How to Dress for Your Body Type

Humans come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you find clothes that are flattering your specific body type? The key is to know your proportions, and use fashion to accentuate your best features--and hide everything else! This article is aimed at women, but men can read How to Dress for Your Body Type (Men). 

1.Identify your body type. One way to define a woman's body type is by how her curves connect her bust, waist, and hips. There are four general body types

*Apple - top-heavy; 14% of women; bust three or more inches bigger than hips; if you have this body type, you probably want to emphasize your tight legs and butt, draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).

*Straight/rectangular - 46% of women; waist is about the same as hips and waist, more like a cylinder; if you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure. Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.

*Pear - bottom-heavy; 20% of women; hips significantly larger than bust; if this is your body type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, but some women might want to make their butts bigger!

*Hourglass - 8% of women; equal hip and bust measurements with a narrow waist; if you're one of the lucky few with this body type, dress to flatter - not flatten - your beautiful curves.

2.Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the mid-section. If you have a straight shape, this is a must because it'll create the illusion of curves. If you have a pear or hourglass shape, this will accentuate your existing curves.

3.Elongate your legs. No matter what your body type, making your legs look longer is generally flattering.

4.Shape your bust. If you have an apple or hourglass shape, you probably have an ample bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy. Book yourself a professional bra fitting; it's life-changing and will make your chest look fantastic! Stock up on V-neck dresses and tops - they're super flattering on big-busted girls. If you don't want to draw attention to your chest, stay away from necklaces and wear chunky bangles instead. You should also wear plain colours around your bust and go for patterned and colourful bottoms instead. If you have a straight or pear shape, wearing a push-up bra to add curves up top might not be a bad idea. If you have a flat stomach and aren't shy about showing it, cropped tops will make your chest look a little bigger in relation to your waist.

5.Choose your colors and patterns wisely. If there are any curves, handles, or lumps that you'd prefer to hide, wear solid dark colors (black, navy, dark purple) over them. Wear bright colors or patterns on your hot spots to draw attention away from your trouble spots!

6.Draw attention away from unwanted curves by enhancing a feature that is further away or you can cover it with dark colors.

7.Wear what you feel most comfortable in for confidence, and make sure that your clothes fit you properly. Clothes that are too tight or too big will not necessarily make you look better.

     *If you're a petite woman (short and skinny) avoid full-length coats and maxi dresses - they'll just swamp       you. Choose cropped jackets,       shorts, and mini dresses to keep your petite frame in perfect proportion. Dressing in one colour or wearing vertical stripes will make       you look taller. Try high heels too!

     *Keep in mind that if you really want to wear something that this article (or any other source) deems "unflattering" for you, you should       wear it anyway. The only thing that really matters is how you feel in your clothes. These are just ideas and suggestions on what to wear       if you want to accentuate (or cover) certain things that make you-you.