DIY guide to look good in the nude

Adjust the lighting, stand up straight, wear killer heels and you'll be good to go... naked. Active! gives you tips to look your best in the buff. And thankfully, sweating it out in the gym isn't one of them

"I feel sexiest in the nude. My husband (Jordan Bratman) has a way of making me feel sexy. When you see something you dislike and your partner looks at you and embraces it, it makes you feel good," says pop singer Christina Aguilera.

We only wish we could agree. How many of us really feel confident about parading ourselves in our birthday suit? The trick, though, lies in building self-confidence and employing long-term and short term (no, we aren't
talking exercise or nip-and-tuck here) ideas, that will help you love yourself in the buff.

Stand in a diagonal pose
Remember, the more you slouch the worse you'll look naked. Never slump your shoulders forward. Throw them back and keep your spine straight. When you elongate your torso, the abdominal folds get straightened. Always stand diagonally with one foot out. This will naturally cinch you in and help you appear slimmer and svelte.

Throw away those old undies
Most women feel happier and sexier in silk, lace and wispy nothings. So why keep the shapeless granny panties and regulation-style bras? Go shop for sexy lingerie, which you'll feel happier taking off.

Back lighting for the best view
Nobody, even Heidi Klum or George Clooney, looks their best under bright fluorescent lights. Soft lights or even
candles will highlight the contours of your body. Back lighting is great for smoothing out lumps and bumps.