PROJECT RUNWAY'S Tim Gunn fashioned a phrase that every woman should take to heart when selecting a wardrobe: "Make it work." So many women broadcast their body-figure insecurities by making wardrobe missteps rather than making the most of what they already have. Those who poo-poo fashion and style have dubbed the fashion-conscious "fashion victims." However, one who displays insecurity by wearing poorly selected clothing is the true victim. I don't care if you shop at Wal-Mart or Wilkes Bashford. If it's not working for you, you're sending unflattering messages. Body proportions are observed at the neck and shoulders, bust, waist and hips, legs and below the ankle. If you follow these tips for each point of your body, you'll enjoy looking at yourself in the mirror and others will take notice of a new, sensational you.

Neck and Shoulders: Try on all of your jackets and knits and look for ones that best flatter your neckline and shoulders. If your upper body does not look a like solid mass, you're wearing a flattering garment. V-necklines seem to flatter nearly everyone.

Bust: Have a Goldilocks moment and get some bras that aren't too loose, aren't too tight, but fit just right. Invest in smooth-cupped bras because they can be worn under any kind of fabric, and stick to nude and black. Avoid unnecessary attention, as white, lace and padding will be evident under lightweight and sheer fabrics. Once you're wearing the proper bra, follow the same fit advice with whatever you wear over it. In fact, try on your jackets and knits to observe the proper neckline once you have been properly fitted for your new best friends. Don't get hung up on what size clothing you need. Pay attention to how fabulous you look in the appropriate size. Squeezing into or blanketing yourself with too tight or too overflowing garments will not impress anyone.

Waist and Hips: Garments should not hug the widest part of your body, whether it's at the waist or the hips. Wear garments either fitted above your widest midsection area, or are loose and extend beyond it. As for belts, avoid making a mistake of massive proportions by wearing one at the proper spot, and of the right size and width.

Legs: Every woman, unless she's particularly tall, wants to appear as statuesque as possible. When it comes to pants, be sure they are long enough to cover the heels of your footwear. A visual break on the leg, even low at the ankle, can effectively reduce your stature. Shorter pants can work if you choose ones with flared legs, as they draw the eye out, not just down, continuing to elongate. Flat-front pants worn just below the navel typically have the most slimming fit. Knee-length, A-line skirts generally flatter any body type.

Below the Ankle: The biggest trick with footwear is that they be in balance to the whole rest of your outfit. If you're dressed sparely, avoid a heavy looking shoe. If you're wearing more volume down toward your feet, like long dresses or skirts, you want a shoe to complement the volume of the fabric.

Head to Toe: You can also work with color blocking to manipulate your womanly proportions. For instance, you could wear a solid hue similar to your hair color, and create a columnar vertical presence. Or, if your bottom half is heavier than your top half wear a darker color on bottom and wear a lighter color on top. Dark colors always work to minimize one's size, while lighter colors are more advancing.

You can read all of the tips in the world, but in order to really make a lasting difference in your self-esteem, you've got to move from being a victim to being the victor. Don't be thinking in terms of lack or laziness, but in terms of love. Improving your outward image needs to be a mind-body experience.

Joseph Rosenfeld is the nation's only male Certified Image Professional. Visit www.JRImageMentor.com for more information.

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