Put Yourself in Proper Packaging: How to Dress for Your Body Type

Pear	Apple	Banana	Hourglass
Style Goal: Downplay your hips and highlight your waist and smaller upper body.	Style Goal: Bring your upper body into proportion with your lower body and create a waistline.	Style Goal: Create hourglass curves.	Style Goal: Accentuate your curves.
DOs: Wear darker colors on your lower half Have fun with belts Look for tops with embellishments, bold colors and prints to draw the eye up	DOs: Show off those gorgeous legs Wear lighter colors and baggy clothing on your lower half Choose clothing that gathers slightly at the middle to create the illusion of a waist	DOs: Wear fitted structured mini dresses Incorporate volume such as pleats, ruffles and textures around the chest and hips Wear belts to help create a waste	DOs: Highlight your figure with belts Wear body skimming (not super tight) clothing Experiment with different styles and cuts of clothing
DONTs: Avoid draping or embellishments in the hip area, it will add volume Avoid very fitted bottoms Avoid very loose and baggy bottoms	DONTs: Avoid very loose and baggy clothing, it will make you appear larger than you are Avoid shapeless clothing Avoid wearing a very loose top and tight fitting bottom	DONTs: Avoid straight up and down clothing that is unstructured; look for styles with a cinched waist Avoid loose and boxy clothing Don't hide your assets such as toned arms, great legs and beautiful shoulders	DONTs: Avoid overdoing your sex appeal, choose only one area to highlight, such as your chest or legs Don't hide your curves with baggy clothing Don't underestimate the power of prints and patterns

Keizia Parks, Ms. CEO Style Editor, is currently working on a line of books teaching women how to dress according to their body type. Join her mailing list to be notified when the books are available.