Today's tip is about knowing how to dress for your shape.  A lot of women really struggle with this.  Women want to be up to date with the latest trends, but that doesn't mean that it will be right for your shape.  Don't wear something because it's fashionable if it's not the right style for your body type.  To help with this, first you need to know what your body type is, then you can go from there.  Read below to find out what your body type is and what the do's and don'ts are for your shape.  These tips are invaluable and will help you show off your best assets and disguise the ones you want to hide.....

The Hourglass figure


This figure is considered the ideal body shape, so lucky you!!  Your aim should be to emphasize your curves, especially your waist, without adding bulk.

DO WEAR:

• Fitted and semi-fitted clothes
• Soft, clingy, flowy fabrics
• Low to medium necklines
• Dresses with defined waistlines
• Straight and gently flared pants
• Straight and gently flared skirts

DON'T WEAR:

• Stiff, bulky fabrics
• Baggy clothes
• High necklines (unless you have a small bust)
• Skirts with open pleats
• Very tapered pants

Inverted Triangle


You are this shape if you have a proportionally large bust or shoulders, or both (or what is commonly called 'top heavy').  You will also have narrow hips and possibly a flat bottom.  Your aim should be to balance your lower body to your upper body, and draw attention away from your upper body.

DO WEAR:

• Low to medium-low necklines
• Three quarter length sleeves
• A good fitting bra
• Tops & dresses that flow through the waist
• A-line skirts
• Flared pants

DON'T WEAR:

• Big collars/high necklines
• Tapered skirts & pants
• Styles that emphasize your shoulders
• Stiff, bulky fabrics

Triangle or Pear Shape


Typically this shape has a full bustline that is narrower than the hip-line & you have a well defined waist.  The thighs are typically full and you will have a full rounded bottom.  You should try to create the illusion of a wider upper body and create balance between upper and lower body.

DO WEAR:

• Short sleeves tops
• Accessories to draw attention to your upper body
• Medium to high necklines
• Garments to emphasize your waist
• Skirts & dresses that are straight or slightly flared
• Boot leg & straight pants

DON'T WEAR:

• Baggy garments
• Garments that add bulk to your hips
• Hems or design lines at hip-line
• Open pleats on skirts or pants
• Tapered skirts or pants

Oval or Apple Shape


You are this shape if your waistline is undefined, have a large and/or low stomach, have 'love handles' and sometimes larger thighs.  The aim here is draw attention upwards to your face and shoulders and to create a longer leaner image.

DO WEAR:

• Accessories to draw the eye up to your face.
• Tops & bottoms in the same colors
• Low necklines
• Un-tucked tops
• Support underwear like Spanx!
• Flat fronted pants
• Straight & slightly flared skirts

DON'T WEAR:

• Clingy or fitted clothes
• Large lapels
• Belts
• Pleats
• Narrow or tapered skirts or pants