MAKE SEASON'S HOT LOOKS WORK IN YOUR OWN WARDROBE.

Trends to try, maybe buy:

LEAN SILHOUETTE: The look of the season is long and lean, whether it's a column-style gown, sheath or pantsuit. Hips are meant to be hidden, so spend plenty of time in the dressing room to make sure pants fall straight from the hip and dresses fall straight from the arm pit. Straight skirts hit the knee, or just above; long bias-cut skirts swirl around the ankles; and pants are tapered like they were in the '60s and '70s with a stovepipe hemline that looks best when it grazes the middle of your shoe's heel.

TRANSPARENT FABRICS : If you've got it, flaunt it. Otherwise look for clothes with several layers of sheer fabric to give the illusion of sheer, while keeping crepe-y arms and flabby thighs under cover. In this category, you'll find fishtail hemlines, which anybody under 5-foot-8 should best avoid.

STRETCH APPEAL: First it was polyester, now it's polyester with plenty of Lycra. Think of leotards and swimsuits and decide if you really want to show every big and little ripple. If you've gotta have it, go for polyester crepe or stretchy leggings (get a size bigger so they don't look like tights) and wear with a big shirt or short dress. If you're not top-heavy, go for a Spandex tank top under a jacket.

BARE ARMS: One-shouldered dresses are trendy, but they expose flabby flesh and tend to make you look shorter. Halter tops expose everything, so leave them for the younger, taller, thinner chicks : but try the new sleeveless dresses and blouses. If your upper arms look too bare, cover up with a little cardigan or swingy long jacket and push up the sleeves for a jaunty effect.

BRIGHTS: Think of a cruise to the tropics and pack lots of coral, mango, salmon, banana and kiwi. Red remains a classic while lilac is looking edgy.

FLORALS & PRINTS: Big and bold, flavored with tropical punch or geometrics, so use sparingly.

PANTSUITS : Pantsuits are still hot, especially in monochromatic ensembles. Team with leotard-inspired tops, big white shirts with the collar open, V-neck T-shirts and sheer blouses worn over opaque camisoles. Wear thick Cuban-heeled shoes to balance a stovepipe leg, or strappy high-heeled sandals with the more tapered capri pant.

LINGERIE LOOKS: In the movie ``Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,'' Elizabeth Taylor cools off in her slip, which is now a dress. Too revealing? If it doesn't work for you (or the office dress code), try a black lace-edged pastel camisole under your suit jacket, or a completely lace straight skirt with a suity jacket.

SAFARI: That out-of-the-jungle look is back again, but this year you're supposed to add a safari jacket with cargo pockets and epaulets, which can be overwhelming on shorter, heavier figures. Consider a khaki-colored dress with espadrilles or khaki pants with a white T-shirt to show your fashion savvy.

EMPIRE SILHOUETTE: This style with the high waist, low-cut top and cap sleeve is right out of a Jane Austen movie and fits in with the current trend to romantic dressing, but it's hard to wear. While its Empire waist does make you look taller, it can also make you look lots heavier, especially if you've got a large bustline and hips.

NOTICE-ME SHOES: The styles of the season are shiny, bright-colored and bare. Look for mules, slides and strappy sandals with high, thick heels, including the retro wedge or Cuban styles. While white shoes are back, use caution, as they have shortening powers.

COLORFUL ACCESSORIES: A yellow tote bag, a red belt, a lime green scarf tied around your neck. There's a lot of fun going on with accessories, but if you're looking for that long and lean look, the neckerchief is the item for you because it keeps the eye UP, focused on your face. Also look for silver, platinum and marcasite jewelry, big frankly-fake cocktail rings, charm bracelets and more of the chokers we saw last year.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1) To look taller and thinner, try a V-neck top like this one from Lane Bryant, which specializes in size 14 and up.

(2) Let a hint of lingerie show with a white lace slip and navy-print button-front shirt-dress, both from Lane Bryant.