One of my favorite shows on television is TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” I love the candid, straightforward fashion advice and the near-miraculous transformations. What I wouldn’t give to have Stacy and Clinton show up on my front porch with $5000 for a whole new wardrobe! However, since most of us are navigating the shopping malls and department stores on our own, let me pass along the most important piece of fashion advice they give: no matter what your size, dress to flatter your shape.

If you’re not sure what your shape is, you can enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements at websites like www.ShopYourShape.com and get a personalized assessment. Once you know your shape, you can start looking for ways to better flatter your figure. Here are just a few tips for some of the most common body shapes.

 

The Pear Shape
This is probably the most common female shape – smaller on top, and fuller on the bottom. The goal is to create a sense of balance.
• Wear dark colors on the bottom, taking advantage of the slimming effect.
• The upper body should be the focus, so have fun with tops and accessories that draw the eyes up.
• Stock your wardrobe with mid-length or calf-length A-line skirts and dresses.
• Boat-neck and off-the-shoulder tops can help balance wider hips.

Fashions to avoid:
• Baggy, shapeless clothes
• Anything that adds bulk to hips, such as pleated pants or side pockets.
• Shirt hems or designs that hit at the hip line.
• Tapered skirts and pants.

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The Apple Shape
This shape is characterized by an overall rounded figure, particularly at the bust and waist line, and usually has shapely lower legs. The key is to create lines where none naturally exist.
• Look for v-neck tops with an empire waist.
• Try tops and dresses that flow through the waistline in soft fabrics like silk, rayon and gauzy cotton.
• Subtle shoulder pads can help emphasize shoulders.
• Consider narrow vertical stripes to help create a slimming line.

 

Fashions to avoid:
• Cargo pants, or pants with side pockets or embellishments.
• Tapered pants.
• Wrap and halter tops and dresses.
• Clingy fabrics and tucked-in tops.

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The Hourglass Shape
Curvy with a clearly defined waist, the Hourglass Shape is proportionally balanced top and bottom. Clothing should help emphasize the small waist without adding bulk.
• Look for fitted tops that nip in at the waist.
• Wrap dresses are a must have for an hourglass figure.
• Go for wide-leg or flare pants and jeans to help balance curves at the bust and hips.
• Belts are a great accessory to help accentuate a small waist.

 

Fashions to avoid:
• Tops that end at the widest point of the hips.
• Skinny jeans and tapered pants.
• Full or billowy tops.
• Large, light-colored prints.

 

 

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The Inverted Triangle
With a large bust or broad shoulders and narrow hips, the goal is to draw attention to the lower body and create the illusion of equal proportions.
• Look for pants and skirts in vivid colors and prints.
• Try a thick belt worn low on the hips to help create weight.
• Boot cut, flared or wide leg jeans help balance wide shoulders or a large bust.
• Full and A-line skirts can help add fullness.

 

Fashions to avoid:
• Boat-neck tops.
• Skinny jeans and tapered pants and skirts, which will accentuate the width of the upper body.
• Horizontal stripes.
• Shoulder pads, no matter how small.

 

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The Rectangle Shape
With shoulders, waist and hips all the same width, this is often considered a “boyish” body shape. The key is to pick clothes that help add curves.
• Look for sleeveless tops to accentuate shoulders.
• Fitted jackets and tops with a slightly higher waistline can help create an hourglass silhouette.
• Low rise jeans and pants can help add curviness to bottom and thighs.
• Opt for gauzy, flowing fabrics and soft ruffles.

 

Fashions to avoid:
• Pants with extremely flared legs – it can look visually off balanced.
• Clingy fabrics
• Fitted looks that are belted at the natural waistline.
• Narrow skirts.

Looking for more advice on how dress your shape? These tips, and many more, can be found at www.curvycounselor.com, www.style-makeover-hq.com, www.weddingplus.com.au.

 

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photo istockphoto.com

 

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