I will do my best to describe basic body types and how to work with what you got.

Hourglass or Figure 8

First and foremost buy clothes that FIT you, doesn’t matter what size you are. Draw attention to your waist; wear a belt to accentuate your assets (belts are “in” for spring).

Straight or H

Body is straight up and down shape without defining waistline.  There is  a big H and small H:

The big H

Large waist and shoulders Upper and lower body is equal in width, you have an athletic build. What to do?

Try wearing narrow belts, loosely. Choose V-necks, stay away from three-quarter sleeves, it draws attention to lack of waist line. Avoid jackets or sweaters that end at waist.

The small H

Tall, straight and narrow, lack in bust, waist and hips. Must create curves.

Try layering, ruching details at the bust line. Jackets that flare out from waist can create curves. Try long jackets, which helps elongate upper torso. Mix and match interesting prints and colors, this creates volume.

Upper torso is larger than lower body, wide shoulders. Large bust narrow hips often thin legs. What to do?

Must broaden hips, wear fuller and heavier fabrics for bottoms. Wear vertical necklines, stay away from spaghetti straps and halter necks they tend to make shoulders and arms look wider. Avoid frills, ruffles and pockets on tops.

The A or Pear

Narrow shoulders, small bust and waist. Heavy lower torso mainly hips and full thighs. What to do.

Add weight to shoulder to create balance Embrace your feminine waistline. Try wearing straight skirt with cowl neck, or ruched tops, this adds width to the shoulders. Also try tops with pockets, semi fitted tops and texture draws attention from the bottom. Handkerchief or flare skirts can accentuate curves.

Large bust and hips, fuller back and round waist line. Round women often have slim legs and arms. What to do.

Create length and smaller waist and make most of your smaller limbs. Try wearing tailored jackets avoid sharp shoulders. Wear a sleeveless and knee length dress that falls softly from the bust; this will draw attention to slim arms and legs.Choose pants  with smooth front. Stay away from high-waist or pleated pants or shorts; this creates bulk in the middle. Also try wearing boot cut or straight jeans, avoid tucking in but try wearing empire top.         

 Remember knowledge is power, no one knows your body as well as you do. Don’t sweat at what you don’t have, but do accentuate what you got. We all look and feel beautiful when we are comfortable in our own skin, so go out there raise your head high, walk with confidence and let your personality shine through.

 --Sanjeeda