Color Block Dresses: Look 10 lbs. Thinner!

At the Venice Film Festival this month, Kate Winslet wore a stunning optical illusion dress by Stella McCartney that's an extreme example of this season's eye-tricking color block trend. Sir Paul's daughter created Kate's style with clever black panels that gave the star an hour glass figure and made her look a good two sizes slimmer. Fashion mavens worldwide have been clamoring for the fantastic frock ever since. But we're betting that with a price tag of $1,600 and a body-hugging contour, Kate's little number is probably not going to end up on your shopping list! Still, there's no reason you can't take advantage of the waist-whittling effect of strategically placed patterns and hues.

We found some affordable options that are guaranteed to flatter your figure this fall.

The Price Is Right! This soft, jersey offering from Forever 21 is yours for only $19.80! The dusty lime panels work their slenderizing magic against the black center while the ballerina neckline looks great as is or dressed up with pearls. Packable and hand-washable, your easy-on-the-budget dress can tuck into a suitcase or weekend bag so you can look your leanest when you're on the go this fall or during the holidays to come.

Waist Management A swath of black fabric as a faux belt helps your midriff look its smallest and the bold, geometric blocks of color in black, gray, and winter white create a shapely look. The knit dress from Maggy London rings up at $138 -- not the least expensive on our list, but reasonable for a good quality garment that you'll wear again and again.

Easy-Fit With All Kinds of Flare Sleeveless with a flattering round neckline and piped trim, this style features an A-line skirt that teams up with the color panels for a relaxed silhouette. It's wonderfully forgiving for any figure type! By Oasis, the dress goes for $78.57.

Blousy and Bequiling Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique designed this stunning crepe de Chine silk kimono in varying dusky hues. Nipped at the waist, the style flows around your curves and moves with fluid grace. Wear it when you go dancing! Available at Nordstrom for $178.

Trompe L'Oeil Triangles New York designer Jay Godfrey is a favorite of some of Hollywood's top fashionistas, including Leighton Meester, Eva Longoria, and Katherine Heigl. For $162, you can join their ranks in this cunning creation with turquoise inserts that make you seem trimmer instantly. The fabric helps, too. It's 80% luxurious silk with a little rayon and spandex in the mix for a perfect fit.

Bright Idea Here's a loose, layered shift that lets you sport strong primary colors and yet still benefit from the sorcery of blocks. Other features: a scoop neckline and drop shoulder cap sleeves. You can buy it at asos.com for $73.

Long and Lithe This soft, jersey maxi is not only chic but comfortable. The vertical lines make you seem taller and trimmer. You can wear this dress for casual events or pair it with bling and stilettos for a head-turning evening look. Available at FashionJunkee.com for $54.