Written by Krystin Baker

Hourglass Shape

If you have an ample bust, curvy hips and a defined, slimmer waist, you have an hourglass figure. Characterized by a curvy bust and hips with a slimmer waist, the hourglass is often thought of as the ideal female body shape. To make the most of your gorgeous figure, read on for tips on dressing an hourglass.


  • Straight-legged jeans that skim your thighs and are cropped at the ankle work well for you. Bootcut jeans will balance your curves - look for darker shades and ones with large pockets on the butt.
  • An A-line skirt paired with a fitted top will emulate your fabulous hourglass shape. You can wear any shape skirt, but the pencil skirt is the most flattering on you. Style it with a simple shirt, tucked in and unbuttoned to reveal a little cleavage.
  • Use puff-sleeves or epaulettes on a jacket to emphasize your shoulders.
  • A peplum detail on a skirt creates a line down from the waistline to the hip, which will amplify your curvy hips.

Slender Shape


If you’re very slim with few curves, you have the slender body type.  Look for clothes that will create volume, with details such as frills, fluted edges and ruffles.






  • Bootcut jeans are perfect for you - the slight flare is flattering, and the slim fit shows off a petite waist and great bum.
  • If you want to create the impression of bigger boobs, look for chunky statement necklaces that fall around the bust area.
  • Stay away from clothes with a large print, as they can drown out your dainty features.
  • Draping will give soft lines across the body and will create volume in your more petite areas.
  • You can carry off a slim-fitted boyfriend blazer to perfection, or try a simple, fitted jacket to add flattering definition to your frame.

Apple Body Shape


If you have an ample bust, rounded stomach and slimmer hips, you have an apple body shape. Luckily you also often benefit from slim hips, a great butt and lovely legs. Find out how to make the most of your apple body shape with these fashion tips.

  • Use clothes to shape your midriff, so it looks less like an apple and more like an apple core. At the same time, draw attention to your favorite bits - that cleavage, those legs, and anything else you really like.
  • Don't hide in baggy trousers. Show off your lovely legs with straight or boot-cut trousers. Look for flat-fronted trousers with a wide waistband to draw attention away from the stomach.
  • Open up the neckline. V-necks and scoop-necks are good for apple-shaped ladies as you often have a great bust. Don't be afraid to show it off.
  • Wrap dresses are always a winner for an apple body shape as they fit nicely over a fuller bust. A side tie on the dress will draw attention away from the stomach.
  • Don't be afraid to use color. Vibrant patterns will gloss over problem areas and strong block colors will stress your best bits. Think of a bright jacket with a patterned top underneath.

Pear Body Shape


If you have a small bust and narrow shoulders and bigger hips, thighs or butt, you have a pear body shape. The pear body shape is the classic feminine silhouette, with hips, thighs or butt that is bigger than the upper half.



  • Show off your slim top half with strapless tops and dresses. A strapless maxi dress is a great buy - try and find one with a cinched waist and a flared skirt.
  • Be cautious of the length of your clothes. Choose jackets that cut off above the hip line for a flattering look.
  • Minimize wide hips with dark block colors on your bottom half. Dark bootcut jeans will lengthen the legs and balance out hips.
  • Showcase your fantastic small waist with a thin belt across the smallest part.