Of all the directions design line can move ... diagonals may just be the most figure flattering.  Graceful and sensual, they lead the viewer's eye gently across your body and away from any minor trouble spots while adding visual interest to a basic silhouette.  Each garment below takes advantage of diagonal lines to create the illusion of a smaller waistline and a shaplier figure.

Important Note:  the closer a diagonal is toward vertical the more slimming it is likely to be.  The closer to horizontal ... not so much.  Look for diagonal lines that create at least a 45-degree angle across your body.

The wavy effect of the lapels on the popular cascade sweaters are another effective diagonal -- especially good on rectangle, inverted triangle and oval figure types.  The fullness of this style almost always requires a Shoulder Shaper to support the look, so either choose a version with sleeves or wear a sleeved top underneath.

Plaids and stripes can make figure-friendly diagonal lines when cut on the bias grainline link the skirt below.  Double-check, though, that the softer drape of the bias-cut fabric doesn't result in more body cling than you prefer.

The diagonal drape formed by the waistline tucks on this slim faux-wrap skirt are nearly vertical.  A typical sarong - actually warpped and tied on the body --usually creates nearly-horizontal drape instead ...  less flattering, especially if you have a bit of tummy fullness.  I'd like this skirt even better without the horizontal focus created by the sash.

The pairs of diagonal folds on these tops create the look of a very tiny waistline (good on all figure types except Ovals).  The point from which those diagonals radiate looks narrow; the point they radiate toward looks a bit wider by comparison.

Tops with diagonal hemlines side-step the widening effect of a distinct horizontal line near your hips.  And they make you look taller -- therefore thinner -- in a very sneaky way.  Someone looking at you will perceive your upper body extending from the low-point of the diagonal to the top of your head.  And they will perceive your lower body extending from the high-point of the diagonal to the floor -- giving you that extra few inches (the depth of the diagonal) added to your apparent height. 

You can easily create a similar diagonal hem on your straight-bottom knit tops.  Simply run a row of gathering stitches along the side seam allowance inside the garment, from hemline to near the underarm.  Pull the stitches and knot off the threads.  You can shirr both sides or just one, depanding on the hemline effect you prefer.

Skirts with diagonal (sometimes called "handkerchief") hemlines form a similar illusion - making both your lower torso and your legs look longer.  The brown skirt on the left takes advantage of an additional diagonal seam joining the lower portion to the yoke. Compare that to the less-flattering horizontal yoke seam of the blue skirt.   But the gap between the top of the boots and the skirt hem forms an unnecessary -- and distracting -- horizontal.  Adding tights matched to the boot color would eliminate that problem.

What diagonal lines can you find -- or create -- in your own closet?