Shape shifters

is from India and has been in the UAE for 10 years. She lives in DIFC with her husband and five-year-old son Akansh. She is a size 12 and likes to wear funky and stylish pieces, and always accessorises with a statement necklace.

What not to wear Horizontal zig-zag stripes are meant for only the skinniest of models. The lines widen the body and make it difficult to distinguish any kind of body shape.

Jumpsuit, Dh329, Topshop; Shoes, Dh190, Iconic; Necklace, Dh79, H&M.

Say yes to this Vertical or diagonal stripes, on the other hand, do the opposite, and lengthen the body. This jumpsuit makes Khyathi look taller and leaner as the stripes create a column effect.

is an Australian and has been in the UAE for two years. She lives in Jumeirah Village Triangle with her husband and two-year-old son Blake. Tracey is a size 12 and likes to wear solid-coloured dresses, and avoids spots and stripes. She considers her hips and thighs to be her main problem areas and tries to wear dresses that draw the attention away from them.

Dress, Dh1,050, Ted Baker; Shoes, Dh105, New Look; Ring, Dh35, Iconic.

What not to wear The trapeze style of this top may hide Tracey’s tummy, but it gives her body a triangle illusion, widening her hips. The pleats add extra material where it’s not necessary and bulks out her middle section.

Top, Dh250, Iconic; Jeans, Dh199, Iconic; Shoes, Dh190, Iconic; Necklace, Dh185, Marks & Spencer.

Say yes to this This peplum top gives Tracey an hourglass figure, lifting her bust and hiding her midriff. Black is, of course, always slimming, so the colour is flattering too.

is from India and has been in the UAE for seven years. She lives in Airport Road in Abu Dhabi with her husband and one-year-old daughter Saanvi. Anu is a size 16 and usually avoids body-hugging clothes, preferring to hide her figure under loose-fitting garments.

Dress, Dh2,350, Ted Baker; Shoes, Dh110, New Look; Necklace, Dh185, Marks & Spencer.

What not to wear This loose-fitting maroon dress swamps Anu’s figure and is very unflattering. The dark tone is very harsh and creates a box-like shape around her, hiding her curves. The ankle-strap heels shorten her legs.

Dress, Dh340, Marks & Spencer; Shoes, Dh159, New Look; Ring, Dh49, H&M.

is an Indian and has been in the UAE for 20 years. She is a student and lives with her parents in the Business Bay area of Dubai. Bhavika is a size 12 and likes to wear short dresses and statement accessories.

Top, Dh450, Coast; Skirt, Dh429, Topshop; Shoes, Dh325, Zara; Necklace, Dh60, Iconic.

What not to wear This trapeze dress completely hides Bhavika’s gorgeous figure, and the dark colour makes it difficult to distinguish her shape.

Dress, Dh885, Ted Baker; Shoes, Dh110, New Look; Cuff, Dh25, Iconic; Ring, Dh79, H&M.

Say yes to this The illusion dress is specifically designed to accentuate the waist, and it really works. The black panels on either side of Bhavika’s middle create the impression that she is slimmer, as your eye is drawn to the small-printed section in the middle of her body. The colour is very flattering on her, and the graphic print hides any bulges.