Thinner by Dinner Tips for the Holidays
By Charla Krupp, Best-selling author of "How to Never Look Fat Again: Over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner—Without Dieting!" and "How Never to Look Fat Again"

Once you write a book like How to Never Look Fat Again, it's hard to let go of the rules you've put in boldface forever.

This is embarrassing, but it happened to me just recently. I was choosing an outfit for my high school reunion back in September. Surely, I wouldn't wear something that I had just worn in front of this crowd, but I had a black and white floral cocktail dress from a few years ago that still fit me like couture. Anyway, our previous reunion was eight years ago; I don't remember even owning this dress back then!

My philosophy has always been: If I couldn't remember the last time I wore it, then who else would? I updated it with the heels of the moment--black suede sky-high loafers--and a new envelope clutch.

But when I was getting out of the car, I encountered someone I thought I hadn't seen in years. The first thing she said to me—even before my name—was: "Oh I remember that dress." She had to have been wrong, but of course, I had to get over her comment for the next 10 minutes. What a way to start an evening that I had so looked forward to!

The lesson here? For a big party this holiday season, buy a new dress. One that is perfectly on trend and doesn't make you look fat! Unless you want to revert to what we used to do in high school and keep a list of what we wore every two weeks.

Now here are easier thinner-by-dinner tips to get your through the sparkling season.

1. Brighten up your closet of black Black is the easiest thing to wear and the slimmest, hands-down. But when you're swimming in a sea of black day in and day out, it can get boring, which means you become invisible. Instead of the basic shades like black, white and off-white, choose newer shades of warm charcoal, fawn and pearl. Add color in this season's prettiest jeweled tones or frosty metallics in a sweater, jacket or other accessory to draw the focus to your strong points and away from your "issues."

2. Switch it up with mixed patterns Who says florals are only for spring? This season, you can keep your wardrobe fresh with abstract florals and snappy stripes in appropriate fabrics—think satin, silk and cashmere. You won't look fat if the background color is darker and the florals are bigger. Dress this up with fancy boots and a sparkly clutch, and you're ready to hit a holiday hotspot.

3. Lose the heavy makeup
When we age, we can look hard and severe with crow's feet and bumpy eyelids against heavy pigmented hues and thick eyeliner. Instead, use a light, flattering nude foundation. Don't depend on eyeliner to make your eyes look bigger—black voluminous mascara with a few strategically placed lashes will have the same effect without adding 20 years.

4. Slim down with pencil skirts The shapely pencil skirt fashions the body into a sexy hourglass. If you have a pear-shape figure, you don't want attention on wide hips and thighs, which means no pencil skirts with beading, tiers, ruffles, lace or sequins. Opt for a pencil skirt that stops an inch or two above your knee. Pair it with a fitted coat for a sophisticated look—it will hide unwanted arm flap! Be bold and try a pencil skirt ensemble in a different color, like tango red.

5. Don't pile on the layers
Layer up to stay warm this season without bulking up in chunky sweaters. Use the "wide over narrow" mantra, which means a cropped jacket over a slim dress or an oversized sweater atop skinny jeans. Too many layers pack on the pounds, so resist adding more than you absolutely have to.

6. Let skyscraper heels lift your look—to a point
If you were wearing nude heels every summer evening, you might want to switch to something dressier for the holidays, such as one of the metallics: silver, gold, bronze or even crystal. But remember to leave a pair of comfortable shoes in the car for backup assistance—or check them with your coat—and make a change as soon as your feet start to kill. Nothing can ruin a party faster. Better to wear a slightly less chic shoe than to miss out on all the fun!

7. Stick with simple black sheer hose for holiday nights
Save fishnets and other gimmicky-patterned tights for Halloween; if you have heavy calves, the last thing you want everyone to do is stare at your legs. P.S. If you live in a warmer climate and your legs resemble Kate Middleton's, you can go without hose and wear a glossy, leg makeup to cover any little imperfections.

8. Fake a waist with a belt Create an hourglass figure—the most flattering silhouette there is—by using a belt to maximize the difference between the top and lower body. Belts can accentuate your waist over a sweater, cardigan or dress. A medium or thin belt will do just fine. But beware a thick belt and a big bosom will make you look top-heavy. Nobody wants that.

9. Toss the dark lipsticks
Though you may gravitate toward darker hues during the winter, don't. Nothing ages you more than bold lipstick, in shades of berry and red, especially because it bleeds into the fine lines around your mouth, darkening those tiny wrinkles that you don't want anybody to see. Instead, look for pretty pink or coral lipsticks and glosses.

10. Curb your enthusiasm for holiday spirited clothing
Just because it's holiday time doesn't mean it's okay to go jingle-jingle with what you wear. I like to get in the mood as much as anybody else, but there are other ways to do it. Helping a needy friend and donating to your favorite charity are all classier ways to be festive. Go ahead and wear a red or green solid sweater and a neutral bottom with a statement necklace or holiday earrings to anchor the festivity. I know you would never wear a reindeer print or a Christmas tree on your chest, but this is my pet peeve and I just have to say it!

Visit Charlakrupp.com for more thinner by dinner holiday tips—and to buy both books. Combined with my How to Never Look Fat Again tips and classic Carlisle looks, you'll be dressed to impress by tonight!!

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