Dressing according to body shape

What if I told you that there are ways and means as to how you can flatter your beautiful body by just wearing the right clothes for your physique? I am not, in any way, hinting that you are only desirable if you have a slim figure.

However, there are certain outfits and patterns which would not look as flattering if worn on certain body shapes as others. The key is to humbly accept the clothes that are a perfect match and slowly back away from the trends that aren't. Keep in mind these interesting details next time you decide to go on a little shopping trip and you will be sure to come out looking your best!

Tick, tock goes the hourglass

Okay, so it’s a clock that goes tick, tock but how many people are shaped like a clock? If I could only describe this shape using one word, it would be curves. Who's better to mention here than Queen B, who parades her curves like a goddess? If you have an hourglass shape, your shoulders and hip area are almost directly proportional but you have the tiniest waist ever made.

The worst thing you can do is be ashamed of your curves and try to hide them in slouchy and baggy clothing. Embrace them as much as you can and don't be afraid to wear fitted dresses and high-waisted skirts to show off your toned figure. If we play the game of only picking one blessed accessory to accompany you on a trip to the desert; a belt should be your holy grail since this will flatter your tiny waist and compliment your hourglass shape.

The apple of my eye

If you are considered to fall under what is known as the apple-body shape category, most of your weight will probably revolve around the upper section of your body. Your back and shoulders might feel wider than the other body shapes but you will step over them with pride with your killer legs! Although Jennifer Hudson and Eva Longoria wear a different dress size, they both may be categorised under the apple-body shape.

It seems reasonably straightforward to tell you to show off your best assets. However, you need to be aware of how to achieve and flaunt the right body parts according to your shape. Shorter skirts will divert everyone's attention just where you need them to be. However, steer away from pleated skirts. As for the upper part of your body, try a v-neck top since it deceives the onlooker in thinking that you have a longer frame. If you're worried about a bulging muffin top, style an empire top or dress to make you feel more at ease with your figure.

The popular pear

The majority of women tend to fall under this category. A pear-shaped figure carries the weight of the load towards the lower part of the body. This means that, like your fellow pear-shaped Kim Kardashian, you might have bigger hips, thighs and bottom but in turn, you are blessed with a flat stomach.

Steer clear of printed trousers since this will direct the attention where you least want it to. Leave the bright and bold moves for the upper half of your body. This will make everyone lust over your flat tummy and divert the attention from your lower half. Welcome strapless dresses as your best friends since they will show off your arms and evenly balance out your shape.

The petite rectangle

You will normally find these women desperately searching for the petite ranges on a shopping spree. If you have a rectangle-shaped figure, like Kate Hudson or Cameron Diaz, your shoulders, waist and hips are commonly proportional.

If you're looking to create some illusionary curves, you might want to consider wearing sweetheart or collared tops. For the winter season, long coats with an added belt will definitely create the right curves and arches for your figure. Since you probably have very slim and lean legs, you are most likely to get away with wearing every pair of skinny jeans and trousers on the planet.

Every body shape should be embraced and loved to the fullest. However, being aware of these ideal tips and tricks to embellish your physique will help you get that extra boost of confidence that you might be craving for. Finding the right method which suits best your body shape is the fun and rewarding part of this process!       

Lyndsey is in her final year, reading for a degree in English (Hons) at the University of Malta and is a blogger and lover of fashion.