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It's happened to all of us. You get excited when you see a really great outfit in a department store window only to be devastated when you try it on. Why doesn't it look as good on you as it does in the window? It's most likely because you aren't built like the unrealistically-thin mannequin. Fortunately that doesn't mean you're not beautifully built. All you need to know is how to accentuate the positive!
Step 1: Determine your Body Shape
While your size may go up and down in your life, your frame will never change. Begin by looking at the shape of your torso facing the mirror straight on and then focus on the shape of your torso. It is your torso silhouette that will basically determine the line and clothing shapes that are best for your body.
Stand in front of a mirror (clothing optional) and study your proportions. Would you say that your shoulders are about the same width as your hips? Your hips are smaller or larger than your shoulders? Here is a general guideline for figuring out your body shape:
Step 2: Show Off Your Body
It's really simple actually. Once you've determined your body shape, you'll probably notice the parts of you that you love and the ones you hate. All you have to do is hide the things you don't like and show off the ones you love.
If you're an hourglass, wear:
Flat-front pants with a low-waist and either a full or straight leg
Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
Bermuda shorts with a low waist, simple detailing and straight legs
Pencil skirts with a small waistband at your natural waist
Circle skirts with small or no waistband worn just below your natural waist
Soft blouses with seaming and shaping and darts to complement your bust
Wrap tops in matte jersey, flat fine-gauge sweater knits and midweight cotton
Nipped waist jackets with a single button at or just below the waist
If you're a pear, wear:
Straight trousers with a low-waist flat front and minimal or no waistband
Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
NO SHORTS
Straight skirts in crisp or firm fabrics with no waistband worn at your natural to low waist
Fitted, tailored shirts to define the shape of your torso
Boatneck, ballet and square neck tops will visually widen your shoulders
Belted jackets in soft fabrics at hipbone length
Empire dresses that emphasize the upper body, and a feminine neckline to hides your bottom
If you're an apple, wear:
Straight, slim pants with a straight leg, no waistband in a drapey fabric
Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
Bermuda shorts with a low waist, simple detailing and straight legs
Trouser skirts in firm fabrics with a little stretch for a fitted look
Tunic tops that are straight in fabrics with drape to smooth over your upper body
Tailored shirts in stretch cotton with a form-fitting cut (not too tight), vertical seams and finished, shirttails
Straight-cut, single-breasted blazers worn open over tonal tailored shirts
Shirtdresses with button-front style, unbuttoned v-neckline worn at knee length
If you're a ruler, wear:
Any pants you want but if you have a short-waist avoid high-waist pants
Old-school Jeans and watch out for very low rises, they will exaggerate your flat bottom
Knee-length pedal pushers with form-fitting tops at hipbone length
Torso skirts with soft pleating, gathering or tiers attached to a smooth yoke
Tailored shirts with a slightly fuller cut in crisp cotton, soft silk, knit jerseys and soft suede
V-neck cardigan sweaters unbuttoned, hitting at hip length
Shirt jackets with a subtle shaping and small notch or mandarin collars
Tunic dresses with flat sandals
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