E. Startseva

V-necks, scoopnecks and cowl necks are very flattering.
Wrap looks enhance your near-hourglass shape.
The same tips apply to a petite M; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.High necklines can be matronly on some Ms, so proceed with caution.

Empire-waist tops cinch you at your narrowest point.
Tops with hemlines that hit at the hip rather than the waist are ideal for a petite frame.Darting and seaming give shape to woven styles, while strategic draping on jersey tops accentuates your curves while masking stomach bulge.

Look for nipped-waist jackets that button just below the bust.
A shaped bolero looks fabulous on petite proportions. Princess-seamed blazers, peplum silhouettes and feminine trench coats are all ideal.

Fitted and shaped dresses, from wraps to sheaths, work wonderfully.
A halter dress that flares at the hem will flatter your curves and show off shoulders.Empire-waist styles flatter an M, but if you're petite, that seam can visually cut you in half; instead choose a vertically seamed style that elongates your figure.

Shaped-waist skirts—as opposed to those with waistbands—deemphasize a thicker middle.
Pencil skirts that fall from just above to just below the knee create a long line for petite Ms.Flared and A-line skirts reflect your curves perfectly and make your waist seem smaller by comparison.

Just about any leg style works, but a flared or boot-cut look echoes your curves and makes the waist seem slimmer.
Sleek silhouettes without exaggerated flare are best for petites.Pleats can gape unflatteringly, so go with a flat-front style that hits at or just below the navel.

Wider necklines accentuate broad shoulders, while turtlenecks, narrow V-necks and U-necks pull the gaze in.
The same tips apply to a petite Y; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.Go with a halter-neck style if you want to flaunt your shoulders.

Pull the gaze away from shoulders with front bodice ruffles, pin tucks or embellishment.
Long sleeves with dramatic flare or detail at the hem are terrific balancers.
Petites should keep details scaled to their proportions.A button placket or center-front draping draws attention from the shoulders.

Jackets with slim or no lapels are the most flattering.
Yokes, epaulets and, of course, shoulder pads emphasize your natural endowment, so proceed with caution.
Jackets with minimal details are best for a petite Y.Peplums and lower pockets lend balancing flare and interest.

Waist pleating, gathering or strategic pocket placement fills out slim hips.
Flared or circle skirts may overwhelm a petite figure; instead, try a straight or A-line skirt paired with a matching or similarly toned top to create length.Wearing a full or tiered skirt is a great way to pull shoulders into proportion.

Boot-cut, flared and wide legs balance shoulders. A low rise lengthens the torso, reducing shoulder emphasis.
Ys can carry off interesting bottoms like colorful or printed jeans or styles like cargos, harem pants, cuffed trousers...the list is long!Gathers, pleats and pockets fill out slim hips.

Flatter that bust curve with wide V-necks and scoopnecks that also extend your rounded shoulder line.
Surplice necklines enhance cleavage.
The same tips apply to a petite S; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.Cowl necks drape beautifully, and soft-shaped collars complement your curves.

Give those soft shoulder lines of yours some attention with cap, puff or flutter sleeves.
Select blouses with shaping darts and princess seaming to highlight curves.Wrap and fitted jersey tops are perfect.

Nipped-waist jackets that button just beneath the bust follow your curves.
Waist-length or belted cardigans that drape over curves are perfect jacket alternatives.
Fitted styles are important for a petite S, so don't overwhelm your frame with boxy looks.A fitted coat in a solid shade elongates your curvaceous figure.

Dresses that follow or even cinch your curves, such as wrap or sheath styles, flatter.
Delicate prints let your curves shine, whereas oversized motifs mask them.
Trapeze dresses and dresses with trumpet skirts may overwhelm a petite S figure.Accessorize a shirtdress with a belt to show off your defined waist.

Pencil skirts add to, as well as show off, your curves.
Pleats sewn down from waist to hip are better for petites.A flared hem will make your slim waist appear even slimmer, intensifying your hourglass silhouette.

Boot-cut and flared styles balance your hips and emphasize your defined waist.
Petites should avoid wide-leg and palazzo pants.Pleated waists work well, but smooth styles that sit at your waist highlight your gorgeous waist-to-hip curve.

A V-neck, scoopneck or cowl neck opens your upper body, making your waist appear more defined.
Very flattering on a petite H is the sweetheart neckline, typically a better option than the crew or square neckline.Neckline embellishment and unique collars add upper-body interest and help break up your straight silhouette.

Wrap, twist-front and peplum tops as well as styles with tie belts create waist definition.
Soften a strong shoulder line with a gentle flutter or dolman sleeve.Break your torso into two distinct areas with contrasting colors or strategic embellishment.

Princess seams and peplums encourage the eye to see curves.
A fitted jacket or a cropped jacket worn with a longer, contrasting top will bring out curves.
Petite? Layer a tailored hip-length jacket over a soft top.Wide lapels, belts and hip pockets create dimension.

Embellishment at the hem, neckline or both will trick the eye into seeing a curvier shape.
Swing dresses, slimmer than trapeze styles, are lovely if you're petite.Go for a '60s-inspired shift—with your even proportions you can easily pull off this look.

Bias-cut, pleated or gathered skirts fill out your hips and bottom.
Front hip pockets can create the illusion of more lower-body curviness.
Tiers, panels or gores create a waist curve, although if you're petite, tiers may be overwhelming.A contrasting waistband, a yoke waist or waist embellishment creates definition.

A wide, flared or boot-cut leg helps your center look slimmer.
Back patch pockets with flaps fill out a flatter bottom, and cuffs or distressing on jeans can balance your shoulders.Try high-waist trousers or skinny pants that trace the curves of your hips.

To balance hips, extend the shoulder line with bateau, ballet and cowl necklines as well as dramatic off-the-shoulder and portrait collars.
By all means have fun with unique scarves and art jewelry!Petite? Keep it simple: wide V-necks and U-necks are perfect.

Select fitted styles that identify the waist and hit at the high hip.
Yokes bring definition and weight to the shoulders and upper back, offering terrific back-view balancing.Puff and cap sleeves define and extend the shoulder line.

Accentuate your trim waist with fitted styles.
Create an upper-body V with wide lapels angled toward the shoulders and shoulder padding.
Confine lengths to the high hip or above if you're petite.Jackets should hit either at the high hip or above or fall below your hips and thighs.

Styles that cinch your waist, smoothly release over the hips and thighs and end in a flared or A-line hem are perfect.
Seek styles with interesting necklines or upper-body details.
If you're petite, avoid overly flared hems, extra-wide lapels and thick shoulder padding.Princess-seamed looks, with their vertical lines, slim and elongate the figure.

As with dresses, look for flared styles that are fitted at the waist but don't cling to the hips and thighs.
Gathers tend to add bulk to the waist and hips, so you might want to rethink them.Gored and paneled styles slim and balance fuller hips.

Look for boot-cut jeans with a rise that's not too low in a dark wash with no sanding.
Though palazzo pants are great balancers, they can overwhelm a petite A.
Flapless back pockets work well, but be wary of side-seam pockets—they can gap.Pleats and gathers add bulk to your hips, so seek flat-front and darted trousers instead.

To avoid looking matronly go for open necklines like surplice styles, V-necks, U-necks and scoopnecks.
On petites a deep V-neck or collared neckline without lapels is especially flattering.
Want to flaunt what you've got? Halters with built-in support are wonderful.Keep embellishment to a minimum. None at all is best.

Look beautiful in jersey tops that follow your curves without cinching them.
You may be tempted to hide in loose tops, but they only make you look bulky or pregnant, so avoid them.Longer lengths take emphasis off the bust curve and elongate your figure.

Longer jackets and cardigans that button just beneath the bust flatter your curves beautifully.
A peplum jacket can balance the bust nicely, but if you're petite, keep flare subtle.Seek fitted styles with slim lapels and deep necklines.

Flatter your curves with shaped dresses—no straight shifts for you!
A dress with a full skirt will balance your upper body.
Princess-seam dresses are excellent for elongating petite figures.A single tone—rather than several colors or a print—slims and elongates your figure.

Fill out your hips with skirts featuring pleats, gathers, tiers or interesting pockets.
Border prints and hem embellishment draw the gaze from the upper body, deemphasizing your bust.Flared and flounced hems are wonderful balancers.

Flared, boot-cut and wide-leg silhouettes are flattering choices.
Give your hips some love with pleats, low-slung belts and interesting pockets.
Have fun with bold patterns and bright colors.A lower rise keeps the torso long, deemphasizing the bust.

V-necks, U-necks and scoopnecks open up space between your face and bust curve, elongating your short torso.
Portrait collars were made for you, though petite Es look best in small, flirty collars.Go for dramatic or embellished necklines that call attention to your chest, neck and face.

Long tops and sweaters with simple closures and gentle shaping flatter.
An empire waist cinches you just beneath the bust, creating the illusion of a waist curve.Details around the neckline or at the hem are perfect for you.

Select fitted jackets or longer cardigans that glide over your torso from shoulder to hip.
For petites a slightly nipped-in, hip-length jacket compliments more than a bolero or boxy topper.Darting, seaming and belts add subtle shaping and can accentuate the balance that defines you.

A solid or subtly patterned dress slims and lengthens your figure.
Avoid shapeless shifts. Instead, seek styles with subtle waist definition to create an hourglass illusion.
Petite Es look best in knee-grazing styles. Longer lengths can make you look dumpy.Look for styles with detail at the neckline and hem that draws attention away from your middle.

A-line skirts in crisp fabrics create structure and balance your top half.
A skirt in a color or print that contrasts with your top breaks up your shape, defining your bust and hips. Want to look taller? Go for a single shade instead.A sexy bias-cut skirt will bring out your hip curve.

Wear boot-cut, flared and straight-leg styles with heels as high as you like to create a tall, slim silhouette.
Pleats can gap, so stick with slimming flat-front pants.
A mid-rise helps prevent muffin top.Tapered styles only make you look top-heavy, so avoid them.

The Clothing Styles for Your Body Type
The majority of women do not have the model body type that allows designer clothing to drape over us effortlessly, but we can come pretty close if we make the right choices. This begins by understanding your body type and letting go of those inner demons telling you to be thinner so you'll look better in clothing. How many times have you or a friend said "I refuse to buy any new clothes until I lose ten pounds", or my favorite, "I'll by this smaller size and it will give me incentive to lose weight". Ladies, please stop! Train your eye to choose clothing that flatters your individual shape, not an idealized form. Get to know your body and its unique measurements. When you learn to balance your proportions and accentuate your assets, you will achieve effortless style and will have the ability to look as good as any fashion magazine model.
SHAPE M ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape M
Necklines	Tops
V-necks, scoopnecks and cowl necks are very flattering. Wrap looks enhance your near-hourglass shape. The same tips apply to a petite M; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.High necklines can be matronly on some Ms, so proceed with caution.	Empire-waist tops cinch you at your narrowest point. Tops with hemlines that hit at the hip rather than the waist are ideal for a petite frame.Darting and seaming give shape to woven styles, while strategic draping on jersey tops accentuates your curves while masking stomach bulge.
Jackets	Dresses
Look for nipped-waist jackets that button just below the bust. A shaped bolero looks fabulous on petite proportions. Princess-seamed blazers, peplum silhouettes and feminine trench coats are all ideal.	Fitted and shaped dresses, from wraps to sheaths, work wonderfully. A halter dress that flares at the hem will flatter your curves and show off shoulders.Empire-waist styles flatter an M, but if you're petite, that seam can visually cut you in half; instead choose a vertically seamed style that elongates your figure.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
Shaped-waist skirts—as opposed to those with waistbands—deemphasize a thicker middle. Pencil skirts that fall from just above to just below the knee create a long line for petite Ms.Flared and A-line skirts reflect your curves perfectly and make your waist seem smaller by comparison.	Just about any leg style works, but a flared or boot-cut look echoes your curves and makes the waist seem slimmer. Sleek silhouettes without exaggerated flare are best for petites.Pleats can gape unflatteringly, so go with a flat-front style that hits at or just below the navel.
SHAPE Y ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape Y
Necklines	Tops
Wider necklines accentuate broad shoulders, while turtlenecks, narrow V-necks and U-necks pull the gaze in. The same tips apply to a petite Y; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.Go with a halter-neck style if you want to flaunt your shoulders.	Pull the gaze away from shoulders with front bodice ruffles, pin tucks or embellishment. Long sleeves with dramatic flare or detail at the hem are terrific balancers. Petites should keep details scaled to their proportions.A button placket or center-front draping draws attention from the shoulders.
Jackets	Dresses
Jackets with slim or no lapels are the most flattering. Yokes, epaulets and, of course, shoulder pads emphasize your natural endowment, so proceed with caution. Jackets with minimal details are best for a petite Y.Peplums and lower pockets lend balancing flare and interest.	Flared hems and A-line silhouettes make shoulders appear slender by comparison. A sleeveless dress with dramatic embellishment or a wild print pulls focus in from the shoulders. Empire dresses can make a petite Y look top-heavy; go for simple, single-tone sheaths instead.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
Waist pleating, gathering or strategic pocket placement fills out slim hips. Flared or circle skirts may overwhelm a petite figure; instead, try a straight or A-line skirt paired with a matching or similarly toned top to create length.Wearing a full or tiered skirt is a great way to pull shoulders into proportion.	Boot-cut, flared and wide legs balance shoulders. A low rise lengthens the torso, reducing shoulder emphasis. Ys can carry off interesting bottoms like colorful or printed jeans or styles like cargos, harem pants, cuffed trousers...the list is long!Gathers, pleats and pockets fill out slim hips.
SHAPE S ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape S
Necklines	Tops
Flatter that bust curve with wide V-necks and scoopnecks that also extend your rounded shoulder line. Surplice necklines enhance cleavage. The same tips apply to a petite S; just keep scale in mind when selecting styles.Cowl necks drape beautifully, and soft-shaped collars complement your curves.	Give those soft shoulder lines of yours some attention with cap, puff or flutter sleeves. Select blouses with shaping darts and princess seaming to highlight curves.Wrap and fitted jersey tops are perfect.
Jackets	Dresses
Nipped-waist jackets that button just beneath the bust follow your curves. Waist-length or belted cardigans that drape over curves are perfect jacket alternatives. Fitted styles are important for a petite S, so don't overwhelm your frame with boxy looks.A fitted coat in a solid shade elongates your curvaceous figure.	Dresses that follow or even cinch your curves, such as wrap or sheath styles, flatter. Delicate prints let your curves shine, whereas oversized motifs mask them. Trapeze dresses and dresses with trumpet skirts may overwhelm a petite S figure.Accessorize a shirtdress with a belt to show off your defined waist.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
Pencil skirts add to, as well as show off, your curves. Pleats sewn down from waist to hip are better for petites.A flared hem will make your slim waist appear even slimmer, intensifying your hourglass silhouette.	Boot-cut and flared styles balance your hips and emphasize your defined waist. Petites should avoid wide-leg and palazzo pants.Pleated waists work well, but smooth styles that sit at your waist highlight your gorgeous waist-to-hip curve.
SHAPE H ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape H
Necklines	Tops
A V-neck, scoopneck or cowl neck opens your upper body, making your waist appear more defined. Very flattering on a petite H is the sweetheart neckline, typically a better option than the crew or square neckline.Neckline embellishment and unique collars add upper-body interest and help break up your straight silhouette.	Wrap, twist-front and peplum tops as well as styles with tie belts create waist definition. Soften a strong shoulder line with a gentle flutter or dolman sleeve.Break your torso into two distinct areas with contrasting colors or strategic embellishment.
Jackets	Dresses
Princess seams and peplums encourage the eye to see curves. A fitted jacket or a cropped jacket worn with a longer, contrasting top will bring out curves. Petite? Layer a tailored hip-length jacket over a soft top.Wide lapels, belts and hip pockets create dimension.	Embellishment at the hem, neckline or both will trick the eye into seeing a curvier shape. Swing dresses, slimmer than trapeze styles, are lovely if you're petite.Go for a '60s-inspired shift—with your even proportions you can easily pull off this look.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
Bias-cut, pleated or gathered skirts fill out your hips and bottom. Front hip pockets can create the illusion of more lower-body curviness. Tiers, panels or gores create a waist curve, although if you're petite, tiers may be overwhelming.A contrasting waistband, a yoke waist or waist embellishment creates definition.	A wide, flared or boot-cut leg helps your center look slimmer. Back patch pockets with flaps fill out a flatter bottom, and cuffs or distressing on jeans can balance your shoulders.Try high-waist trousers or skinny pants that trace the curves of your hips.
SHAPE A ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape A
Necklines	Tops
To balance hips, extend the shoulder line with bateau, ballet and cowl necklines as well as dramatic off-the-shoulder and portrait collars. By all means have fun with unique scarves and art jewelry!Petite? Keep it simple: wide V-necks and U-necks are perfect.	Select fitted styles that identify the waist and hit at the high hip. Yokes bring definition and weight to the shoulders and upper back, offering terrific back-view balancing.Puff and cap sleeves define and extend the shoulder line.
Jackets	Dresses
Accentuate your trim waist with fitted styles. Create an upper-body V with wide lapels angled toward the shoulders and shoulder padding. Confine lengths to the high hip or above if you're petite.Jackets should hit either at the high hip or above or fall below your hips and thighs.	Styles that cinch your waist, smoothly release over the hips and thighs and end in a flared or A-line hem are perfect. Seek styles with interesting necklines or upper-body details. If you're petite, avoid overly flared hems, extra-wide lapels and thick shoulder padding.Princess-seamed looks, with their vertical lines, slim and elongate the figure.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
As with dresses, look for flared styles that are fitted at the waist but don't cling to the hips and thighs. Gathers tend to add bulk to the waist and hips, so you might want to rethink them.Gored and paneled styles slim and balance fuller hips.	Look for boot-cut jeans with a rise that's not too low in a dark wash with no sanding. Though palazzo pants are great balancers, they can overwhelm a petite A. Flapless back pockets work well, but be wary of side-seam pockets—they can gap.Pleats and gathers add bulk to your hips, so seek flat-front and darted trousers instead.
SHAPE P ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape P
Necklines	Tops
To avoid looking matronly go for open necklines like surplice styles, V-necks, U-necks and scoopnecks. On petites a deep V-neck or collared neckline without lapels is especially flattering. Want to flaunt what you've got? Halters with built-in support are wonderful.Keep embellishment to a minimum. None at all is best.	Look beautiful in jersey tops that follow your curves without cinching them. You may be tempted to hide in loose tops, but they only make you look bulky or pregnant, so avoid them.Longer lengths take emphasis off the bust curve and elongate your figure.
Jackets	Dresses
Longer jackets and cardigans that button just beneath the bust flatter your curves beautifully. A peplum jacket can balance the bust nicely, but if you're petite, keep flare subtle.Seek fitted styles with slim lapels and deep necklines.	Flatter your curves with shaped dresses—no straight shifts for you! A dress with a full skirt will balance your upper body. Princess-seam dresses are excellent for elongating petite figures.A single tone—rather than several colors or a print—slims and elongates your figure.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
Fill out your hips with skirts featuring pleats, gathers, tiers or interesting pockets. Border prints and hem embellishment draw the gaze from the upper body, deemphasizing your bust.Flared and flounced hems are wonderful balancers.	Flared, boot-cut and wide-leg silhouettes are flattering choices. Give your hips some love with pleats, low-slung belts and interesting pockets. Have fun with bold patterns and bright colors.A lower rise keeps the torso long, deemphasizing the bust.
SHAPE E ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape E
Necklines	Tops
V-necks, U-necks and scoopnecks open up space between your face and bust curve, elongating your short torso. Portrait collars were made for you, though petite Es look best in small, flirty collars.Go for dramatic or embellished necklines that call attention to your chest, neck and face.	Long tops and sweaters with simple closures and gentle shaping flatter. An empire waist cinches you just beneath the bust, creating the illusion of a waist curve.Details around the neckline or at the hem are perfect for you.
Jackets	Dresses
Select fitted jackets or longer cardigans that glide over your torso from shoulder to hip. For petites a slightly nipped-in, hip-length jacket compliments more than a bolero or boxy topper.Darting, seaming and belts add subtle shaping and can accentuate the balance that defines you.	A solid or subtly patterned dress slims and lengthens your figure. Avoid shapeless shifts. Instead, seek styles with subtle waist definition to create an hourglass illusion. Petite Es look best in knee-grazing styles. Longer lengths can make you look dumpy.Look for styles with detail at the neckline and hem that draws attention away from your middle.
Skirts	Jeans & Pants
A-line skirts in crisp fabrics create structure and balance your top half. A skirt in a color or print that contrasts with your top breaks up your shape, defining your bust and hips. Want to look taller? Go for a single shade instead.A sexy bias-cut skirt will bring out your hip curve.	Wear boot-cut, flared and straight-leg styles with heels as high as you like to create a tall, slim silhouette. Pleats can gap, so stick with slimming flat-front pants. A mid-rise helps prevent muffin top.Tapered styles only make you look top-heavy, so avoid them.
BACK

The Clothing Styles for Your Body Type

SHAPE M ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape M

SHAPE Y ANATOMY

Style Tips for Shape Y

SHAPE S ANATOMY

SHAPE H ANATOMY

SHAPE A ANATOMY

SHAPE P ANATOMY

SHAPE E ANATOMY