By:
Grace Gold
You've lost the weight, toned up and look your best ever - and it's time you shared it with the world.
Taking "after" photos can be fun and exhilarating (plus it doesn't hurt if an ex-flame or new crush sees those hot shots on Facebook!), but before you grab the camera, check out these expert tricks on how to look even more svelte as you put your best face forward.
Flaunt your favorite feature
"Before heading to your closet, think of the body part you're most proud of, and then build your picture wardrobe around it," advises Amy E. Goodman, Today Show style contributor and author of Wear This, Toss That. Opt for a metallic belt to show off a graceful waist, a sleeveless top or dress for toned arms, a fitted blouse for a flat tummy, or a skirt that hits a couple of inches above the knee for great legs, says Goodman. And if you've got cleavage that's too good to be kept under wraps, try a scoop or sweetheart neckline with a supportive bra to keep it classy.
Steal the celebrity red carpet pose 
Have you ever noticed how stars stand with one hand on a hip for those glamorous shots? There's a reason for that - it's called the "skinny arm" trick - and Miss USA Alyssa Campanella knows all about it.
"No matter what your size, if you stand straight-on with your arms at your side, you can look heavy on camera," says Campanella. Instead, stand at a slight angle, facing either two or ten o'clock (depending on your side preference), and place the hand that's facing the camera on your hip. "It will instantly make you look shapelier, with a more defined waist and toned arms," adds Campanella.
Wear monochromatic colors
Most of us know that wearing all black is always a slenderizing option, but it certainly isn't your only one.
"Anytime you wear the same color on top and bottom, whatever the shade, it creates an uninterrupted vertical line that is slimming," explains Shelley GoodStein, model and author of Face This: Real advice from models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become picture perfect.
The same principal works when choosing your shoes too, with a neutral shade that closely matches your skin tone the most elongating option. "Wear heels to define your calves and give a sexy curve to your hips, but stay away from chunky heels and ankle straps, which can detract from your new long, leggy look," advises GoodStein.
Choose the right fit and fabric
The most common wardrobe mistake women make is picking a smaller size in the hopes it will look slimming, when in fact it can accentuate and even create bulges.
Clothing should comfortably skim the body without feeling tight or bunching, and the type of fabric you choose is also crucial. "Choose fabrics that are lightweight and matte with a touch of lycra or silk to glide fluidly over your curves," says GoodStein. "Avoid bulky or shiny choices like sequins, corduroy or terry cloth, since they all add pounds."
Wear Spanx
There's a reason Spanx founder Sara Blakely is the youngest self-made female billionaire on the Forbes list -- her shapewear performs feats of magic. The body-slimming undergarments instantly take a few pounds off (Oprah claims ten!), allowing clothing to lay smoothly over every curve. "Even skinny gals wear Spanx," says Goodman. "Shapewear is like auto detailing: it goes over the finishes, smooths over any imperfections and makes the final product sparkle!"