Seven summer styles show you how to look longer and leaner—no diet required. Plus, get O‘s creative director Adam Glassman’s  rules for low-fat dressing, and see more flattering dresses.

Before: Etheliya Hananova

Etheliya’s minidress emphasized her thighs, and the light-colored top was unbecomingly clingy.

After: A Sleek Sheath

Better off red! This dress (Ergofit by Rafaella, $109) provides enough structure so curvy women like Etheliya can go bright (for traditionalists, it also comes in black). Its hidden asset: a mega-stretchy lining that subtracts inches. “It makes me feel sexy and elegant,” says Etheliya, 27, a restaurant wine consultant. Skin-tone shoes (Giuseppe Zanotti Design) elongate the look of her legs. Earrings, Anna Ruth Henriques. Bracelets, CC Skye and Lia Sophia.

Tip: A body-shaping mesh lining means guaranteed smoothness.

Before: Lauren LaPuma

“In summer I’m a dress fanatic,” says boutique manager Lauren, 26. This short, high-waisted sack accentuated rather than diminished her pear shape.

After: A Well-Placed Print

The neck ruffle and cap sleeves of this breezy dress (Victor by Victor Alfaro, $144) enhance the upper body so it balances a larger bottom half. A slimming brown background makes the colorful pattern pop in the center. Bangles, House of Lavande and Gerard Yosca. Shoes, Casadei.

Tip: Splashy florals clustered vertically on the dress make the body look narrower

Before: Jainmy Martinez

Despite losing 50 pounds through healthy eating and exercise, Jainmy, a 32-year-old actress, was still in cover-up mode—”loose clothes to hide the love handles.”

After: A Fitted Knit

Her new, improved figure is gorgeously evident in a cleverly draped faux-wraparound dress (Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart, $20). Knits, provided they’re fairly substantial, have a nice way of gliding over and camouflaging less toned areas. “This dress hugs my waist, and that makes me look smaller,” she says. Earrings, Paige Novick. Ring, Me&Ro. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.

Tip: Side gathers create a diagonal line that visually whittles the midsection.

Before: Jennifer Fleming

A hot pink babydoll showed too much leg, and the turtleneck made Jennifer look shorter than her 5’2″.

After: Color-Blocking

This slinky dress (Karen Millen, $340) minimizes hips and thighs by putting long sections of darker color on the outside and creating a lighter, brighter central section that streamlines the body. “I don’t like a lot of bareness,” says Jennifer, 30, a makeup artist. “Shape is sexier than skin!” Earrings, Julie Sandlau. Shoes, Sergio Rossi.

Tip: The orange panel “paints” a slimming up-and-down line on the body.