HOW TO BE STYLISH

Women come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you find clothes that are flattering your specific body type? The key is to know your proportions, and use fashion to accentuate your best features--and hide everything else!

IDENTIFYING YOUR BODY TYPE
1. Determine what type shape your body is. Pay attention to your curves. Look at how they connect your bust, waist, and hips.

• Measure the sizes of your bust, waist, and hip. Depending on the size of each part (in inches), you can determine which shape your body is to find clothes that properly fit
• In most Western countries, the typical size is 36”-24”-36”. However, don’t feel pressured to fit these measurements. Just measure to see which of the four body types you are.

2. Keep in mind that you can change your body shape with some dedication.Morphing one body type in to another is attainable through diet and exercise. If you wish to fit certain clothes better it’s a good idea to maybe make some lifestyle changes.

• One exercise does not suit everyone. Find one that will help you reach your end goal quickest. For example, if you wish for a thinner frame (smaller waist), then cardio would be a larger part of your routine, rather than weights.
• Know what your natural body is like. There are three main ones: Endomorphs (bodies that retain fat easier than others), Ectomorphs (bodies that burn fat quick), and Mesomorphs (athletic bodies that are usually maintained through consistent exercise).
• Cardio and resistance training are most commonly used to change body types. By knowing if you retain fat more or lose it quicker, you can create an exercise plan to cater to your bodily needs.
• Remember that the idea of an ideal body has changed. You don’t have to have the body of a model to wear everything.

3. Look at your genetics. Family genes play a large role in your body type. Look at other women in your family to see a common trend, and what they wear and do to dress for their bodies.

DRESSING YOUR BODY

1. 1.Falling under the apple body type. Generally described as “top-heavy”, this is generally about 14 percent of women where the bust is three or more inches bigger than the hips.
   

   • Follow your bodyline and keep details on the top and lower third of your body.Draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).
   • Choose flared pants over straight-leg or skinny pants, and to help balance out wide shoulders and/or a heavy upper body.
   • Avoid dresses and belts that pinch at your waist. This will most likely accentuate curves that you may not wish to show off.
   • Wear tops that drape over any curves if you wish.
   • Draw attention away from unwanted curves by enhancing a feature that is further away or you can cover it with dark colors.
2. 2
   Being a 'straight/rectangular body type. About 46 percent of women are this shape where the waist is about the same as hips and waist.
   

   • If you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish.
   • Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure.
   • Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.
   • Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs. They will also add more shape to a straight body.
   • Wear belts and dresses that pinch at your waist. This is a must because it'll create the illusion of curves.
3. 3
   Being a pear body type. Considered the opposite of the apple body type, this one is bottom-heavy with about 20 percent of women having hips significantly larger than bust.
   

   • If you’re a pear body-type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, if you want to make their butts bigger!
   • Balance your top with your bottom. Try to wear tops that accentuate your shoulders a bit more.
   • Avoid pants or tights that narrow your legs. With the pear body-type
   • Wearing a push-up bra to add curves up top might not be a bad idea. Just make sure you are wearing the right bra size!
   • Wear straight-leg or slightly flared pants with heels. Skinny pants that hug your ankles can make your lower body take on the appearance of an upside-down triangle. Flared pants can make your legs look very thick, perhaps bowl-legged, in comparison to your upper body.
4. 4
   Having the hourglass body. This is the least common with only 8 percent of women. The hip and bust measurements are usually equal, with a narrow waist.
   

   • Dress to flatter your beautiful curves by following your body’s outline. Don’t wear loose clothes that hide your body.
   • Balance your top and bottom while accentuating your waist. Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the mid-section.
   • Remember, just because you have an hourglass figure doesn't mean you have to wear clothes that make you blush. If a neckline is too deep, or if a hemline is too short, leave those clothes on the rack.
   • Shape your bust. If you have an hourglass shape, you probably have an ample bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy.
   • Stock up on V-neck dresses and tops - they're super flattering on big-busted girls. If you don't want to draw attention to your chest, stay away from necklaces and wear chunky bangles instead.