How to Flatter Every Shape

By Lisa Kovalovich

Dress to look your best, no matter what body type you have.
Want to look thinner, taller, curvier, or smaller? No matter what your body type, it's possible! Read on for ten easy clothing solutions that flatter your shape.

1. Flatten a tummy with side-zips.
Pants and skirts that zip and button in front add bulk that you don't need. The flat front of side-zip bottoms gives your belly a sleeker look.

2. Go monochromatic.
A one-color-head-to-toe look is super-slimming -- and that color doesn't have to be black! Cream, charcoal, caramel, and khaki all work just as well, especially for hourglass and full-figured shapes.

3. Create a bustline.
Or at least the illusion of one! If you're small chested, try a top with seams at the bust or shirring front and center. Both add interest to your top half.

4. Skip tapered trousers (unless you're very thin). Pants that taper down to the ankle are hard to pull off, especially if you have ample thighs or hips. Instead, go for straight- or wide-leg pants.

5. Add a skirt with swing. One cut in an A-line shape works well for pear-shaped bodies, as it flares over hips, thighs, and saddlebags. Go knee-length or just below the knee to look current.

6. Watch sweater silhouettes.
It's easy to get caught up in the coziness of a boxy, big sweater, but its look isn't flattering to most figures, especially busty ones. Instead, try a slimmer-cut sweater that drapes over your curves, but still shows off your shape.

7. To look taller, try a jacket.
Contrary to what you may think, a longer (read: hip-length) jacket actually elongates your look, especially when worn with pants and heels. Plus, it's slimming, too!

8. Add shape with the right fabrics.
If you feel you're too thin, add some bulk in a chic way by stocking up on substantial fabrics like cashmere, corduroy, merino wool, and denim. Wear these fabrics in body-conscious cuts so you're adding shape subtly. (Otherwise, you risk looking like you're wearing too-big clothes.)

9. Beware too-short pants.
They cut off your leg, making you look shorter (and in some cases, heavier) than you are. Instead, pick pants that fall to the top of your instep or lower, depending on your heel height.

10. Get curves with a belt.
All sorts of cinchers are in style right now, and a good belt can add curves to even the most boyish bodies. Wear through belt loops with pants, or around the waist of a hip-length sweater.