Collegiate Times

Since Eve's initial realization and horror that she was naked, women throughout history have been uncomfortable with their bodies and obsessed with weight.

Dieting on everything from grapefruit to tapeworms, achieving the ideal figure has caused more than just hunger pangs -- starvation, infertility and a lifelong battle with eating disorders have become problems for many women.

Last week, Virginia Tech featured a number of programs and speakers to promote National Eating Disorder Awareness Week to draw attention to the fact that according to sources from Brigham Young University-Idaho, about four-fifths of college girls suffer from some disordered eating habits. Yet, no matter how many times the dangers of eating disorders are reinforced by those around you, the decision to love your body must come from within -- and the best way to boost your confidence is by dressing the part. With just a few old button-down shirts, you can make a flattering jumper or skirt sure to showcase your best assets.

To flatter the hourglass or pear figure and draw attention to your waist or create the illusion of curves, try the Button Down Contrast Skirt:

Materials:

Two oversized button-down shirts (vertical stripes are most flattering and create the illusion of a longer, slimmer figure)

Needle and thread

Elastic, cut to fit snuggly on your natural waist

Cost: $6 to $10

Time: One hour

Step One: Lay both shirts flat and cut away the sleeves and the collar of each shirt.

Step Two: On one shirt, cut across the shoulders so that it is open on both the top and bottom. On the other, cut the buttoned panel from the front of the shirt and cut out the back panel. Lay the back panel on the back of the other shirt and hem so that there are a few inches of the other shirt still showing, but it covers the majority of the back of the shirt. Lay the buttoned front panel directly over the buttons on the shirt and pin in place, leaving a few inches of the other shirt exposed on opposite edge.

Step Three: Sew the contrasting panels on the shirt where it has been pinned.

Step Four: Cut under where the sleeves on the shirt are so that it is straight across. This will be the waist of the skirt. Fold this in so it is the desired length (should be worn on the natural waist) with enough room to insert elastic.

Step Five: Sew down the waist, but leave a small gap in the side of the skirt. Make a small incision so you can insert elastic here around the band of the skirt.

Step Six: Attach elastic to a safety pin and push it around the band of the skirt, using the safety pin as a guide to pull the elastic through. When it comes full circle, sew the ends together.

Your skirt is complete. Wear it with a camisole and cardigan, tights, and flats or boots in the winter, or just a basic tee and flats in the summer. Add a belt to further accentuate your waist.

For those wishing to draw attention to their bust or create the illusion of a bust is the Button Down Jumper:

Materials:

One button-down shirt (darker colors are more flattering, as are vertical stripes, though bold prints are fun, too)

Needle and thread

Cost: $3 to $5

Time: One hour

Step One: Lay shirt flat and cut away the sleeves and the collar. Hold onto the sleeves for Step Six.

Step Two: Cut the back straight across but leave as much of the material as possible. Cut the front straight across at the bottom of the armholes. Fold over and pin both.

Step Three: Cut a section down the length of the sleeves (I included the buttons on the cuff for flair). Hem these so they are about an inch wide.

Step Four: Turn the shirt inside out and sew down the sides to make it a sack. The top should be about five inches lower in the front than the back, but the bottom should match up.

Step Five: Try the garment on -- depending on your shape, you may want to make it tighter on sides. Adjust accordingly.

Step Six: Attach straps made from sleeves. I made mine about an inch from the sides, but they can be attached however you find flattering. Sew the plain part under the front and the cuffs over on the back so the button details are exposed.

Your jumper is complete. Wear it over a basic long-sleeved tee with leggings and boots in the winter or a camisole and flats in the summer.