Complement Your Body Type

Women come in many shapes and sizes. The clothing that you wear should flatter your form. There are five basic body types. Know your body type to help you to choose the shape or combinations of shapes that best "fits" your body. Then, select clothing styles that complement your form.

Body Type A

Body is straight up and down without defined waistline. Top and bottom are almost the same size.

If this is you: Create a gently indented waist

• Wear belts to imply your waist, but not too tightly.
  
• Avoid three-quarter length sleeves, they call attention to a lack of waist.
  
• Keep your neckline interesting, draw attention to your face.
  
• Keep clothing loose, not tight-fitting.
  

Body Type B

You carry your weight in the middle, a fuller waistline

If this is you: Create length and a smaller midsection

• Shoulder pads are recommended.
  
• Show your legs to visually add height.
  
• Wear prints or patterns either all over or on the bottom only.
  
• Use thin, draped belts to imply a waist.
  
• Add to long vertical line by using long accessories.
  

Body Type C

Broader shoulders and/or larger bust than hips, often thin legs

If this is you: create balance between top and bottom.

• no shoulder pads
  
• wear darker colors on top
  
• wear bright colors and patterns on bottom
  
• avoid tight fitting belts
  
• avoid frills, ruffles and pockets on tops
  
• accessories should be simple
  

Body Type D

Broader hips than shoulders

If this is you: create balance between top and bottom.

• Use shoulder pads to balance hips with shoulders.
  
• Wear tops with lots of interest, patterns and bright colors.
  
• Bottom pockets should be either angled or sewn flat.
  
• Wear soft, flowing, non clinging material on bottom.
  

Body Type E

Even width of shoulders and hips with defined waistline

If this is you: keep your proportions as balanced as they appear.

• Emphasize your waist.
  
• Wear any color combination, print or pattern.
  
• Prints or patterns should be on top and bottom to keep balance.
  
• If very curvy, lessen by using soft blouses and long tops to create a straight look.

What type of clothing looks best on you? We all know the outfits that we look and feel our best in. There may also be clothing that we always get compliments on when we wear the clothing. We all have special body shapes. It is easier to dress appealingly when we know what looks best on our bodies.