Fashion tricks to flatter your figure

As somebody who has no clue whether they have an hourglass, straight or pear-shaped figure, you can be rest assured that I won’t lump you into said categories and tell you how to dress. We’re all incredibly different and what clothes work for some may not for other. So, these are some of the outfit combinations you can play around with to highlight the parts you love and hide the bits you’re not so fond of.
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HIGHLIGHT: Your waist
HIDE: Your thighs
Image: whowhatwear.com, Getty, hellofashionblog.com
The midi skirt trend is a blessing for those who love accentuating their waist, but wouldn’t be caught dead in a mini skirt. To draw attention to your small mid-section, pair a fanned-out midi with a crop top, or keep it classic with a tucked-in tee or shirt.
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HIGHLIGHT: Your arms
HIDE: Your belly
Image: stelly.com.au, Getty, All The Pretty Birds bloglovin'
The best thing about a swing dress is that you can gorge on a five-course meal and still have no hint of belly showing. And if you love showing off your arms, a halter neck will help to elongate them, as you’ll see right from the shoulder to your hand.
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HIGHLIGHT: Your boobs
HIDE: Your bum
Image: tumblr, asos.com, Getty
This is a tricky one, but there are a few options. A dress with a sweetheart neckline that fans out at the waist is a great option for a night out. But for something more casual and versatile, all you need is a lightweight, long kimono (as seen above on Chrissy Teigan). You can wear it over a dress, plain top and jeans, playsuit - whatever! It will put your boobs on display while draping nicely over your backside.
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HIGHLIGHT: Your legs
HIDE: Your tummy and boobs
Image: Instagram @elle_ferguson
Elle Ferguson (the blogger from They All Hate Us) is the queen of highlighting her legs. So take a leaf out of her book and pair shorts with an oversized shirt (or anything long-sleeved and loose-fitting) to keep all eyes on your stems. On chilly days, swap the shorts out for skinny jeans. Then, choose jackets that are short and slightly bulky to make your legs seem even slimmer.
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Top tips for dressing for your body shape:
- You’re not just one size - the clothes in your wardrobe could be ranging from size 10 to size 50, and that’s fine. If you’d like an item to fit loosely or look nice when tucked it into a skirt, go a few sizes bigger and don’t feel guilty about it. Ignore the labels and wear things the way you want to.
- Fashion trends don’t suit everyone. Something might look great in the magazine and good on your friends, but if you’re not feeling it, don’t worry about it.
- Dress for yourself and nobody else. You’re the one who has to wear the outfit, after all!
What are your top fashion tips? What piece of clothing do you always feel fabulous in?
110 Member Comments
Its great........Really loved your tips. Thank you for sharing Nice one.Thanks for sharing dress style
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I love a Midi skirt for my figure.
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Awesome tips!
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Loved this article, great tips
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Anything that reveals shoulders, arms and collarbones...love! Also love bodycoon, anything fitted too, at the waist especially.
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I went shopping with my tall and slender friend and explained to her that her boho fashion would not look so good on me. She had epiphany, she wasn't aware that someone might look strange in her clothes. I have a waist but also shocking legs and thighs. There is no way I would venture into mini land :)
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I've discovered Lysse leggings and love how comfy they are. Comfort is my main aim everyday - I think that's why I like wearing my bikini so much - it's so comfy to not wear much! ; ) (In summer that is!)
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I love that you've added this , I wish you could add more body shape related articles! I fit into the highlight legs hide boobs and tummy category. I do try follow this rule however I'm quite short so it can make me look stumpy
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Great tips to keep on looking stylish but hiding imperfections.
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Thank you for these tips. Loose jeans are great for hiding the tush. Dresses are fairly good for hiding a little bit of tummy for me.
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Love things with open back. Love clothing without sleeves (like racer singlets, v singlets, all singlets lol), love things showing midriff, and looove shorty shorts, especially romper ones (just had to get one now for my b-day from Lululemon...ok i know, so cliche,.....just happened accidentally hahaha). Strangely I have discovered that even cleavage is possible! wowza ..
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Unfortunately my belly is starting to bludge, will definitely look for some swing dresses. thanks for the tips!
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These are some good tips for me.
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It is a real shame that I really feel the need to hide everything, except my eyes, I guess just thinking about it I should change religions. But seriously I am 5 foot and 67 kg, so too short and wide all over. Really struggling to lose weight.
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Love the tip to hide your tummy
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I like scooped necked tops as they highlight your bust area and draw attention away from your tum.
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Lots of the newest trends don't suit me and its great to see some recognition on how to flatter your shape, no matter what it is.
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I am not impressed with the 'tips' as the females representing the styles are all 'slim young things' who could probably fashion show a hessian bag and make it look stylish with accessories. This article would have been more believable if 'real' women with 'real' bodies were presented in before and after fashion shots actually showing what works and what doesn't work. When I was in my twenties and thirties I could wear just about anything and it would look good and I was not a slim young thing then. I had real body shape issues then as I did not have a slim waist and that is probably the key to making anything look good. A 'tummy' is a killer in any fashion style and even the A line does not take away the 'tummy' as everyone knows what is under the clothing. I have always had 'nice' legs and wearing short shorts will still not eliminate the 'tummy' and in fact would make it, and me, look much worse.
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I don't like flashing myself at people (other than hubby). I definitely don't want to embarrass my 15 yr old son or my music students, so I wear clothing that covers my boobs, isn't too short or revealing - nothing see through, but the most important thing - it has to be comfortable!
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I love little shorts - they're just so comfy and practical!
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Lovely outfits. Too bad I don't have the body for them!
What if I want to hide everything, make myself 10 cm taller and 10kg lighter???
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Yes! Lol I need that I'd you find it ;)
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Can I have one of every outfit, please?
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That was different, seeing a fashion article on a beauty site :) guess we have to look good all over right?
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:) sure nice to see it for a change
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