Flatter Your Figure - Dress Your Best At Any Size
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printer-friendly version| by Michelle Wicks Do you cringe at the thought of searching for an outfit that will fit and flatter your body? Fret no longer?I?m here to help. Dressing your best means selecting styles that work for your particular body shape, whatever size you may be. There are five basic body shapes: rectangle, hourglass, diamond, triangle and inverted triangle. Choose the shape that most resembles your body, and let?s get to the flattering! Rectangle If your shoulders, bust, waist and hips have similar measurements, your body has a rectangle shape. Styles that create a more curvy silhouette are great for you. Define a waistline with belts, A-line skirts, dresses and gowns. Try an empire waistline to give the illusion of a larger bust. Add waist- or hip-length jackets and shrugs to your wardrobe. Creating the illusion of curves is your ultimate goal! Hourglass If your bust and hips are fuller than your waistline, your body has a hourglass shape. With this shape, accentuating your natural figure works best. Flatter your bustline with deep V-necks, halters and sweetheart necklines. Tops and jackets that fall to the hip or flare at the waistline are great choices too. Try trumpet-bottom skirts, and don?t be afraid of more fitted choices. Remember: show off those curves! Diamond If your bust and hips are narrower than your waistline, your body has a diamond shape. Drawing the eye away from your waistline is important for you. Making your midsection more proportional to your shoulders and hips is ideal for the diamond shape as well. Duster-style jackets are great for this! They help balance out your shape. Shoulder pads and shortened hemlines can help draw the eye away from your waistline. Accessorize with chunky necklaces, large brooches and colorful scarves. Triangle If your shoulders and bust are substantially narrower than your hips, your body has a triangle or pear shape. Styles that draw the eye upward are best for you. Strapless or off-the-shoulder tops work great on your body shape! Choose jackets and tops that are cropped or fall at the waistline. Wear brighter colors on top and darker on bottom. A-line skirts and dresses and wide-leg pants are most flattering. Accessorize with eye-catching jewelry, scarves and wraps. Inverted Triangle If your bust is fuller than your hips, your body has a inverted triangle shape. Styles that even out your bust and hips are best for you. V-necklines are a must! A-line skirts and dresses work great for you, as they will create the appearance of fuller hips, balancing out your shape. Empire waistlines work well too. Try darker colors on top and lighter colors or patterns on bottom. Creating the illusion of an hourglass shape will make your body appear more proportional and flatter your figure. Tips for Every Body Shape ? Show off those curves. If you don?t have any, create the illusion that you do! ? Try a splash of color. Bright colors can help draw the eye away from trouble spots. ? Accessorize. Great jewelry, scarves and handbags can add pizzazz! ? Get yourself a few pretty shrugs and wraps. They are stylish, will cover your arms and will allow you the freedom to choose strapless and sleeveless gowns. ? Embrace alterations! Especially with formal wear, alterations can make the difference in how something fits. Your body is unique: not everything will fit perfectly. A good seamstress or tailor can alter your clothes to work with your specific body shape. ? Get creative! Try on styles you?ve never tried before. You may be surprised at what best flatters your figure. ? Most of all, have fun. Work with your unique shape to dress your best. Look fabulous and enjoy yourself!  Michelle Wicks is the owner of Michelle?s of New York Women?s Plus Sizes (www.michellesofnewyork.com), located in Long Island, NY. As a voluptuous woman, she understands the struggles women face when shopping for clothing that fits and flatters. Michelle?s offers plus-sized fashions and formal wear, personal shopping, and wardrobe consulting.  July 2007 |
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