Finding the Perfect Styles for Your Shape

Choose styles, fabrics and looks that flatter your figure and body type:

Work with your body, not against it. Choose clothes shaped the same way you are.
Start with a good foundation. Proper fitting undergarments are a necessity.
Don’t drown in fabric. Clothes that are too big can look as unflattering as clothes that are too small.
Emphasize vertical lines, which lengthen and slenderize.
To lengthen and slim your figure, try monochromatic looks (one color from neck to toe).
Avoid wearing tops and bottoms of equal lengths; they will cut your body in half. Instead, try long over short, or short over long proportions.
Choose necklines that flatter your face and visibly lengthen your neck.
Accessorize! Drape a scarf around your neck; wear elegant earrings, etc. to draw interest to your face.
Look for styles that draw attention to your best feature, and downplay other areas.

Hour Glass: A narrower, defined waist with bust and hips in nearly equal proportion.

Tips:

Try narrow belted, waist-defining styles, and tailored separates in soft draping fabrics.
Select pretty necklines and understated bottoms for best results.
Flat front pants and skirts keep your lower half slim. Tailor the waist to fit if necessary.
Avoid wide belts, boxy jackets and full skirts. Use stretch fabrics to skim over your fuller areas.
Choose dresses that have a nipped waist: sheath, tank, bias and wrap dress styles will work best.

Rectangular: A straight figure with an undefined waistline.

Tips:

Try styles with adjustable waists or belts, one piece dresses with slightly lower waistlines, and styles with a slight waist shape.
Monochromatic dressing from head to toe creates a stronger vertical line.
V-Necklines visually narrow the upper body.
Pants with hip pockets will help accent your curves.
Try dresses with a defined waist like a shirtdress, or wrap dress.
Avoid stiff fabrics that hide your natural curves.
Avoid contrast-colored belts, boxy, stiff shoulders, full skirts/pants and clingy knits.

Oval: An overall round figure with a full bust, waist and upper back with proportionally slim legs.

Tips:

Try V-neck tops, un-constructed jackets and loose-fitting tops over slim pants and skirts. A visually interesting, beautiful fabric or pattern is more flattering on your bottom half.
Shorter skirts emphasize great legs.
Avoid fitted jackets and tight blouses with flaps or patch pockets at the bust.
Look for waistlines that are slightly lower than your natural waist. Wrap and surplice styles will add a vertical visual line. Sheath dresses can skim over problem areas.

Pear/Triangle: Narrower through the shoulders with fuller hips and/or thighs.

Tips:

Opt for tailored jackets with shoulder pads, long A-line skirts with softly pleated or flat fronts.
Try bateau necklines and tunic style tops over wide leg pants for a slimming look.
A structured jacket with defined shoulders instantly evens out top and bottom.
Avoid short or tight skirts, slim, narrow-legged pants or pants with back pockets, and jacket lengths with hemlines that end at your widest point. Wrap and empire-waist dresses are your best options.
Puffed sleeves and trench styling will help balance your proportions.

Inverted Triangle: Visually wider above the waist and narrower below the waist.

Tips:

Vertical lines to create a slim look, such as a V-neck or vertical trim.
Avoid large shoulder pads, bateau necklines, chunky knits and heavy textures on top – they only add bulk.
Visual interest of texture and pattern is more balanced on the bottom half. Surplice/Wrap tops add vertical slimming lines.
Dress styles to look for: wrap, empire waist, and dresses with a slight a-line to balance out your upper torso.
Dresses with details at the hip or hem also help balance your proportions.