Style + Beauty Editor

I've been a beauty and fashion editor forever. And through the years, I've evolved a sort of Lois' Beauty and Fashion Survival Manual--some of which I'm going to share right here, right now. These style secrets for how to look good now have all been crafted from my experiences on photo shoots, where even models and movie stars had something to hide!

I've worked with nearly every supermodel and celebrity on the planet and been on photo shoots with thousands of real women.

I've worked with makeup artists like Sandy Linter, Laura Mercier, Kevyn Aucoin and Bobbi Brown, hairstylists Frederic Fekkai and Sally Hershberger and designers Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang. I've learned at the Manolos of Christie Brinkley, Paulina, Isabella Rossellini and the great Lauren Hutton.

Here's how to look your best this spring...

1. A SHAPEWEAR BODYSUIT ELIMINATES BACK FAT, MUFFIN TOPS AND YOUR BELLY IN THE TIME IT TAKES TO PULL IT ON--GET ONE!

We all live in Spanx Tight-End Tights, so I don't have to tell you how crucial they are, but it's time to add a compression bodysuit that goes from boobs to booty. I promise you, the Spanx Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-thigh Bodysuit was under more red carpet dresses this year than Brazilians. Rolls and squiggles are more important than the number on the scale--they force you to wear layers even when it's 80 degrees. Forget about pounds and get one of these--they're studio essentials on all my shoots and will make you feel secure and sexy.

2. BUY DRESSES
Take your cue from Michelle Obama's style and quit cutting your body in half with separate bottoms and tops. Dresses solve all body issues. They're no-brainers for work and slide quickly into evening with a chunky necklace or big chandeliers and heels. The new one-shoulder dress for spring and summer is a gift to busty women who want the look of a strapless dress but don't want to keep hiking the neckline up and checking every five minutes.

3. SUBSTITUTE A GRADUAL SELF-TANNER FOR BODY LOTION
I brought self-tanner on all my magazine shoots, and it saved the day when I needed to hide cellulite or broken capillaries and slim down chubby upper arms or heavy legs on a model or actress. Unlike body makeup, once it dried, it never came off on clothes, and the subtle hint of color makes bare legs and arms glow.

4. TO LOOK NEW, GET NEW JEANS
The right jeans at the right time make your wardrobe contemporary. Nothing dates you faster than bad jeans in the wrong wash. Ditch those low-rise ones you hike up every time you sit down. They're just muffin-top makers, and they're so over. Look for skinnies, straights and bootcuts with a higher rise by the same hip brands you love like AG or 7s or Joes. Also try slouchy boyfriend jeans with rolled cuffs--they're amazingly comfy but look great with heels or ballet flats, a cami and a jacket. New jeans can makeover everything from last spring in seconds.

5. BUY A BIGGER, BETTER BRA
I bet you're wearing the same size and style bra you wore in 2000, and I bet it's a teeny-tiny demi-cup pushup style or a do-nothing seamless nude number. Do yourself a favor and try a molded bra--it looks bigger, but remember, it's going under your clothes and that's where the extra smooth shaping, lift and no nipple show-though count. The Le Mystere Dream Tisha Bra is the best around, and it's in my styling kit in a range of sizes. Add it to yours.

Like these ideas for how to look good now? Come back on Monday to find out five more! In the meantime, check out these other style stories...Rich Looks for the Cash Poor and Be a Stylish Bargain Betty

Photo Source 2, 3, 4, 5