Dressing for Your Body Type

There's the popular fantasy that there are some women now walking the planet who are blessed with ideal proportions.

That may be "true" in airbrushed fashion shoots or classical paintings, but the fact is nobody in the real world meets the criteria to win the title of "Miss Perfect Body".

However, there are lots of tips and tricks for making it appear that way. All you have to do is accentuate the positive and let the eye of your adoring public do the rest.

Long torso - Tall women's fashions look best well-fitted and with classical Greek goddess lines. If you're tall and slim you can easily create those desireable S-curves by simply adding a belt to whatever dress you're wearing. Not only will it bring attention to your waist, it will create the illusion of a fuller, curvier figure.

Oval or pear shaped - Slim down your silhouette with a top or dress in a dark or muted color featuring a deep V neck to create a vertical slimming effect. Earrings, necklaces and other accessories will also help bring attention up to your head and shoulders. The addition of subtle shoulder pads also helps transform your figure from oval to V shape.

Petite - Tired of other people challenging your stature? In addition to adding a high heel, a classic trick for appearing taller is simply by dressing yourself head to toe in a single color (i.e., tops and jeans) to aquire that long and lean look. Be sure to choose straight legged pants or jeans to accentuate the vertical illusion. When choosing skirts, show off your legs! - and avoid calf-length or ankle-length skirts that make you look shorter than you are.

Also see:

How to buy a swimsuit that flatters your body shape

Best sunglasses to fit your face shape

More tips about dressing for your body type around the Web:

Body Shapes & Goals

Identify Your Body Type

How to Buy a Swimsuit That Flatters Your Body Shape

Want to flatter your shape in a stunning swimsuit at the beach or poolside this summer? Here are a couple of simple but expert tips and tricks to finding just the right swimsuit for your body shape.

General rule 1: Buy a swimsuit that's slightly larger than normal, but don't go overboard - you don't want your swimsuit swimming away! Slightly bigger sizes have the dual advantage of being more comfortable while hiding any unsightly bulges.

General rule No. 2: Choose a design featuring bright colors or patterns to accentuate your better features. Your ideal swimsuit will also feature darker colors (at the top, bottom, or middle) for the parts you want to hide or disguise. Black is fine, but any darker hue in green, blue or burgundy will do the trick to achieving a flattering, slimming effect for a large bust, hips or tummy. 

Specific advice by body type:

Long & tall banana shape -  Bandeau tops or tankinis will give the illusion of a more curvy body, while bright, colorful prints will help break up your long, vertical silhouette. Create further balance by choosing a design with horizontal lines or diagonal stripes.  

Apple shape -  There are two schools of thought on how best to accentuate an apple shape. One advises basic black and darker colors. Another puts the focus on wild and bright tropical designs or polka dots to disguise a rounder middle. We'll go for the wild design (it does the job and is lots more fun), but try both to see which one flatters your apple figure more. Whichever one you choose, be sure to opt for high-cut legs and a plunging neckline to avert attention to your middle. Also look for a fitted swimsuit with a defined waist with Lycra or spandex support.

Pear shape -  One of the most common women's body types, pear shapes can be accentuated with a bright, printed top and a subdued bottom. To achieve the look you want, experiment with mix and match separates, or a bikini or tankini top with padded bra, and a black bottom. 

Hourglass -  If you've got a Jennifer Hudson or Dolly Parton figure, lucky you! With this shape anything goes, but accentuating your waist will help to bring out your most voluptuous look.

More about choosing swimsuits around the Web:

• Find the Right Swimsuit to Suit Your Shape
  
  
• Swimsuits That Flatter Your Body Type
  
  
• Choosing the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type