How to Dress For Body Shape

Some of the most common fashion disasters come as a result of women dressing for the body they would like to have rather than the body they do have. By analyzing your body honestly you can prevent these mishaps and keep you look chic and polished.

Instructions

How to Dress for Body Shape

1. Look at your body. Determine if you are heavier on the bottom (pear shape), heavier on the top (apple shape), curvy on bottom and top with a defined waist (hourglass shape), or straight up and down with very minimal curves (rectangle). Determine whether you are shorter than the average person (petite) or taller than the average person (tall or long).

2. Do your research. Go on-line and look up your body shape. You will see a number of sites that show examples of some of the best contemporary styles for each variety. There are also a number of helpful books on the subject, several of which are written by editors of the most popular style magazines and television shows.

3. Spend money on camouflaging the parts you want to conceal. If you are looking to show off a lean top and cover up a bottom half that is carrying extra weight spend most of your money on pants or skirts that really flatter. Look for good quality fabrics that drape nicely and dark saturated color for these pieces. If you have $100 to spend, you should plan to spend $60-70 for the pants and $20-30 for the top.

4. Emphasize your best asset. Determine what part of your body is most attractive and show it off. You can do this with a slightly more clingy fit, interesting details like beading, bright color, patterns, or a plunging neckline if your chest is your pride and joy.

5. Determine that your clothes fit. If you are petite or tall, you should find a good tailor and get used to the idea that you will be visiting this person frequently. If you are size obsessed, find a way to break the habit of buying clothes that are too small just to make yourself feel good. Clothes that are slightly big make you look thinner, while clothes that are too small make you look bigger.

6. Learn to love your body type. A woman with no confidence does not look good in her clothes because she's not apt to carry herself with pride. If you have serious self-esteem or body issues get some professional help and start to resolve them so you can be truly comfortable with your body type.