Clothes that you buy at stores are sized based on standards set by the pattern makers. These sizes are based on average body proportions and dimensions. As you are most likely well aware of, few bodies have these exact dimensions and shapes and that is why clothing off the rack doesn't always fit or flatter your body's shape. Fortunately, there are ways to make off the rack clothes fit your body better.

Tip #1 - Use Belts

One simple way to make adjustments to the shape and fit of clothing is to utilize a belt. Belts can be used with jeans and slacks to help bring in the waist of pants that are a little too big, or they can be added to a shirt to create a more tailored look. You can also use belts of different colors and textures to add a point of visual interest to your outfit.

Tip #2 - Make Adjustments to the Seams

If you are between sizes then you will want to buy the next size up and then make adjustments to the seams. You can do this simply by figuring out where the clothing is too big and then by taking in the seams. Usually you will only need to take in the side seams to make a shirt or a pair of pants fit your shape better. When you take in the seams you need to do it evenly on both sides so that the clothing item will fit properly on your body.

Tip #3 - Make Adjustments to the Length of the Item

Another dimension that may not fit your body properly is the length of the clothing item. If the item is too long then you can hem the bottom of the item. This is a very simple fix that even novices can handle. Keep in mind that you can shorten shirts and jackets, as well as pants, shorts and skirts. Hemming can be done by hand with a needle and thread, or it can be done using a sewing machine. There are also hemming tapes that you can use to quickly set a hem. You can use the tape to hold the hem for a day while you wear the item, or you can use it to hold the hem in place while you stitch it up with a needle and thread.

What's in a *belt*? Everything! Jewels. Plastic. Leather. Beads. Metal. With all of this stuff, you'd think people would know how to wear them. Alas, they don't. Here are a few common scenarios:

Scenario #1: Shelia prides herself on being able to wear the same clothes she did in high school. As a result, on occasion, she wears a tie dye belt around a dress that used to go with another outfit she wore in 1965.

Scenario #2: Bill is a cowboy who works in corporate America. Of course, while in the office, he complies with wearing a suit and tie. But his belt is always a BIG one - with an ornate buckle.

Scenario #3: Cindy has always had a thick waist. In order to create a smaller one, she wears a skinny belt. It makes her look like a sausage with a string tied around it.

Sadly, we all know a Shelia, Bill or Cindy. They are our friends, relatives and coworkers. They are smart in every way except fashion. So here are a few tips they can use in regards to wearing belts:

Belts should fit . . .

A. The times. Unless the 60's are back in style, don't wear a belt from that era. Stick with the current trends.

B. The outfit. Casual belts belong with casual outfits and vice versa. Save cowboy buckles and other trendy belts for jeans.

C. The body. Your belt size should fit your body size. Skinny belts look best on skinny people.

Give these belt tips to the Shelias, Bills and Cindys of the world. And use them yourself. They will help anyone select a belt that looks good on them.

Celebrities are still obsessed with wearing UGGs. For the past two years, UGG boots have been in fashion for the colder weather, and it seems like this year is no exception. Jamie Pressly was seen wearing her UGGs on the way into the Conan O'Brien show. Minnie Driver was spotted shopping wearing UGGs a few weeks back while she was still pregnant. Other celebrities that have been seen wearing UGGs lately include Sienna Miller, Hilary Duff, Blake Lively and Katherine Heigl. This is probably one celebrity fashion trend that is actually worth looking into. UGG boots are quite comfortable and can be worn with anything from jeans to a pair of sweatpants.

Another celebrity trend that appears to be going nowhere this season is the belt. It seems like celebrities are putting belts on every outfit - everything from a dress to a blouse to even a plain t-shirt. Practically every woman celebrity, at one time of another, has belted a dress or top on the red carpet. The trick with this fashion trend is choosing the right belt for the outfit and your body. There are tons of different belts available, such as skinny ones, wide ones, jeweled ones and plain, simple ones. Belting an otherwise shapeless shirt or dress is a great way to show off your figure. Such celebrities as Lauren Conrad, Heidi Klum, Leighton Meister and Fergie all seem to do a good job with that fashion trend.

One big celebrity fashion trend that can be seen on the red carpet is the use of metallic colors. Metallic dresses, handbags, belts and even shoes are popping up everywhere in Hollywood. Such celebrities as Eva Longoria Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Sophia Bush, Britney Spears, Ashanti, Audrina Patridge and Charlize Theron are all sparkling in metallic colors. If you are shy about standing out in metallics this season, go for metallic accessories such as handbags or shoes. You can still have the Hollywood fashion but without all the fuss. With all the holiday parties coming up, metallics are a great fashion trend to follow.