Determining your body shape is the first step in learning how to dress in a way that makes your body look its best. Nearly every woman has problem areas she would like to cover, as well as positive features she would like to show off.

Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best. When you think about body types, don’t focus on height and weight… focus on shape. A slender gal can have the same body shape as a curvy gal, just as a short woman can have the same body shape as her taller friend. Each of us is unique – and our bodies are, too! Nevertheless, our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: pear, wedge, rectangle, apple and hourglass. You might fall into one category, or you might be a blend of two or more categories.

Once you’ve determined your body shape, you can begin to consider which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid. Spend some time in front of the mirror and do a fair and honest assessment of your body.

The Bust Measurement: Wearing a good fitting bra, measure the circumference of your bust at the largest point keeping the tape measure level and snug but not tight.

The Waist Measurement: Standing up straight find the narrowest part of your torso (often just above the belly button) and place the tape measure around. This is your natural waist.

The Hip Measurement: Place the tape measure around the widest part of your hips, where the curve is most prominent when standing side on.

Pear
Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body — in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well-defined.
Your best assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach
Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Wedge
Wedge body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.
Your best asset: Your legs
Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Rectangle
Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.
Your best assets: Your arms and legs — and you don’t have to minimize any body features.
Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Apple
Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.
Your best asset: Those legs!
Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Hourglass
Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.
Your best assets: Curves, curves, curves!
Your fashion goals: Show off your curves… without going overboard.

Look out for my body flattering fashion tips next week!

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