Figure Flattering Clothes

Though colors and styles are important, perhaps nothing is more crucial than figure flattering clothes. At their worst, ill-fitting clothes can make a woman look and feel uncomfortable. Even just a slightly "off" fit can mean the difference between a so-so and a stunning outfit! It's definitely worth the effort to invest in clothing that is tailor made for your unique shape.

Shopping is fun when you know what to look for!

Clothing plays such an important role in our lives, not just for obvious and practical reasons, but for sentimental ones, as well. It seems only evident, then, that women would recognize the importance of wearing garments that best flatter their figures, call attention to their greatest assets and successfully conceal any trouble spots. Of course, not everyone abides by this adage – take a walk through any shopping mall anywhere in the world and you're bound to spot a fashion victim or two. You know the ones; they're decked out in clothes just a wee bit too small for their figures. The end result is never pretty.

Reconciling your desire to look stylish and collate a collection of clothes that will serve you well through your life's ups and downs with the need to look well kempt can often be challenging. Simply put, it can be difficult to dress for your body type if you aren't sure what your body type is or what really works wonders for your figure. Owning a great wardrobe just makes sense, though, and it's well worth the time to select pieces that really do you justice.

There's only one place to start: Your body. The first step is to determine your body shape. Are you:

• Hourglass: Curvy, with full hips and thighs, a well-defined waistline and either a medium or large size bust.
• Inverted triangle: You're larger on top, with a full bust and thick waist, and smaller on the bottom, with narrowed thighs and legs.
• Oval: Balanced from top to bottom, with a large bust, thick waistline and full hips and thighs.
• Rectangle: This shape is straight and even slightly squared, with an undefined waistline, straight legs and torso, narrow hips and a flat derriere.
• Triangle: The triangle is narrow in the shoulders and torso, with a small waistline and full hips. Any extra weight is typically carried in the thighs.

Once you've narrowed it down, you can begin dressing precisely for the most flattering styles for your shape.

The key here is to emphasize your waist without adding any unnecessary bulk to your balanced frame. Women with hourglass figures benefit from fitted attire; fabrics that flow and cling gently to the body; medium-low necklines; defined waistlines, either on a dress or created with a belt; and pants with a slight flare. Steer clear of baggy styles, which add heft, as well as high necklines, pleated skirts and tapered pants, which can also add the illusion of excess weight.

You'll want to create the illusion of an hourglass figure by creating a balanced lower half to match your heavier top half. Do this by wearing fabrics that flow and skim your curves; A-line skirts and dresses; flared pants; and medium-low necklines. Be sure to wear a supportive bra in the right size, and avoid anything that calls attention to your shoulders (including large collars and shoulder pads!), as well as tapered bottoms.

Since ovals generally have undefined waistlines and larger stomachs, the key is to create the illusion of a leaner, slimmer shape through clothing that calls attention to the upper body. In lieu of anything clingy, fitted or tight, focus on flowing dresses and tops that skim the waist without cinching inward; flared skirts and dresses; low necklines; and straight pants that flow softly to the ankles. Monochromatic, dark hues from top to bottom add to the slimmer illusion. Avoid tapered bottoms, and steer clear of tucking in tops – it's better to wear something that fits just right and allow it to sit untucked.

This straight shape may often be described as boyish. The key is to define a waistline or the shoulders by wearing garments that lend the illusion of curviness. Wrap dresses; lightly flared pants; A-line skirts and tops; and sleeveless tops and dresses are all strongly feminine choices that flatter this shape.

Since triangles are bottom heavy, the goal is to create balance on top. Do so by wearing attire that calls attention to the upper body, such as printed tops or vibrant jewelry. Short sleeves; low to medium necklines; flared dresses; A-line skirts; and boot leg pants are all excellent choices. Avoid wearing anything that adds unnecessary bulk, as well as pleats and tapered styles.

It can be frustrating choosing figure flattering clothes. Just ask any woman who's struggled into a pair of jeans, stood frustrated in the middle of the swimsuit department or searched in vain for that perfect dress. Begin by building a wardrobe of basics; these are the clothes you'll wear regularly, such as slacks, jeans, basic tops, cardigans, at least one blazer and a classic dress or two. From there, add a few trendy items to balance out your wardrobe and add some spice to the equation. You'll find that fashion may actually be pretty fun after all!

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