Firestyle Magazine Issue 4 - Summer 2016 | Page 36

Body Buy For Your Shape Fashion & Beauty By Helen Taylor If you love the latest fashion trends then you will no doubt regularly spend time traipsing the high street to update your wardrobe with the latest buys from your favourite stores paying little attention to the cost that’s involved. It’s a fact that most of us are happy to break the budget on the fashion front. But, no matter how stylish you are or how much you pay, your clothes will just not look good if they don’t flatter your figure. Recognising and understanding your body shape is essential for looking great in the outfits that you spend your hard-earned cash on. Choosing the appropriate shapes, cuts and styles will prove to do more for you than the latest ‘must have’ designs ever could - and that’s because the correct clothes work with your body shape to emphasise everything that’s good and conceal what’s not. So, before you go shopping, check out our guide to what’s right for you - you’ll be surprised at the results. There are four classic female body shapes: Hourglass Pear Choose simple, tailored and classically cut clothes that will show off your curves. Always emphasise your tiny waist by choosing wrap tops and slim fitting jackets. Dresses and skirts that finish just above the knee will showcase your shape. Be sure to avoid frills, embellishments and fussy clothes; instead keep things simple. Tops should be fitted and should end at the top of the hips to show off the waist. Wide, structured and embellished shoulders broaden the frame and patterned and textured blouses, jumpers and shirts create volume where it’s needed. A-line dresses and skirts skim the hips for a flattering result. Keep away from short, tight skirts that emphasise your biggest area. This is regarded as the most desirable female body shape - it epitomises femininity. This figure is defined by shoulders and hips that are similar in size and a waist that is significantly narrow in relation to the two. PEAR Hourglas 36 Narrow shoulders, wide hips and fuller thighs create the pear shape. The main consideration when choosing clothes to flatter this body shape is to draw attention away from the lower half and bring the focus on the shoulders and bust.