No matter what you've read in the fashion magazines, there is no cookie-cutter approach to style. The fun thing about fashion (and the reason we're so obsessed with clothes and shoes) is that literally anything goes — if it makes you look and feel good too.
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The first step to finding the right clothes to bring out your inner goddess, or rock star or CEO is to figure out your specific body type so that you can play up your best features:
Determine and embrace your body type
Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best. When you think about body types, don't focus on height and weight... focus on shape. A slender gal can have the same body shape as a curvy gal, just as a short woman can have the same body shape as her taller friend. And it's not about trying to look thin; it's about accentuating your shape and enhancing what you have so you feel your best in every outfit you own.
Each of us is unique — and our bodies are, too! Nevertheless, our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: pear, wedge, rectangle, apple and hourglass. You might fall into one category, or you might be a blend of two or more categories.
Once you've determined your body shape, you can begin to consider which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid. Spend some time in front of the mirror and do a fair and honest assessment of your body. Then put these fashion tips to work.
1. Pear body shape
Pear-shaped celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Katherine Heigl
- Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body — in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well-defined.
- Your best assets: Shoulders and torso
- Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body.
Dos and don'ts
- DO try A-line skirts
- DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips.
- DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
- DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
- DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
- DO try styles with ruffles on top.
- DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
- DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.
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2. Wedge body type
Wedge-shaped celebs: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renee Zellweger, Audrina Patridge, Teri Hatcher
- Wedge body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders with narrow waist and hips.
- Your best asset: Your legs
- Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.
To flatter all body types and especially the distinct wedge shape, Colleen Bayus, personal stylist at StylingbyBayus, advises, "Accentuate and drawn attention to what you like. Do you have great shoulders and arms? Go strapless and wear a statement necklace to draw attention up. Tiny waist? Use a fabulous belt to really show it off. If you've got great legs, opt for something shorter but that has sleeves to give you some balance -- so you're not showing too much at any one time. Also, shapewear is a must regardless of your size. It smooths you out and gives you a great silhouette."
Dos and don'ts
- DO wear bright colors on bottom.
- DO wear wide-leg pants.
- DO wear full skirts.
- DON'T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
- DON'T wear boat neckline tops.
- DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
- DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.
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3. Rectangle body shape
Rectangle-shaped celebs: Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank
- Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar.
- Your best assets: Your arms and legs
- Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.
Dos and don'ts
- DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
- DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
- DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
- DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
- DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
- DO layer to add more dimensions.
- DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
- DO have fun with colorful bottoms... feel free to experiment.
Next Up: Apple body shape
4. Apple body shape
Apple-shaped celebs: Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson
- Apple body traits: Most of your weight is above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad.
- Your best asset: Those legs!
- Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso and show off your legs
Dos and don'ts
- DO go for monochromatic looks.
- DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
- DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
- DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
- DO wear empire tops and dresses.
- DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
- DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.
More: 14 Times Rihanna rocked the fashion world in 2015
5. Hourglass body type
Hourglass-shaped celebs: Beyonce (borderline Pear), Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo
- Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.
- Your best assets: Curves, curves, curves!
- Your fashion goals: Show off your curves
Dos and don'ts
- DON'T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
- DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
- DO wear fitted dresses.
- DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
- DO try wrap dresses.
- DO go for high-waisted skirts.
- DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
- DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.
Updated by Bethany Ramos on 3/31/2016