Is there a secret formula to looking fantastic in anything you wear? Yes and no. For one thing it is no secret that you must dress for the body type you have and not the body type you want. Clothing styles are vast and inclusive they are made to fit a wide range of body types and of course can be customized to enhance certain features. Some women feel like they are at a disadvantage when it comes to dressing well. The truth is, sometimes our bodies veer a bit from the traditional norms and require specialized attention. If you find that you are not very proportional that is, you have larger/smaller features relative to your body it may be essential to have your clothing custom designed. Fortunately fashion has become so varied that most of us will find something suitable without having to try too hard.

What is your Body Type – Major Body Types

Some women may fall within 2 or more of these traditional body types, however, naming the body type is a great start, but not the be all and end all to achieving perfect style combinations. Think about each feature in isolation and how you can enhance those you absolutely love!

Hour Glass Figure

The classic hourglass is the most sought after figure. She has a full bust, small waist and proportional hips. Typically hourglasses will have the least trouble finding clothing as their top half matches perfectly with their bottom half. Hourglasses are lucky to be able to wear just about any item of clothing and will look good in most, if not all fashion trends. Yet, a smaller hourglass is best advised not to wear clothing that is excessively baggy as this may look unflattering and diminish her natural curves. Famous hour glass figures include: Christina Hendricks, Sophia Loren,  Selma Hayek, Halle Berry and Marilyn Monroe.

Hour Glass Must Haves

• Wear fitted dresses and tops that accentuate your alluring figure.
• Play with colors and textures, you can’t possibly go wrong!
• Ensure you have great fitting undergarments.
• High waisted skirts were made for your figure.
• Skinny Jeans or straight leg jeans will perfectly compliment your curvaceous figure.
• Avoid clothing that is exceedingly loose fitting.

Pear Shape

The pear shape is another coveted figured which comes stacked with curvaceous hips, small waist and relatively small shoulders. Pear shapes may have slight difficulties finding dresses and all in one combos that fit perfectly at the top depending on the degree of this shape. Typically a pear shape may wish to de-emphasize the hips to create balance throughout the entire body especially if the hips are especially disproportionate.  Famous pear shapes include: Beyonce, Kim Khardashian, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Eva Mendes.

Pear Shape Must Haves

• Wear lighter tops and darker bottoms.
• Invest in a-line skirts that will look amazing on your figure. These can be knee length or above the knees depending on your personal preference.
• Boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines will look very flattering on your body type.
• Create greater balance with ruffles and other accentuating features on tops and dresses.
• Accentuate your feminine shoulders with strapless and off the shoulder tops and dresses.
• Invest in boleros and shorter jackets that hit just above the waist to show off your beautiful curves.

Ruler

The ruler is typically proportional throughout the body with an undefined waistline, similarly sized shoulders, waist and hips. Depending on the type of ruler, you may wish to add a bit more bulk if you are thinner and/or create the illusion of a waistline. Rulers are usually blessed with toned arms and legs and should focus on playing up these traits.

Ruler Must Haves

• Wear layered clothing to add definition and visual interest to your body.
• Play up your hips with colorful bottoms.
• Opt for flared skirts that add volume with pleats and colors.
• If your bust is very small opt for ruffles and other accents in tops and dresses.
• Wear jackets that stop just above the hips to make hips appear broader.
• Show off your legs with midi and mini length skirts and dresses.

Inverted Triangle/Top Heavy

This body type has wider shoulders and bust with a defined or barely defined waistline and narrow hips. Typically this figure is seen as looking slightly athletic with powerful shoulders and often shapely legs to match. Accentuate the positives and balance your body with the right clothing styles. Famous Inverted Triangles include: Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell and Teri Hatcher.

Inverted Triangle Must Haves

• Minimize very broad shoulders with darker colors on top paired with lighter bottoms.
• If you have athletic toned, arms and shoulders why not play them up with great strapless ensembles and accessories. Balance this look with whimsical colors and textures.
• Wear patterns and bright colored skirts to add volume to your hips.
• Wear mini skirts and shorts to show off your fabulous legs.
• Wear full skirts that add bulk to the hips.
• Define your waist with a waist flattering belt.
• Avoid a-line skirts that are cut sharply to the sides without enhancing your hips.
• Avoid boat necklines if you are overly concerned about highlighting your broad shoulders.

Apple Shape

The apple tends to carry her weight in her torso, bust and shoulders. These ladies are blessed with shapely legs and quite often a full bust-line. However, weight in the tummy can be problematic for larger apples therefore it is important to minimize problem areas while playing up your assets. Famous apple shapes include: Queen Latifah, Jenifer Hudson and Drew Barrymore.

Apple Shape Must Haves

• Create waistline definition using a belt at the smallest area of the torso.
• Show off your legs with trendy mini skirts.
• Create a waistline with empire dresses and tops.
• Accentuate your bust-line with well fitted bras.
• Wear flowing tops and fitted bottoms to de-emphasize tummy issues and show off those legs.
• Bring balance to your body with brighter colored bottoms and a-line skirts.