Let's talk pants

Number one, you need to make sure your pants fit properly around your hips and thighs -- if they are tight and pull, it will only accentuate the size of your bottom half. Look for wider, but still somewhat straight-legged pants. Too much of a flare will look out of proportion, but a skinny leg will be a disaster. Something like these Novelty button A-line trouser $54.50 at Lane Bryant are great, but you can go with a slightly straighter leg as long as the fit is good.