Q I bought a short white floral cheongsam with black lace on the sides that I would like to wear to my company's annual dinner. How should I wear it so that I don't look too old? I'm 24. My butt is also not perky enough to show off the dress. Is there anything I can do?

A Your cheongsam's short length already gives a more youthful vibe than a knee-length version, so all you have to do is try not to look like a waitress in a Chinese restaurant.

Keep everything classy and simple.

That means a chignon twist rather than an elaborate updo, and winged liquid eyeliner rather than smoky eyes and mile-long false eyelashes.

Go with modern accessories such as stark metallic earrings rather than gold or jade.

Now, for the butt issue. Freelance trainer Alicia Ng (e-mail her at [email protected]) says there are simple steps to getting toned gams and a perkier butt in two weeks.

First, do fat-burning cardio exercises such as dancing, running or brisk walking three to five times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time.

Next, do these toning exercises every other day:

- Lie on your back and raise the middle of your body upwards in a bridge-like arch. Hold for eight to 10 counts and repeat up to three times.

- Lunges: For each leg, hold for eight counts and repeat 20 to 30 times, alternating between your left and right leg each time. The leg that is bent must be at a 90 degree angle.

- Pretend you are using a public toilet seat and squat just enough so you are not touching the seat. Hold for eight counts and repeat eight times.

- Whenever you find a shallow curb or step, rest your toes on the edge and stand on tiptoe. Hold eight counts and repeat as many times as you like.

Remember, this works only if you stick to a sensible diet and as long as you keep up the routine. Now, go forth and be merry.

This article article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 16, 2009.