STYLE MANUAL: Dressing For Your Body Type

Seeing a woman that doesn't know how to dress herself properly is one of the worse things ever. There are so many different body types out there, and they're all beautiful. So why mess up a perfectly good thing by wearing something that should be on somebody else? Here are some tips to help you find the perfect threads for YOUR body type. So step away from the Victoria's Secret catalog and read on.

I. Petite Women:

• If you have a short neck avoid wearing high collared clothes. Also stay away from short necklaces, they only reinforce the matter. To elongate your neck wear a top with a deep neckline and add a long necklace that falls a few inches from your navel.
• Another mistake petite women make is wearing shoes with strings. I know it sounds silly but they actually make you appear shorter than you actually are. Wearing an open toe shoe with nothing at the ankle will make your legs look longer.
• DO NOT wear all over prints, they'll make you look thinner. Instead choose a print in one central location. Here or there is fine but all over is just too much. Placing the print over you're figure's assets, like well toned arms or abs, draws more attention to that area.
• Add a belt or scarf to a skirt or a pair of pants that hangs downward. This also adds height to your legs.
• Wear contrasting colors and fitted lines to flatter your figure.

II. Tall Women:

• To cut height around your waist area, wear your tops over your pants or skirts.
• Big belts are great for your type just be sure they're not worn too tight.
• Steer clear from very short skirts, they'll add even more height to your legs. This can be tricky because there are some that can show off your legs nicely. But the extra shorty short blue jean ones? Lets leave those to the Justin Bieber fans (i.e. pre-teen girls).
• Long skirts will do the same thing. Long legs are absolutely gorgeous, however I'm pretty sure you have other assets that can be showcased too. Following these tips will give them the shine they deserve.

III. Pear Shaped Women:

• Curves are beautiful but I know some women are a little self conscious about them, and that's okay. Implementing vertical lines to your ensemble will definitely give you a slimmer look.
• Wear a lighter color on top and a really dark shade on the lower body. Doing this draws attention to the top while the lower region goes a little bit more unnoticed, it creates balance.
• To make your bottom smaller you can add a broadness to your upper body to make you look more proportionate and slimmer down below. One way to do this would be by choosing dresses or tops with small or soft shoulder pads. But be careful not to go all Amber Rose, too much padding would be a disaster.
• Avoid skirts that are tapered. Skirts and dresses with free flowing a-lines are the key to camouflaging saddle bags.

IV. Apple Shaped Women:

• And no I'm not referring to all my apple bottomed mamas. Apple shaped simply means you're top heavy. So nix tops with lots of detailing and ruffling or ruching. Soft flowing fabrics will give you a simple and cleaner look.
• DO NOT wear very tight/clingy synthetic tops! That only amplifies your problem areas plus it makes you look like...okay imagine you have a piece of dough in your hands. Now ball up your hand into a fist, what does the dough look like? Exactly! That's not the move.
• Go for lighter colors on your bottom half and darker shades on top.
• Detailing, pleating, or other embellishments on skirts or pants are a great way to attract attention to those areas.
• V-necks will make "the girls" look smaller.
• Wearing a wrap around top will hide your tummy. Layering in the same color and fabric will also have a slimming effect.
• Under NO circumstances should you EVER EVER EVER wear anything shoulder padded. Thin and light materials only. Think of Monica at this year's BET Awards ---->> #EpicFail smh

V. Ruler Shaped Women

• Ruler shaped bodies have a straight physique and they require some curves. Try a dark belt around your waist or wear a ruched top to add some volume to your bust. You can also layer a shrunken jacket over a larger top to create dimension.
• Try to avoid low neck lines.
• Baggy tops, pants, and narrow skirts are a no no.
• A-line tops are a definite must.
• Medium to high necklines are a DO.
• Straight to gently flared flat-fronted pants are also a DO.

VI. Hourglass Shaped Women

• You can emphasize your small waist in a fitted top. And an A-line wrap dress will bring attention to your narrow middle, while skimming your hips and bust without accentuating them.
• Dresses with defined waistlines are great for your type.
• Baggy styles are a NO they'll completely drown out your gorgeous curves.
• High necklines are fine, unless you have a small bust.
• Stay away from stiff, bulky fabrics you don't want to look like a cardboard box.

Now, no matter what body type you are, you have the basics for dressing appropriately. This is your very own guide to dressing for *your* type. Not your neighbor's, or your sister's, or you BFF's. Yours. No more excuses or complaints about stores "never having anything for your size". You have exactly what you need so apply it! Experiment, suit *your* personal needs, and even add new rules that work even better.

God speed and happy shopping ladies :)