How to Dress for Your Body Type

You know the pair -- those dark stretch jeans that you've worn so much, they practically walk on their own. They just make your body look so good, accentuating your favorite spots and camouflaging those that aren't quite as favorable.
The reason those jeans and the other clothing you gravitate toward in your closet are your faves is because they complement the shape of your body. Dressing according to your body type helps you look more "together," whether you aim to be trendy, corporate, conservative or something in between.
If you have no idea what your body type is or how to dress for it, this guide will help you. And pretty soon, you'll love every pair of jeans in your closet!

IF YOU HAVE THIS TYPE OF BODY
THEN LOOK FOR

Slender, thin and straight from top

Clothing that makes you look heavier and adds dimension to your profile to bottom and front to back such as bulky sweaters or baggy pants. Try pieces with horizontal detailing or with a hemline.

Wide from top to bottom

Clothing with monochromatic colors. Keep prints to a minimum and avoid accentuating the widest parts of your body. Avoid pleated or gathered clothing and jackets that stop anywhere from the belly button to the hips. Wear scarves and jewelry that draw the eye to the top or center of your torso.

Narrow top, full bottom

Clothing that keeps the eye away from the hips. Avoid jackets with buttons and other details that hit the hipline. Don't cinch anything at the waist or tuck in shirts. Tops should be fitted at the bust and flare out over the hips and thighs. Jackets shouldn't pull across the hips or bottom area. Wear pants that slightly taper toward the hemline.

Full top, narrow bottom

Clothing that divert the eyes downward such as duster-length jackets, and skirts and pants with details. Avoid wearing big lapels, short sleeves, belts or tucked-in tops, which only make you look fuller on top and cause the eye to linger upward. Stay away from fitted tops, which only accentuate a large middle. Don't wear bulky or gathered skirts either -- you want to showcase your legs.

Too short

Clothing that makes you look taller like short skirts, clamdiggers and capri pants. Avoid wearing busy prints, cuffed pants and bulky or oversize pieces.

Too tall

Clothing that de-emphasizes your height. Try pieces with horizontal patterns or textured fabrics. If you want to wear a skirt, it should be long or flared, or pair a short skirt with knee-high boots.