dress to your body shape

Unlock the secret of looking good by finding out what type of figure you have and dressing for your body shape.
We all come in different shapes and sizes so what looks great on lithe and leggy best friend or sister looks like an absolute disaster on you. Stress not - help is at hand! You can look great in a number of stunning outfits by simply dressing for your body shape. Serisha Singh helps you find out what type of figure you have and gives you some hints on how to highlight it.
Finding out what type of figure you have and dressing for your body shape
It's easier than you think it is! All you need to do is find the description that most closely fits your shape and you're halfway there. Once you've determined your body shape, you just need to follow the rules for dressing it, and looking good is at your fingertips.
Each body shape is defined by considering the way your body stores fat on the waist, the bust and the hips
By analysing this, you can identify your body shape and then follow the tips on dressing your body shape to see what works to enhance your figure. There are six basic body types:

• The Triangle;
• The Inverted Triangle;
• The Diamond;
• The Oval;
• The Rectangle; and
• The Hourglass.

The Triangle is defined by a fuller butt, hips, and thighs

Women with this body type, typically have a narrower bust-line and shoulders and a defined waist line. Basically, if your hips are wider than your waist and bust then you have a triangle-shaped body type. Also known as the Pear, this is the most common body shape. Celebs with this type of figure include Jennifer Love Hewitt; Beyonce and Rihanna.

Dressing for your body shape: The Triangle

You want to put focus on your small upper body when you dress or you can balance your figure by making your top half look fuller to offset your wider lower body. Try wearing darker colours on your lower body and lighter ones on top. Don’t make the mistake of covering your lower body and wearing a tight top on the upper half. Doing so will make your lower body look bigger and your upper body look smaller.

You should definitely consider wearing:

• Soft A-line dresses or skirts to conceal your lower half
• Empire waist dresses or tops to emphasise the bust
• Cap-sleeves or ruffles to give the illusion of a fuller top half
• Dark, boot-cut jeans with no detailing on the pockets
• Leggings with a longer length top that shows off your waist

The Inverted Triangle is the exact opposite of the Triangle

This body type boasts a full bust line with a defined waist and narrow hips. It’s also characterised by broad shoulders. Often referred to as “top heavy”; celebs with this shape include Katy Price, Jennifer Garner and Demi Moore.

Dressing for your body shape: The Inverted Triangle

To balance out your wider upper body you need to try and add more volume to your lower half. Try wearing brighter colours and patterned fabrics on your lower body and darker ones on top.

You should definitely consider wearing:

• Full skirts to add more body below the waist
• Open necklines like V-necks and halter necks to soften and minimise your upper body
• Tops just below the hip bone for a longer, leaner look
• Belts to define your waist
• Wide leg or bootleg pants or jeans
• Open tailored jackets (that end below your hip) to create a vertical line

The Diamond has a rounded and dominant waistline with slim arms and legs

Also known as the Apple, this body shape may have a large or small bust but is characterised by its thicker, rounder waistline.

Dressing for your body shape: The Diamond

The trick to flattering this figure to create some definition in the waist area and balance your slim limbs with the rest of your body. One of the best ways to define your waist line is by wearing the best possible bra, as this will lift your bustline.

You should definitely try wearing:

• Tops with draped or ruched details to conceal your tummy
• Wrap dresses and tops to highlight your waist
• Lower necklines like V-necks and cowl necks as these will accentuate a longer, leaner neckline and torso
• A-line dresses and tunics to help streamline your figure
• Bias-cuts and empire lines because they highlight your bust and skim over the rest of your body
• Longer length cardigans and jackets that will help to slim you down.

The Oval shape has an almost equal bustline, hips and waist

This shape is fairly evenly balanced, with little or no definition is the waist. Also known as the boyish or rectangle figure, this figure is flaunted by Kiera Knightly and Rooney Mara.

Dressing for your body shape: The Oval

To keep this figure looking good, all you need to do is create definition in the waistline and show off the bust and hips. One of the ways to do this is by wearing a light-coloured top under a brightly coloured cardigan or jacket, that's unbuttoned or unzipped to show a clear definition.

You should definitely try wearing:

• Wrap dresses or dresses with ruffles and tiered patterns
• Tunic style tops with a belted waist
• All-in-ones with elasticated waists to create the illusion of curves
• Pencil skirts with a brightly coloured blouse tucked in
• Short jackets or cardigans that end at the waist to show it off
• High-waisted, flared pants and jeans to show off your shape

Considered the ideal body shape, the Hourglass is envied by many

This body shape features almost equal bust and hip measurements with a clearly defined waist, usually at least 15cm smaller than the bust measurement. Celebs with this gorgeous shape include Heide Klum and Sofia Vergara.

Dressing for your body shape: The Hourglass

The trick to dressing this figure is to show off your waist, steer clear of empire lines and baggy, tunic styles as they make you look larger! The Hourglass can be difficult to dress and often requires tailoring to get items to fit you perfectly. Most hourglass figures also have a slightly shorter torso so investing in heels is often a great idea.

You should definitely be wearing:

• Pencil skirts and body con dresses
• Tops and jackets that end at your hip
• Belts - skinny and wide!
• Wrap tops and dresses
• Good supportive underwear
• Halternecks and V-necks to flatter your large bust

And there you have it, the guide to dressing your body shape and looking good!

For more fashion see Steal Kim Kardashian's style; Three tricks to perfect summer makeup and Get Kim Kardashian’s gorgeous curls