Know Your Body Type

Have you ever purchased a dress, or pair of pants, that you just knew was going to look smoking hot on you; you get home and try it on only to see that this same style that flattered the mannequin so freaking well isn't exactly showing your best features off in the same way? No need to freak. This happens, but it isn't because we're lop-sided or off-kilter, we are all created differently and we all have a design of our own. With this type of individualized body how do we fit anything right then? We all have a flattering side we just have to find the look that flatters our uniqueness; by finding that oh-so-perfect fit we can all make the most out of our shape and our style-dollar.

Each body size and type has its own style-solution. This solution will be the end of your guessing-days. Whatever you do: Stop imitating the mannequin. They are inflated clothes hangers, not mirrored images of Real-Women! The first body type is the Top-Heavy body type. This involves a larger top and smaller base; big breasts, medium-width shoulders, a short waist with skinny yet long legs. Or a square shaped, heavy top with large breasts, a big tummy and a broader back with still-slender legs. If this is you: wear dresses that have shape to them, but no skin-tight anything! No tight clothing, no high-waist anything, no tight shirts, you want dresses that draws attention to your bottom half. No ruffles, spaghetti straps, or extravagant necklines. Wear flared skirts and dresses that draw attention to the waist. Bell-bottom flares are great for slender legs. And go for dress-jackets with shape and one to two buttons just under the breasts.

What about Bottom-heavy ladies? Bottom heavy refers to longer, leaner top half which widen at the tummy, waist, hips, bottom; a general wide bottom half. Also, the pear-shape is considered a heavy bottom type. This consists of a small top, littler waist, big thighs with no real definition in the calves and ankles. If this is you: You want to draw attention away from your bottom half. Shoot for flared skirts and dress designs, only wear vertical patterns on the lower half of the body. You want to wear dark colors on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Draw attention to your top half by choosing big lapels, accessories, or small shoulder pads (emphasis on small). Strapless dresses are your friend worn with large necklaces or scarves, full skirts, even gauchos will flatter. Try wrap-dresses with a pronounced waist line. Also, go for straight boots will hide u-line calves.

These tricks are great for women with wider proportions on the upper and lower halves. The tricks of the trade can add definition and depth where it is needed and take away unflattering combinations.

Get the Perfect Dress

You do not necessarily have to a plus-size lady to have your own proportions dragging you down. The truth is, proportions have nothing to do with size, and it is a matter of where your focal points need to be directed over your body. Even underweight women can have a disproportioned shape. We are given this one body and we must learn how to flatter it accordingly. We may not be our own favorite fan but that doesn't mean we can't learn how to show others how to cheer-for-us!

We have discussed top heavy and bottom heavy ladies so the focus is now on ladies who are both top and bottom heavy. This can be tricky for you if you aren't getting the right advice. But comparatively this size is easier to flatter than others. This size describes a shape that is round all over. You have small shoulders and big breasts, waist, hips, rear with no definition in the calves or ankles. This can also represent a body that is equal in size both on the bottom and top. Or even an exaggerated hourglass figure- a short, slender waist in between larger thighs and breasts. Even ladies who have a larger bottom than the top, with the top still being large as well, can be described within this category. If this is you: Your best bet is to go for fitted form that does not hold tightly to you but that also doesn't hide any one part of you. You are proportioned well enough to flatter equally. You will want to flatter yourself with pencils skirts, flat-fronted and side-fastened to miss-out on bulk. Shoot for asymmetric pleats on a shorter scooped skirt will boost the bottom. Also, try skirts with sewn paneling on the top-half for belly control. No high-waist anything. Over form-fitting dresses you should try a thick-belted trench. Corsets are your friend and will lift and applaud your bust in great ways; many dresses have corset pull-tops. You just want to use caution in over-emphasizing any one part of your body.

The thin and no-curve body type is a more masculine shape that tends to be plank-like. From the shoulders down you are generally the same size with no curves to speak of. This is a sporty size with small breasts, thick shoulders, and medium size hips, no definition of the waist or thighs, and a flat bottom. If this sounds like you: You are looking to create curves where possible. In dress style you want draping, flowing dresses with punchy patterns to bring out shape. A chiffon can create a feminine appeal. Try a halter top dress with a inlet waist and form fitting, knee length design. You will want to do your best to attract attention to your waist with chunky belts, scarves, chains or anything that gives your waist that needed curve. For skirts use designs that has gathering and pleating of material around the arms/sleeves and waist to heighten the illusion.