Understanding ur body shapes

This shape refers to women that are heavier on the bottom through the hips, thighs and buttocks than on the top.

As an "A", you'll want to enhance your slimmer upper body and draw attention away from your heavier lower half. This can easily be accomplished though the colour and cut of your clothes.

"A" women look their best in fitted tops with detailing at the neckline. Accessories should also focus on the upper half of your body and include scarves, earrings and necklaces.

You'll want to wear brighter colours on top and stick to darker, more neutral shades on the bottom. Concentrate on knee-length or longer A-line skirts and wraps as these styles will flatter your smaller waist while covering that problematic area around your hips and thighs.

Women whose bodies store excess weight around their middle are referred to as having an "O" shape.

If you sport an "O" shaped body you will look your best in pants that are tapered and skirts that are straight. Try to avoid clothing that is overly fitted as this will only draw attention to your wider middle. Monochromatic outfits are your best bet as the single colour will serve to elongate your body making it appear more proportioned.

"O" women are often blessed with dynamite legs so don't be afraid to show off your glamorous gams with shorter skirts and stylish, sexy boots.

To camouflage a fuller middle and elongate your torso, try wearing tops over pants or skirts instead of tucked into the waistband.

The "X" shape is the curvy figure often associated with the pin-up girls from the 1950's. Women with this hourglass figure have a well-proportioned top and bottom with a slim, defined waist.

If you are an "X" you'll want to make sure that you emphasize your clearly defined waist and feminine figure by wearing pants and skirts with a contoured waistband that accentuate your curves. Belts are your best fashion accessory so wear them whenever you can.

As an "X", you'll also want to stay away from clothing that is too baggy, bulky or tight. Semi-fitted styles will look the best on your smaller bone structure and will show off your balanced figure.

The exact opposite of an "A", women who are "V" shaped generally have a larger bust and broad shoulders with proportionately narrower hips.

If you are a "V" you'll want to balance your figure by wearing clothing and accessories that minimizes your bust area and draws attention to your bottom half. This can be accomplished through pants and skirts that have added detail such as embroidery on pockets, gathers and pleats or peplums.

You can create the illusion of an elongated, more balanced body by creating vertical lines in the bust area with V-neck styles or by wearing a single colour from top to bottom. "V" shaped women should consider avoiding short shirts and Capri pants which can make the top half of the body appear heavier.

Women with an "H" shape are balanced on the top and bottom but are straight through the middle with little or no defined waist.

The trick for "H" shaped women is to wear clothing that draws the eye away from the waist area by adding interest to both the top and the bottom.

Drawing the eye away from the waist area can be easily accomplished through tops with horizontal gathers, tucks, pleats and yokes or bottoms with dropped waists or centre seams. "H" women should avoid clothing with fullness that leads directly to the waist or accessories that create a horizontal line in the middle of the body such as contrasting coloured belts or cropped jackets.