© H&M

When Madonna designed her own M line for H&M, she put the focus well and truly on the waist, with retro dresses, nipped-in waists and high-waisted skirts emphasised with large belts. The hourglass figure is back in fashion and on display. 

Don't worry if you're not a leotard person like Madonna: you don't need to be super-skinny to wear high waists. Highlighting your waist and naturally defining your hips makes for an ultra-feminine look.  

High waists require impeccable posture, so keep your back straight and your stomach pulled in to avoid a slouched, bulging stomach that folds in two when you sit down!  

If you don't have much of a waist or you're curvy, go for very high-waisted stretch jeans such as Miss Sixty fly jeans for a guaranteed slimming effect. 

Photo: skirt, M by Madonna for H&M
www.hm.com