Put your best foot forward -- make good posture work for you with some help from the pros.

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Posture Pointers

Who doesn't want to walk into a room and turn heads? Whether you're a gym rat or a couch potato -- or more likely, somewhere between the two -- you can project a better physique without actually changing your body. Shocking, we know. But it's all about presentation and posture. Change the way you sit, stand, and walk, and you'll change they way people perceive you. Here, some advice from the experts.

Standing: Confidence is key. And like anything else in life, if you don't have it, fake it. Celebrity image consultant Daniel DiCriscio says, "Close your eyes, breathe, and relax -- that will center you for good posture. And it will let you fake confidence. If you are aware of the basics for good posture, that is the first step, and that definitely helps."

And what exactly are those basics? DiCriscio says to place shoulders back, just a little bit -- if you put them too far back you will look barrel-chested. Place your hips back a little bit as well and contract your abs. Don't clench your jaw or your fists. You can loosely clasp your hands in front of you -- this will look more feminine than holding them at your sides. You can also rest one hand on your thigh or hip -- with your thumb facing out -- if you want to look posed.

Sitting: First things first -- don't slouch! Sit up straight in your chair. "This makes you look more attractive because it creates an hourglass frame, while slouching creates a male silhouette," says body language guru Patti Wood, "Put your shoulders back a little bit because it lifts up your chest and elongates your torso. All of this will make you appear leaner and taller."

Another tip from Wood: Take your hands out of your lap and put them on the arms of the chair. This will draw your shoulders back instead of collapsing them.

And don't forget about the rest of your body. DiCriscio pinpoints some important don'ts for the legs: "Don't sit with your legs open. Don't expose your thigh to the person you are talking to. And don't cross at the ankles, unless you are wearing a really short skirt." Crossing at the ankles seems a little too prim and proper, while sitting with your legs apart produces the opposite effect. Instead, cross your legs at the knees, with the leg on top pointing toward the person you are talking to, so they only see part of your thigh. And remember to point the crossed toe inward, behind the other leg, almost wrapping your legs around each other. This will create a long sleek line, assuring the most flattering view from head to toe.