Year after year my holiday festivities become more and more extravagant and so do the treats and goodies I come in contact with.

A cinched waist makes a more flattering figure. Asos Vila Puff Collar Belted Coat.

Between holiday parties for family, friends, and work, I’m sure I have feasted on what could feed a small island population. It’s what the holidays are all about–eating whatever you can get your hands on, including that special dish mom whips up especially for you every year…right? No one should have to restrict themselves during the holiday season. We worry about what we’re eating for most of the year, anyway. In some cases we watch what we eat all year in order to just be able to have that extra slice of cake at Christmas.

But if you’re anything like me you didn’t practice self-control all year, and you will likely wake up on January 1 and realize that after all the eating and partying you’ve got an extra gift that you didn’t even notice under the tree…a few extra pounds. Of course it came out of nowhere because you were having way too much fun to notice. Luckily, your New Year’s resolution was to embrace a healthier lifestyle (wishful thinking), so all you have to do is hide the extra pounds until that new diet or workout kicks in. Here’s how:

1. Take advantage of the weather.

You’re already wearing a coat right now, so why not get creative with a bulky coat and add some style to it. If you are going to conceal the bulge don’t do it under a square down filled parka, they are boring and everyone will know you’re hiding something. Instead aim for a belted or a-line quilted look. A coat with cinched in sides will make the waistline appear to be thinner. It’s all about creating an illusion.

2. Try a structured look.

It will create crisp lines around your body, which are followed by the eye. Many structured tops have built in shoulder pads to create a broad shoulder. All the attention will then be drawn away from your figgy pudding and focused towards smoother lines.

Kate Bosworth shows how an all-black outfit is done.

3. Black is always back.

You know what they say about wearing black? Well, it’s true. Black and many other dark colors have the gift of making our bodies appear to be 5-10 pounds thinner. If your tummy is what you’re trying to hide, throw on a fitted black blouse; or if it’s the hips in your way, try a pair of black trousers to streamline your appearance. It’s okay to wear all black everything, it will give you a chic look and black is totally appropriate for this time of year.

4. Layer up with accessories.

Oversized jewelry and scarves are on trend right now. The bigger the better. Oversized necklaces and scarves will bring the eye up towards the face instead of to the areas of the body you do not like, and will also make everything else look smaller.  If you’re going to wear a large scarf tie it in a creative way to get more attention.

5. Show some skin!

I know you’re trying to hide most of it, but you can never go wrong showing a little collar bone. This is another way to focus attention on the face, instead of the body. If everything else is covered up, your face will get the most attention by bringing the eye upwards. Choose alternate necklines like v-necks to create this illusion.

6. When in doubt look to a body slimmer.

Thanx Spanx!

It will not only make you appear slimmer, but will also make you smooth in all the right places. This would be my last-ditch effort, due to the uncomfortable feeling of some body slimmers like girdles and corsets. Spanx are always a good choice, they seem to be very comfortable and they are available in many different styles to suit various body types.

Dressing to hide holiday weight gain can be annoying, but if you follow these simple steps you may have people asking if you lost weight over the holidays rather than gained. The holidays are about enjoying yourself with food, family, and friends. When you are truly happy it radiates through your skin. So next year when you look in the mirror and spot a few extra pounds, just think about how much you enjoyed your holiday season; it will make it easier to accept the new lump of coal around your waist.