Sophia Loren said beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.' Overcoming a negative body image is much harder now than it was a hundred years ago. We are inundated with images of size 0 models and celebrities with perfect hair, skin, make up and expensive clothes on tv, the Internet and magazines. We have aestheticised our idea of what is beautiful neglecting the essence that beauty is inherent in the person.

A negative body image has a detrimental effect on our self esteem. A lack of self confidence can restrict you from living the one life you have as fully as possible and achieving your dreams. We convince ourselves that if we have flawless skin, are thinner, have longer hair or perfectly shaped legs, we will be happier and our lives will drastically improve but that is simply not true. A top size 0 supermodel can have a negative image of her body leading to eating disorders, depression, resentment of those around her, and other negative psychological effects on her personality as to make her completely unattractive. Yet an overweight woman with bad skin can be filled with so much self confidence, kindness and personality as to be the most attractive woman in a room.

In order to increase our love for our bodies, we need to see them for their functional purposes. Our legs are to take us from one point to the next. An amputee would rather have unshapely legs with thick calves than none at all. Once we see our bodies for their functional purpose and start showing our bodies more love, we can begin to take better care of our bodies. Loving our bodies means eating healthier and exercising in order to take better care of, and maintain the health of our body to enable it to function more effectively. A healthy lifestyle free from the anxiety of a poor body image not only makes us feel good about ourselves but will ensure we look the best we possibly can.

The mental preparation of having a positive body image is the majority of the work involved in ensuring you look and feel beautiful. Trends are continuously changing in fashion and while some trends may suit our bodies, some don't. Choosing clothes to flatter your least favourite parts of your body and accentuate your better parts is of more importance than choosing the latest trends. An increase in wider fashion ranges for plus size, petite and tall ranges in the 90s has made it much easier for us to be able to look fashionable no matter what body we were born with.

A few tips to dress for our body shape:

Petite women should opt for more fitted shapes and avoid large patterns.

Tall women should avoid wearing tight clothes and very long or very short skirts as both add height.

Top heavy women should wear patterned skirts and plain tops. Avoid clingy and ruffled fabrics on top .

Those with a heavy middle could wear a waistcoat over a t-shirt can help to hide a larger mid section.

Hip heavy women should opt for A line and straight skirts and small padded shoulders.

If you have large calves, opt for a heavier heel like wedges and avoid wearing stilettos or ankle strap shoes.

Learn more about this author, Rosaliya Martins.
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