Now that you know your body shape (if you don’t, check my previous post on female body shapes) you need to know what to wear and what not to wear. Below are tips for each body shape.

Slim/Slender/Athletic:

• Select ruffle, neck tie, lace detail and embellishments on shirts, t-shirts and jumpers. Detail including pockets on the bust will add inches to the bust line and make the waist appear smaller creating a more feminine shape.

• Go for smock style shirts with puffed sleeves to soften arms and shoulders.

• Pick tops with high neck lines; these add inches to smaller busts.

• Select dresses in jersey and chiffon with patterns and floaty skirts that instantly soften angular lines, add some girliness and create curves in all the right places. Look out for halter neck styles that highlight any curve in the body.

• Go for layered tops as these add dimension to the body. Include wrap tops that create the illusion of a waist.

• Avoid vertical stripes as they hide curves.

• Avoid baggy tops (unless wearing with a belt or other detailing) — it may seem like the easiest solution but it will make slender body types look very shapeless.

• Avoid clingy tops as they will highlight the lack of waist.

Top Heavy (Inverted Triangle Body Shape):

• Draw attention towards the face and away from the bust, try this simple trick – a large pendant or necklace that sits just below the collar bone, will make the bust size appear smaller.

• Use darker and richer colours above the waistline to minimise the bust line.

• Select bootleg and wide leg trousers that will add some curve around the hip and leg area to create better balance with your bust line.

• Shop for a bra that fits perfectly, it will revolutionise the way you look and feel.

• Select shirts, tops and tees with a ‘v’ or scoop neckline that lengthens the neck and lifts and flatter the bust line. Opt for wider straps with sporty or feminine detailing that allows for a supportive bra to be worn.

• Stay away from horizontal stripes above the waistline which will increase bust size.

• Don’t pick out accessories that are too delicate that will only highlight how large the bust is. Keep accessories in proportion and avoid long necklaces and pendants that lie over the bust.

• Avoid small or large patterns above the waistline that are disproportionate to the bust line.

 

Pear Shape:

• Opt for high waisted wide leg trousers that are the same width all the way down and accentuate the waist and balance the hips and bottom.

• Add belts at the waistline to emphasise this area. Select detailed accessories like waist belts necklaces and earrings to draw the eye upwards. Fashion led chunky necklaces will definitely do the trick!

•  Lengthen and slim the legs with a pair of heels. Heavier styles which are not stilettos will balance the calves. Cone heels rather than stilettos on a dressy shoe will help balance out the bottom half of the body.

• Darker colours recede so use these below the waistline to create instant slimming effect. Choose lighter and brighter colours above the waistline to draw the eye upwards and away from areas you want to disguise.

• Avoid pencil skirts that cling to curves highlighting the disproportionate shape between the top and bottom.

• Avoid shiny fabrics and sequins below the waistline that add inches instantly.

• Avoid empire line tops and dresses that hide the waistline of the pear shape woman.

 

  Hour Glass:

• Opt for waist defining and empire line dresses. Go for the corset style and body con dresses. Emphasise curves with dresses that are knee length and nipped in or belted at the waist.

• Remember to keep the neckline low to break up and flatter the bust.

• Use block colours to show off this proportioned body shape.

• Aim to choose supportive fabrics that encase and flatter curves.

• Do use one pattern all over to highlight this proportioned body shape.

• Avoid flowing fabrics that will swamp the curvy figure.

• Avoid flared styles that add unnecessary shape to this silhouette.

• Avoid high waisted styles; they shorten the area between the fuller bust and waist-line.

Apple Shape:

• Choose skirts with a fuller shape to skim over tummy. Pick out skirts that are higher waisted to disguise tummy area.

• Go for chunky accessories and necklaces to draw the eye to them and away from the problem areas (Large tummy area and no waist).

• Look out for waistcoats that button under the bust to detract from the tummy. Select jackets that tie or button under the bust to place emphasis on the bust.

• Select wide legged trousers to create better balance between your upper and lower half. Pick out wide legged Capri pants to show off those slim ankles with no detail on the hip area.

• Don’t wear skinny trousers or jeans; they will make your legs look even shorter.

• Avoid halter neck lines and puffy sleeves as they will make the upper body appear wider.

• Avoid darker jeans and trousers as these make your hips appear even slimmer resulting in an even wider top half.

• Avoid pencil skirts with a fitted top that will create a top heavy look highlighting the narrow legs making the bust look even bigger.