Good news for many women is the word that looking both stylish and slimmer can be easier than you think. That’s important according to one recent study. The survey by a major apparel company found, almost 90 percent of women reported their looks determine how they felt about themselves.

Other findings:

• Most women, regardless of age, size or shape, perceive that they have body flaws.

• Sixty-three percent said their stomachs as their major problem area, followed by thighs (45 percent), hips (34 percent) and butts (33 percent).

• These “issues” significantly increase for women who wear larger than size 10.

• 65 percent described their attempts to control their weight as unsuccessful.

Diet and exercise are the best solutions for looking and feeling better and women have also turned to shape wear, such as old fashioned girdles and other underwear for instant effect. One of the effective yet least expensive is called shape fx®.

Unlike other shape wear brands, it features a unique group of ready to wear oufits with built in shape wear panels that trim the waist, hips, and shape the butt. These unexpected bonuses come in great fitting pants, skirts and dresses, and are assets in an extensive swimwear line. The collection includes conventional shape wear and intimate pieces as well.

The designers also offer these five slimming tips:

1. Higher necklines support and minimize a fuller bust.

2. Vertical stripes, princess seams and single breasted jackets offer a slimming illusion.

3. Boot-cut pants and a flared skirt minimize heavy hips, thighs and butt.

4. Tunic tops stylishly conceal hips and butt.

5. Clothes containing super-control fabric with Lycra and power mesh panels may smooth away many imperfections.

Image by LYDIA and her SALAD DAYS.