Dressing For Your Body Type - Banana

So, you may be thinking, why is my body being compared to a banana. Well, I really just wanted to stick with the fruit theme. Many people call this body shape rectangle, column, or ruler shaped. This body type is usually an athletic body shape, very little curve, think surfer or swimmers bodies. Your shoulders, waist and hips are relatively the same size.

So, what problem are we addressing with this body type? Creating curves where there really are none.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• Choose dresses and tops that have cinched waists, this will create a waist for you.
• Structure, structure, structure!! Darting, it is going to do wonders for you.
• You can also pull off a bolder cut, peplum! This will give you the shape you crave!
• Maxi dresses are great for you because they usually have a seam right under the bust or a drop waist, see above. It gives a sense of shape .
• A-Line skirts are for you. They will give you some hips.
• Avoid clingy fabrics and fits. These will only show the world you have no curve to your body.
• Skinny jeans in a bold color need to be paired with something with shape on top.
• Wide leg jeans can also give your body a sense of shape, just be sure they are the right size or you will look baggy and saggy.
• Belt everything! Not really, but belts are a great way to cinch a waist.
• Print, texture and bulk (ruffles, lace, bows) will add another dimension with ease.

Celebrities with banana shapes: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ashlee Simpson, Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Sheryl Crow and Hilary Duff

Dressing For Your Body Type - Apple

Before we talk about how to dress an apple body, let's define the term. Having an apple body shape means: a. you carry your weight on the top half of your body and b. that you pretty much have no rear-end to speak of. Generally your midsection is larger than your chest and your hips. Also, apples tend to have a larger chest.

So, how do we dress this body type? Hide that middle.

Unless you are the queen of confidence, I am sure the problem you are most concerned with is- how do I hide my belly. Well, here are a few tips to help you out.

• Use pattern on your lower half.
• A-Line skirts are essential in your closet.
• Wide leg jeans and pants will balance out your larger upper-body.
• Look for tops with a tunic shape, they don't have to be long but you do not want anything to cling to your belly.
• Empire-waist or drop-waist dresses/shirts will also work well for you.
• Structured jackets can be your best-friend. Structure creates the illusion of a waistline where it should be. This is also a good option when layering. Tops with darting are highly flattering as well.
• Wear a bolder shoe! This will cause the eye to go to your slim gams!
• Again, distract! Show some decolletage! I am not saying full blown cleavage but show as much skin as you can and still come away with your modesty intact.

  
Celebs with apple-shaped bodies: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, and Kate Winslet.

Dressing For Your Body Type - Pear

Before I explain how to dress a pear shaped body, I will define exactly what it means to have a pear shaped body. It is simple really, your hips are larger than your chest and/or your waist. This is also the most common female body shape.

As you might have noticed, the pear shape can be one of the hardest bodies to dress. This is because of an uneven weight distribution. When you carry your weight in your hips, or lower half, it can be frustrating because all clothes are made for either an athletic figure or an hourglass figure. So how are you supposed to create a sense of balance? Obviously, you will need to focus on making your upper body larger while making your lower body look smaller.

To accomplish this there are a few rules/guidelines to follow:
- keep your pants as streamlined and tailored as possible, a slight flare would work for your body type but avoid pleats, tapered pants (tight at the ankle), capris and pockets that sit at the hip.
- stick to an a-line or pencil skirt. The a-line will distract from the shape of the hips and the pencil will accentuate the curves in a flattering way.
- tunics and leggings are a great idea for you. Just make sure that the tunic grazes (not clings) your hips.
- with jackets, make sure the shortest point DOES NOT sit right at your hip! Go for something a little longer.
-elongate your body and draw attention to the girls! This does not mean you have to let it all hang out but Do go for a deep v and a tank or a plunging necklace. The point is to distract the eye.
- show off your sexy, slim shoulders. A strapless maxi is a great option for you in the summer and with a cutoff jean jacket you could wear one into the fall.
- keep prints on the top half of your body!
- wear big earrings, scarves, bold necklaces, anything that can attract the eye to your face.

Celebs with pear body shapes: Beyonce, Lily Allen, Cynthia Nixon, J.Lo, Keira Knightley, Kim Kardashian, Shakira.

Finding Your Style

Typically, people have a hard time defining their style because, a. they don't know where to start or b. aren't sure what parts of their personality they want to showcase. I am here to tell you it really isn't hard. Look no further than what you love best about yourself.

Are you quirky? Do friends constantly walk into your home and say, wow what a cool piece, be it a new piece of artwork, furniture or other decoration? Do you find yourself dancing to the beat of a different drum? Why is that not also showcased in what you choose to put on your body? Where is that quirky jacket? Where are those quirky shoes? How about statement jewelry?

Are you a bona-fide heavy metal fan? Do you have a die-hard attitude? Can you even imagine missing your favorite band when they came to your town? Do you have band sticker decorating 90% of what you own? Do you envy the girls in dark eyeliner and red lips? Why are you scared to step out and do the same? Where are your spiked heels? Your brass knuckle clutch? What about a funky band t-shirt? Also, just because you are a rock-chick, it does not mean you are regulated or stuck in black, branch out!

Are you nerdy? Do you spend your days reading books or playing Skyrim? Do you have an unexplained affinity for your favorite book/video game characters? Have you imagined the perfect world in your mind and began writing about it? Own it! Check your specks. How about that Harry Potter tee you have hiding in the back of your closet? FYI, you are the only ones who can make suspenders look cute!

It's more about you trying to be you.

For me, I have what I like to call a schizophrenic style. All of the above define me in some way. I have a little claim to the country world as well (lived there half my life). No, I don't own cowboy boots but I do own a bubble vest, I also attend the rodeo on a regular basis. I listen to heavy metal and own spiked heels and band tees. On top of all of this I have a professional job. I wear suits and dresses 90% of the time. I wear statement tees under my suit jacket and my spike heels with my lbd and a colored jacket. But again, these are all aspects of me. These things combined make me who I am and make my style what it is. If someone were to go shopping for me an outfit, it would only be too easy. I have such a wide variety of tastes but all of my friends can look at something and say "That is totally her!".

It's all about defining your personality through clothing.

This is how I make my clothing reflect my personality.