Dress for Your Body!

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How we look and feel about our body can change drastically depending on what kind of clothing we wear. We, women, want to look our best so we search for the most flattering outfits, even if it means a huge pile of clothes in the dressing room or in our closet. Sometimes, a certain type of dress can complement our shape much better than say another. Or certain tops can do better at hiding the areas we're sensitive about. Could you use a little crash course or refresher on how to dress for your body? Or do you to expand your knowledge on what styles will work for your body shape? Stay right there. With the help of our readers, you can find the right kinds of clothes for you.

A properly placed belt can do wonders for your frame. "Placing a belt directly below the bust kills two birds with one stone by emphasizing the smallest part of your torso and drawing attention to the "girls" (in a classy sort of way). Buying a braided leather belt is a good option because you don't have to deal with pesky belt holes that never seem to be located in the right places." -- Submitted by Katie Shuy

Hide large hips with a longer jacket over skirts and pants. "Also avoid pants and skirts with pockets they draw attention to wide hips. Deflect from too large hips by drawing attention to great legs. Accomplish this by wearing a slightly shorter above the knee skirt." -- Submitted by BB Lee

Simply don't look like an ice-cream cone. "This is the best tip for a pear-shaped body (medium size chest, small waist and curvy hips). Anything that brings your lower half to a point or widens your midsection is going to make you look like one. Avoid cramming your curves into clothes that they don't belong in. Trade skinny jeans for wide leg, and peasant tops for tunics."
-- Submitted by Deidre Burchfield

Pick an accessory that inspires confidence draws the eye away from problem areas. "This is my favorite fashion trick when I'm feeling less than perfect. Specifically, I love long beaded necklaces. The V-shape they create, paired with the artsy focal point is just enough to distract without being distracting or obvious. This vibrant multi-colored necklace is perfect with a classic tank top and straight skirt or even jeans." -- Submitted by Sylvie Branch

Appear taller with a high-waisted skirt with a loose, open bottom. "I am a 5'2" pettite girl. A high-waisted skirt when worn with a tucked in shirt and a belt will not only lengthen legs, but it will also accentuate the tiniest part of your waist area which will result in a petite girl such as myself looking both taller and thinner. I prefer to wear a skirt with a loose open bottom as opposed to one that is tight because space between the skirt and skin provides a more slender look to your legs. My personal favorites are skirts from Forever21." -- Submitted by Jaclyn Sperduto

Buy darker color pants to slim large thighs. "Always purchase pants in darker browns, blacks, navy colors and avoid prints and patterns. Wide leg pants also work."
-- Submitted by BB Lee

Choose tops that have enough flowing fabric in front to hide the stomach area. "I'm in my 40's now and my stomach isn't so flat, even though I jog and do ab exercises. One of the best ways to hide your stomach is with a top that can accentuate your breasts but provide enough fabric to hide a larger-than-you-desire midsection. Since I'm a lover of fashionable clothes at a good price, I like Charlotte Russe. One example of a great top for summer that can hide my midsection is their Sleeveless Tunic Top." -- Submitted by Colleen Larson

Wearing long tops in a V-neck style will elongate the appearance of a short torso. "I've got a pear shaped body with a short torso. It can be challenging to find a flattering outfit since what solves one problem area, generally accentuates the other. I've found that long V-necks work and also covers the wide stomach and hip area. V-neck Wrap shirts too. But do not, and I repeat do not tuck in your shirts." -- Submitted by Joyce Zee

Leggings are the perfect solution. "Stray away from the frumpy look of baggy jeans and tops and select more fitting pieces. Showing off your natural shape is more flattering than hiding behind big clothes because you're afraid of a size tag. Pair leggings with a skirt, dress, shorts or under a long shirt or sweater show off your legs" -- Submitted by Patty Barrett

Whatever you wear, make sure it fits well. "This is the golden rule! Clothes that are too tight can accentuate problem areas, such as a waistband that is too small or a shirt that is too snug. You may feel great buying a smaller size but you'll probably spend most of your time uncomfortable and it'll show! Also, choosing clothes that are too big can hide your figure and curves. Petite women can be completely swallowed up in a suit that is even a little too big, or long, creating a boxy effect. Full-figured women lose their greatest asset...all those glorious curves! Wearing clothes that are too large will only make you look larger and not so well put together."
-- Submitted by KC Kellam

Elongate your legs with heels! "Whether they're kitten heels or sky-high stilettos, investing in a shoe with height is a quick way to make your legs look long and lean. Pair dark wash skinny jeans with a heel and you've got a classic, flattering look. I love this Kimberly Mary Jane Pump from Payless." -- Submitted by Patty Barrett

How to make a skinny figure look curvy? Buy pants and skirts with pockets on the hip area. "Quite a few of the skinnier sisters would like to enhance their curves. This will add the illusion of curves or fullness to the area. This especially works with denim jeans." -- Submitted by BB Lee

Avoid high-waist jeans that will add more bulk to the appearance of your stomach and hip area. "This is for pear shapes. Instead of high-waist jeans, go for a stretched lower waist jean with a boot cut giving you more breathing room." -- Submitted by Joyce Zee

Draw the eye into the waist. "Belted waistlines, tunics and fitted blazers all do this. Trouser jeans, A-line skirts, and dresses fitted at the waist will flow off your hips beautifully, accentuating instead of stuffing and covering." -- Submitted by Deidre Burchfield

Match your tights to your shoes. Another way to achieve long, lean legs is to throw on a pair of tights that match your shoe color. A pair of black tights (like these ASSETS by Sara Blakely tights from Target) with matching black shoes (heels or flats) will elongate your legs for a chic and lean look. Or, go bold with colored tights (check out We Love Colors) and heels." -- Submitted by Patty Barrett

Minimize large breasts by detracting attention away from the area. "Wear a jacket with a colorful elongated scarf draped across the area or around the neck. Even bangles or exotic looking earrings help draw attention away from the area. Some other tips: avoid small tight tops, tube tops, flimsy material and always wear a minimizer bra."
-- Submitted by BB Lee