Fashion is a matter of proportion
Dress for what you are and not for what you want.....this is the magic 'mantra' of looking good and feeling good.......
Below is the wonderful article I read on the internet long ago.....
Understanding what flatters our shape is the first and most essential rule of fashion. There are certain fabrics and cuts that suit certain body types better than others and if we get to know what suits us, we can make confident fashion choices that make us look and feel more glamorous.
Fashion is a matter of proportion !!!!
If you've never really considered your body shape before, the following guide can help you get started:
Tall
Tall women are generally envied by their shorter counterparts, but in actual fact, dressing a long figure can be equally as tricky. Balancing your figure out, opting for styles that flatter a long torso and choosing trousers and jeans that make the most of your best assets (i.e. those long legs!) is key to making the most of your tall figure.
Wear:
Bandeau or tank top style dresses, shirts and tops are really flattering on tall women, especially when teamed with low slung trousers or jeans.
Halter necklines to show off shoulders.
Skinny jeans - great for showing off tall figures, they look great teamed with flip flops or flats in the summer and tucked into boots in winter.
Look for brands that have a 'tall' option - they are cut to flatter taller shapes and will provide maximum comfort.
Avoid:
Short bodices on dresses (they'll make you look even taller)
Long tops and vertical patterns.
Short
Short women can carry off a multitude of looks but streamlined clothes tend to look best on this body shape. Look for petite ranges in shops as they tend to have slightly smaller proportions for a perfect fit. You might also want to consider dressing in one colour for a more streamlined look - teamed with heels and dark tights will add inches to a small frame.
Wear:
High waisted belts that elongate your legs
Clothes with small details/prints/embellishment that flatter your petite figure
Heels - inches added in seconds (though perhaps not advisable for the school run!)
Skinny jeans - great for lengthening legs, especially when teamed with a slight heel.
Tailored trousers with front pleats - the perfect leg lengthener
Flapper dresses teamed with high heels look stunning on shorter figures
Avoid:
Large prints and floaty fabrics - they'll swamp your small frame and leave you feeling totally out of proportion.
Chokers or fitted neck ties
Different colours, layers and patterns - they'll visually 'chop you up' and emphasise your height.
Ankle straps that cut the leg down.
Apple shape
Women with large busts, narrow hips and slim legs are generally referred to as 'apple' shapes. This body shape tends to be softer around the middle and can look really feminine if dressed to impress! The key to showing off an apple shape is to opt for styles that show off those great legs and cleavage.
Wear:
Wide or scoop necks that expand the chest area and make you look in proportion.
Solid colour and crossover tops and dresses
Fabrics and styles that skim the body and make you look in proportion
A-line skirts or trousers that are nipped in at the waist will create an enviable Marilyn Monroe-esque hourglass look.
If you're concerned about you bottom or tummy, opt for jeans with pockets - front pockets will bring the eye away from your tummy and back pockets create the illusion of a flatter bottom.
Avoid:
Horizontal stripes
Large prints, pockets and chunky detailing
Tops or dresses that are too tight or too baggy
Clothes that allow you to emphasis your cleavage subtly
Ruched or puffy shoulders that broaden your top half.
Tight clothes on your bottom half will accentuate large breasts
Small bust
Small busted women can carry off lots of looks, but if it's your one major bugbear there is plenty you can do to create the illusion of a bigger cleavage.
Wear:
High neck tops or dresses with ruffles and prints will create the illusion of bigger breasts.
Anything with hidden padding. Control underwear or tops with built in bras are great, whilst padded bikini tops or swimsuits will make you feel more confident on the beach.
Halterneck tops and dresses show off shoulders and divert attention away from bust. Many halter styles also have ruching or built in bras for extra emphasis.
Avoid:
v/scoop neck tops will only accentuate small breasts
Tight tops without padded underwear
Plain cotton tops
Full figure:
Women sized 18+ can carry off some great looks and there are now more choices than ever to flatter the fuller figure. The main point is to find clothes that skim your body, accentuating your cleavage or slightly smaller waist subtly without being too tight or uncomfortable.
Wear:
Floaty trousers or skirts with lots of movement to divert attention from the thighs, hips and tummy.
Fish tail or bias cut skirts are most flattering on large/wide hips
Dressing in darker colours help to create a slimmer silhouette. If you go for the same colour top and bottoms, you'll also create a longer, leaner-looking figure.
Try control underwear - it sucks your body in underneath clothes, provides support, accentuates your cleavage and most fuller figured women find its a great confidence booster.
Wrap dresses - waist skimming, cleavage enhancing with the ability to hide all manner of sins.
Avoid:
Big belts and chunky waist details - they can cut the figure in half.
Shiny clothes - light will bounce off your curves and emphasise those bits you're trying to hide.
Body skimming/skin-clinging fabrics.
Pear shaped
If your thighs are rounded and your hips are slightly wider than your shoulders, you have a classic pear shape. Stylish dressing is easy if you simply remember to emphasise your positive parts - most usually a shapely waist, well balanced upper body and attractive shoulders and arms.
Wear:
Empire line dresses & tops are great for pear shapes as they nip in the body at the slimmest part - under the chest area.
Heels will add length and long straight cut trousers and jeans will elongate shorter legs.
A-line skirts that hit stop at the knee area are ideal because they draw attention away from problem areas.
Floaty shorts. Shirts with side stripes can also elongate legs and create a slimmer looking figure.
Fitted (not skintight) tops and shirts.
Open collars, v necks and pretty details that draw attention to your face.
Jackets and coats that hit below the waist with a flattering neckline.
Full skirts and dresses are pretty and feminine whilst hiding wide thighs or bottoms.
Anything with a raised waist to pull the emphasis away from problem areas.
Avoid:
Mini-skirts will accentuate heavy thighs
Patterned or light-colored pants.
Fussy details like big cargo pockets, ruching, frills or zips around the hip area.
Baggy clothes on the top or bottom will add bulk
Jackets and coats that hit your waist or the widest part of your body.
Happy dressing
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