by Maggi Thomas

Created on: June 20, 2009

Before you go shopping for your dress it is always better to know your body shape. This will always help you select the right dress and style as according to your body shape. And you can always improve your look. Just by understanding what suits your body most you can always look fabulous at your work place or in a party or even when you go shopping.

To know your body shape you must know what proportion your body is vertically and horizontally. The most common are apple shaped and pear shaped bodies. Apart from them there is hourglass shape which is considered to be the perfect figure where the curves are at the bust and hips are proportionate with a slender waist line just like an hour glass.

In apple shaped figure the upper body portion is larger than the lower part and the mostly the weight gain is in and around the waist line. Such body shapes mostly have sleek legs. For this body shape dresses that emphasize on waist and broad shoulders should be avoided rather legs could be shown off more. Choose dresses that are shapely but not tight fitting for this body shape. V-neck will always give the elegant long.

Some famous celebrities with this body shape are Elizabeth Hurley and Oscar winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. And they always look glamorous in all outfits they wear. This body shape can always go in for skirts and trousers that will always compliment the sleek legs. Shorter dresses are best suited for this body shape.

Pear shaped bodies mostly have lower part heavy as compared to the upper part of the body. So dresses should emphasize the upper part of the body more rather than the lower part. Kristin Davis and Jennifer Lopez are the best celebrity example for this body shape. A- Line skirt with a light colored top will be best suited for this body type. Straight cut trousers are also advisable for workplace. Dress that highlight the hip should be avoided in this body shape rather dresses with vertical pattern on the lower half will be best suited.

As already mentioned hourglass figure is considered the perfect shape. Marilyn Monroe can be the best example here. The dresses should emphasize most on the narrow waistline and bring out the curves. Like jumpers, high raised pants and skirts, waist defined dresses all will bring out the curves in a better way. Tight pants should be avoided instead go for wide legged trousers which is full but not flare.

Another body type is the athlete built body. Here the body proportion is properly balanced. In this body shape any style can be chosen as most of them suit the body. You can go in for pick and match with various fabric, color and style. All will complement easily with this body shape.

No matter what your body shape is there is always clothing and style that will suit you best. Just always remember to pick your choice based on your body shape. After all everyone wants to look the best at all occasions.

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