Granny had the right idea, big knickers, the key items in your wardrobe should be good supportive underwear. Girls, boys, men and women, you first need to think about your assets, build a relationship with your mirror, no not the face mirror in the bathroom, the long mirror in the bedroom you hang sheets over or run past of a morning. Your underwear is the foundation to your outfit, once the foundation is smooth and solid your outfit will be too. If you need support for your sagging bum wear the supportive knickers, they may not be attractive when they are seen by the opposite sex but they create a beautiful, attractive, lump and bump free illusion. Go and get your bust measured properly it, four boobs are not better than two, I assure you.

Take a long hard look at your body, in what proportion are your shoulders to your waist and hips. NO, your not looking for the flaws, your being realistic. If you are not in equal proportions don't worry, by historic definition

Pear is smaller shoulders and waist, larger bottom and legs, you need to think about balancing out your top half with your bottom half by adding horizontal stripes, frills and layered clothing to your top, boat neck tops will add width to your shoulders, halter tops also create the illusion of wider shoulders, colour block your outfits dark on bottom, lighter on top.

Apple is round on top with smaller hips and legs in order to create the balance wear wider trousers or jeans that fall from the hip and bum to the floor, add heels to finish off the outfit. Open up your decolletage with V neck jumpers. Add tailored jackets and coats to create an illusion of a waist.

Hour glass shape is hips and shoulders the same width with a well defined waist. opt for a wide low neck line to open up the chest area, emphasise the waist with a belt (watch the width), A-line and shaped pencil skirts will enhance figure. look for items that have a shape while on the hanger. Trousers should fall to the floor skimming your bum.

Rectangular is straight up and down, where your shape is balanced, create the illusion of curves with well fitting, tailored clothes, add belts and clothes with shape. create a waist with wrap tops and jackets or coats.

Don't forget to add jewellery and dress in colours to suit your natural skin tone, hair colouring and eye colouring it will all help to flatter you. Walk tall and be proud of your shape.

These body types come in all sizes from petite to extra large so look carefully and dress up your assets and play down your worst features. Try before you buy, if it doesn't feel right in the shops it's not suddenly going to feel right when you get it home.

Learn more about this author, Hayley Wheeler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Dressing your best no matter what your body type?
We want to hear your view. Write now!