Here are some possible body types and the general attributes of each. As you will discover, there are various names that attempt to define the same body shape. To avoid confusion, I have tried to include all the different descriptors that I came across.

Straight Body Type/ Rectangle: your bust and hips are roughly the same size. You most likely have an average bust size and maybe a large rib cage. You might have a flat bottom and your best feature is probably your slender legs. Straight body types need to create the illusion of a waist without emphasizing it. You should lengthen your upper body while disguising your rib cage and drawing attention to your legs.

Pear Body Type/Triangle: your hips are larger than your bust and you have a slender neck, narrow shoulders as well as a defined waist. Your hips and thighs are full. Pear shapes should draw attention to the upper part of the body to balance out the bottom half. They should also bring attention to their waist but not cinch it.

Hourglass Body Type: your broad shoulders are contrasted by a small waist and fuller hips. Your bottom might stick out a bit and you probably have nice legs. Hourglass types should draw attention to their waist and choose drapeable fabrics to highlight their curves. Avoid oversized clothing as it will make you appear boxy.

Top Hourglass Body Type: your bust is larger than your hips with a well defined waist. This type needs to follow the guidelines of the hourglass body type while balancing out the upper and lower body.

Inverted Triangle Body Type: your waist is not as defined and you have large bust and narrow hips. Your shoulders are probably broad and your best feature is likely your legs. Inverted triangle shapes need to add balance to the larger upper body by focusing attention on narrow hips and legs. They should draw attention away from their shoulders and upper torso by choosing clothing that adds volume to the lower half.

Oval Body Type/ Round: your waist is larger than your bust and hips and you usually have larger breasts. You might also have an ample neck and round back. Your best feature is probably your legs. Oval body types will need to downplay their bust and add length to their upper half while drawing attention to their legs. They should create more of a waist by choosing clothing that tapers to the waist and adds volume to the lower body.

Diamond Body Type: your waist is larger than your bust and hips and you have narrow shoulders and smaller breasts. Your hips and thighs are full. The best looks for this type will bring shape to the shoulders, bust and hips by creating a waist. These types will also find it helpful to broaden the shoulders to balance out the fuller bottom torso. They should also draw attention away from the lower half of the body.

Remember, all of these attributes will become more pronounced as you gain weight and determining the right clothing for your body type becomes even more important. Next time, I will go into detail about how to create a waist, add volume to your bottom half, add curves where there are none, and draw attention upward or downward.  Stay tuned for more information about how to dress each of these figure types.  I’ll be posting on Facebook and Twitter for the next couple of weeks with tips and hints for dressing your body in the best possible way.