.

"Broad shoulders are appealing in a man, but very often bad styling can leave a person looking like a cartoon super- hero," says Motsuenyane.

"When dressing for your broad shoulders, always avoid jeans or other pants that are too tight fitting.

"Another important thing to remember is that tucking in your shirt shortens your mid-section.

"This is not a style benefit for a man with broad shoulders, because it creates a boxed-up effect. Unless they are wearing a suit.

"When you are presenting an image, you want to look relaxed and vibrant, not uptight and strained.

"In essence, the key thing to remember is to loosen up from your mid-section right down to your ankles," she says.

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