Is this you?

• Your figure is straight up and down
• When you gain weight, it gets evenly distributed throughout your frame
• You have: a broad back, an average chest, an undefined waist, a balanced figure without many curves

Best features

• Arms, hips, legs

Aim

• To create the illusion of a curvier, more feminine frame

Dressing your rectangle/ruler shaped figure

• Wear v-neck and u-neck lines
• Tailored skirts or shorts are a great look for this body shape
• Accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that are fitted
• Accessorise the neckline with necklaces and scarves to add roundness to your straight frame
• Trousers or jeans that are wide leg or straight work best to add curves
• Belts around the waist add definition and help create the illusion of a curvier waistline
• Keep shirts well tailored and fitted to emphasise the waist and arms
• Bold prints and bright colours create the illusion of a curvier body
• Various cuts add shape (wide leg jeans, tulip skirts, kimono tops)
• Always wear a good push-up bra to create a fuller bust

Is this you?

• Your upper body is noticeably smaller than your lower body
• When you gain weight it goes mostly to your hips, thighs and stomach
• You have: sloping or narrow shoulders, a narrow back, a small to medium chest, a very defined waist, very curvy hips, thighs and bottom

Best features

Face, neck, bust, waist and arms

Aim

To bring the eye up and broaden your shoulder line

Dressing your pear-shaped figure

• Focus at or above your waist
• Keep jackets slightly fitted, tailored or belted
• Mac coats suit this body shape, just make sure the hemline is above your knee
• When it comes to trousers or jeans relaxed is best (think straight or wide leg)
• When buying jeans, always check the placement of the back pockets to make sure they flatter your bottom
• Flat front pants or pull on pants are great for smoothing the tummy area
• Choose A-line skirts that are slightly flared to balance your hips
• Soften your neckline by wearing shawls, cowls, scooped- or V-necks to draw the eye away from the hip area
• Dresses should be softly fitted. Look for an A-line style with an empire waist and emphasis on the neckline. Wrap dresses and cross-over styles are also flattering
• Stick to dark colours below the waist, but don’t be afraid to wear brighter shades, bold prints and different textures above
• Avoid clothing that is tight fitting, and choose clothes that skim the body for a sophisticated look

Is this you?

• Your upper body is noticeably larger than your lower body
• When you gain weight, it mostly goes to your waistline, chest and arms
• You have: broad shoulders, a medium to full chest, a full waist, narrow hips, a flat bottom, slim legs

Best Features

Chest, hips and legs

Aim

To create the illusion of a longer, slimmer upper body

Dressing your apple- shaped figure

• Tailored garments are your best friend because they help to create a slimmer, more balanced look
• Look for longer tailored jackets to elongate your frame
• Wide/deep necklines direct the eye away from your midsection
• Draw attention to your legs by wearing well-fitting pants
• Opt for tops that skim the body, and avoid tight-fitting shirts
• Tunic-length tops that finish above the knee are very flattering
• You can also wear pull on pants or wide relaxed drawstring pants for a more relaxed feel

Is this you?

• Your upper body is larger than your lower body
• You carry most of your weight in your back, chest, arms and stomach
• You have: a broad back, broad shoulders, larger chest, larger arms, slender/narrow hips, thighs/legs

Best Features

Legs and hips

Aim

To draw the eye downward to balance out your upper body

Dressing your cone-shaped figure

• Select tops that are simple in design, with a minimal embellishments
• Plunging necklines will soften the shoulder area
• Avoid belting your waistline
• Tunic shapes will flatter your body and create a more balanced silhouette
• Avoid wearing ruffles, cowled bodices and front patch pockets on shirts
• Darker shades work best on your upper body
• Brighter coloured or printed bottoms will help draw attention to your lower half
• Wrap dresses with full or ¾ sleeve are flattering
• Choose fuller skirts
• Boot cut, flare, wide leg jeans and trousers work best
• Nipped in jackets, tops and sweaters can create more shape and add definition to your waist
• Soften your shoulders with flowing fabrics (think silk tops)
• Choose knitwear with a fine gauge
• Raglan, dropped shoulder points and shoulder slits will soften shoulders
• Choose collarless shirts
• Stay away from shoulder pads
• Longline cardigans can soften your silhouette

Is this you?

• You are curvy with a defined waist
• When you gain weight it distributes evenly right to your curves
• You have: symmetrical shoulders and hips, a full, shapely bust, a distinctly defined waist, medium to broad hips in proportion with your shoulders, shapely legs, lots of feminine curves

Best features

Shoulders, chest, waist, hips

Aim

To elongated the body silhouette

Dressing your hourglass-shaped figure

• Wearing lightweight drape fabrics will soften your curves
• Accentuate your waist with a tailored jacket that is nipped in at the waist
• Trousers or jeans need to be fitted around your bottom, and the hemline should be just above the ground
• Skirts should be longer line or A-line, falling just above the knee
• Dresses are best when slightly fitted and flared in shape
• Plunging or v-necklines flatter your bust, as do shirts with collars and wrap shirts
• Cowl neck jumpers/tops flatter this body shape
• Belts are great to emphasise your waist