by Melissa Raissa

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: November 15, 2009

You have probably noticed that us women seem to have certain parts of our body where most of what we eat goes straight to. Some people say it's their thighs, their middles or their butts. If only they would go straight to our chest then that would solve a 'couple' of problems, for me personally. Body shapes mainly refer to the parts of the body where women deposit fats. Apple-shaped women store fat in their upper body such as the chest and shoulders. Pear-shaped women store fat in their hips and thighs. Hourglass-shaped women store fat in their chest, hips and butt. Banana-shaped women distribute fat on all parts of the body especially the middle.

Unfortunately, these changes are biologically predisposed depending on our body structures and hormones. There's little we can do to change that fact but, luckily there are plenty of ways to dress your body according to your body shape.

Apple-shaped

Halter cuts and sleeveless dresses look very flattering on your broad shoulders. But if you opt to wear sleeved tops, make sure the armhole stops along widest part of the chest and not any further. By doing this, your shoulders will appear as a straight vertical section along with your arms which has a slimming effect because they are differentiated from the torso.

Dresses with low-cut necklines such as scoopnecks and V-necks minimize coverage along your upper body. Empire-cut dresses with plunging necklines beautifully highlight your decolletage while giving enough support for your chest. Strapless dresses are also very flattering as long as it has adequate support such as in bustier dresses.

Structured skirts work best for narrow hips since it gives them the shape that it needs to complement the upper body. Avoid flimsy materials for skirts and choose bottoms with eye-catching details along the hips such as bulky side pockets or horizontal patterns. Textured skirts such as those with ruching, layering, pleating, rosettes and other details look very feminine on apple bodies without appearing too puffy.

Pear-shaped

Frilly frocks and other dresses that are fuller on top can be pulled off quite easily by pear-shaped women. Since most of your bulk can be found along your hips, wearing dresses that have plenty of material on top balances your lower body with your torso. You can get away with puffy sleeves, high collars, cowl necklines and other detailed tops.

Off-shoulder dresses are a great way for pear-shaped women to show off their shoulders without compromising their overall

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