The fastest route to small-waist territory: a full-bodied, midi-length skirt worn right at your waist. The voluminous shape at the hem only serves to make your mid-section look that much smaller by contrast.

You can try this trick when you’re wearing a dress, too: Wrap a belt around your waist to mimic the look of a high-waisted skirt and blouse, achieving the same minimizing effect of wearing two pieces.

It’s a common misconception that wearing more fabric makes you look bigger—au contraire, if done properly, extra material will minimize your waist more than wearing a body-contouring look.

ASOS Premium High Waisted Skirt in Jacquard ($105)

Wear this feminine full skirt with a crop top for extra minimizing effect, or dress it down with your favorite white tee.

Kate Spade Saturday Two-Bar Wide Leather Belt ($29) in Dark Green

This cool belt would be great cinched in at the waist of your favorite LBD, or holding up a floral full skirt.

ASOS Ridley High Waist Ultra Skinny Jeans in Clean Black ($67)

Every woman needs a really great pair of high-waisted black skinny jeans in her wardrobe.

Band of Outsiders Coated Sleeveless Trench ($438)

This is the most warm-weather-friendly trench we’ve ever seen. Tie the belt snug around your waist for maximum, well, minimizing.

Maison Boinet Wide-Glittered Belt ($244)

Can you say: party belt?

Burberry Stretch Virgin Wool Pencil Skirt ($995)

The gorgeous color of this wool skirt will carry you through the fall.

Jenni Kayne Pencil Skirt ($345)

The mid-thigh horizontal lace detailing will make your waist look even tinier by comparison!

Lucy Paris Fishnet Pencil Skirt ($58)

The fishnet detailing on this skirt adds just the right amount of sex appeal.

Gucci Patent-Leather Waist Belt ($640)

We're in love with the oversized buckle on this classic style.

Mango High-Waist Short ($40)

If you don’t already have a great pair of high-waisted trouser shorts in your wardrobe, you need this pair.

Phillip Lim Rounded Folded Floral Skirt ($475)

The asymmetrical cut and print of this pretty skirt gives it great movement, which will envelop your waist and make it newly tiny.

Mango Hook-Fastening Belt ($30)

The vintage-inspired hook-and-clasp has us swooning.

Rick Owens Oversize-Neck Belted Shirtdress ($467)

We adore the utilitarian influences of this sheath dress—tie the belt tight at your waist and pair it with a classic pair of strappy sandals.

Silence + Noise Logan High-Rise Trouser Pant ($69)

We love both the cut and print of these classic tartan trousers. The ankle length is ultra-modern.

Gap Wide Leather Belt ($21)

A simple leather belt in a must-have cognac color: yes, please.

Tibi Embroidered Full Skirt ($769)

Never was there ever a skirt so pretty!

Keepsake Wallflower Belt ($50)

There's something equally utilitarian and badass about this all-black belt.

Various Projects Belted Dress ($475)

If you’re into trying something new, reach for a square-cut kimono dress and cinch it in with a belt at your waist. (Here’s where that extra fabric rule comes in.)

Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve Zip High-Waisted Bikini Set ($245)

Yes, even swimsuits can make your waist look small. Buy yourself a brand new bikini with a pair of truly high-waisted bottoms. Thank us later.

Helmut Lang Side Slit High-Waist Leather Skirt ($655)

The slightly-wider-than-pencil cut of this leather skirt give it just enough body to make your waist look impossibly small.