Body shape part 2

The objective is to get a wardrobe that makes you look good and feel great whether you are sitting around at home, going to the mall, meeting your friends or going out. To help you do this you may want to think about your own body shape and how certain types and cuts of clothes will look better on you than others.

So consider this, there are five main types of female body shape, each of them having a different silhouette with their own set of fashion & style guidelines. First of all get out the tape measure and take a few measurements remember this could save you time later when looking for that right item in the mall. Measure your bust, waist, hips and inseam. Okay knowing your inseam, isn't going to help in finding your shape but knowing it can save you oodles of time especially if buying jeans!
Look at the bullet points below and then scroll down the page for a bit more detail and follow the link to a bit more information and to suggestions of what will bring out your best and what you might be advised to avoid!

• Full mid-section probably bigger than your bust and hips measurements Apple shape (or round)
• Hip measurements are greater than your bust measurements Pear shape (or triangle/ bottom heavy)
• Broader shoulders and bust, and narrower hips. Strawberry shape (or inverted triangle/ top heavy)
• Hip and bust measurement are almost of equal size, with a narrow waist. Hourglass shape (or curvy)
• Waist measurement is less than 8" (20cm) smaller than the hip or bust measurement Rhubarb shape (also known as straight, ruler, or rectangular)

The styles of clothing that look great on an hourglass figure won't necessarily flatter a pear shaped figure or an apple shaped body so it's important you find the one that suits you best.

Apple body shape

Apple shaped celebrities: Jennifer Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, Rosie O'Donnell, Angelina Jolie, Tyra Banks and even Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The key to dressing an apple body type is to deemphasize your midsection and create a more defined waist. This is achieved by choosing clothing that add curves and fullness to your lower body and tops that taper to a waist. You have amazing legs so feel free to play with skirt lengths, but don't go too short otherwise you will further a top-heavy look. Visit the Apple page for some suggestions on what to buy and what combinations to wear to make sure you always look good and things to avoid which well will mean you will not look your best.

Pear body shape

Pear shaped celebrities: Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Clarkson, Christine Aguilera, Rihanna and Shakira.

If you are a little bottom-heavy and are bigger around the hips, bottom or thighs than you are up top then you are a Pear! You've probably also got a fairly flat stomach so make it work for you by adding more shape and structure above the waist. The key to dressing a pear body type is to enhance and add volume (or the illusion of volume) to your upper body while emphasizing your waist and deemphasizing your lower body to create a balanced, hourglass appearance. Create the most curvaceous effect by mixing and matching separates. Go to the Pear page for some suggestions to help you look great and feel confident and suggestions of what to avoid.

Strawberry body shape

Strawberry shaped celebrities:

The strawberry-shaped figure is bigger up top than on the bottom half because of wide shoulders, broad back and/or big boobs in relation to your waist and hips. Broad shoulders and slender hips can give Strawberries an athletic look. The key to dressing an strawberry body is to balance your broader shoulders, chest and back with your narrower lower body to create more of an hourglass effect. This is achieved by choosing clothes that add curves to your hips and bottom while creating a more defined waist. It is very important that you dress properly if you're a strawberry shape, as some clothes can make you look more like a boy from the back - unless, of course that is the look you are after. Anyway go to the Strawberry page to find out what is best for your shape.

Rhubarb body shape

Rhubarb shaped celebrities: Gwen Stefani, Sienna Miller, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Rachel Hunter, Reese Witherspoon, Keira Knightley, and Trinny Woodall

Like a stick of rhubarb girls with this figure are fairly straight up and down with slim legs and long body. Over 45% of American women and the majority of teenagers have a Rhubarb body shape and those that haven't would kill for your shape; there's no main area you want to minimise so you can get away with more things than most. It means your shape looks athletic with bust and hips of approximately the same width. You have little or no waist definition with your waist measuring from 1" to 8" (3 to 20 cm) smaller than the bust. However you may crave more curves -an illusion easily created with the right clothing. Go to the Rhubarb page for some suggestions to help you create a great look.

The Hourglass body shape

Hourglass shaped celebrities: Megan Fox, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, Jessica Biel 

Here, the hip and bust are almost of equal size, with a narrow waist. The key to dressing your Hourglass body type is to proportionally dress the top and bottom while accentuating your waist. Wide belts over shirts and dresses are a great way to show off your waist. You can create an even more curvaceous effect by proportionally adding a bit of volume to your upper and lower body, but always try to maintain balance since it is your best asset.Go to the Hourglass page for some suggestions to help you create a great look.