Body Type Style Guide

Everyone seems to out and about shopping for their new fall wardrobes right now. There are a lot of fun trends and wild looks. I will going to dispense a couple tips on what to buy depending on your body shape.

Full Figure: Vertical patterns are slimming as are clothes with inverted pleats and slits that also have the vertical effect. All dark colors, not just black are all slimming colors and this fall you can choose from browns and grey to deep purples and burgundy. Asymmetrical designs and draping effects also compliment this body type.

Busty: Stay away from tops that are too tight; they will only make your bust look larger. Tailored button down shirts and jackets fit larger busts better. They allow for more room without looking oversized and baggy. Avoid skinny leg pants and narrow bottom that will just emphasize your bust and make you look top-heavy. Pants with wide legs, and cuffs that have more substance are a better fit for this body type.

Petite: Solid color silhouettes are best for you to help elongate your body. The worst thing to do is break your body up with horizontal lines and color breaks. Belts should be subtle and not contrast with what you are wearing and it is best to wear shoes the same color as your bottoms. Items with pinstripes and small vertical lines extend height. For this body type avoid overdoing the jewelry. Bold accessories are popular this season but petite girls should pick earrings or a necklace and not do both.

Pear-Shaped: Avoid skinny leg pants and skirts that hug your hips too much. A wide leg pant is going to be more flattering and allow for more room through your thighs. Wear tops that have pleats or ruffles that add volume to your smaller upper body. Adding belts and items that accentuate the waist are usually beneficial and bring the focus away from your lower body.

Pregnant: You will have to invest in some good maternity jeans and other pants but you do not need to purchase maternity tops. There are plenty of blouses and tunics that allow a lot of space in the waist for your belly bump to fit. Consider buying some long cardigan sweaters-- there is enough fabric to cover your belly and they can be worn post pregnancy too. Buy tank dresses and shift dresses that are also looser fitting through the tummy instead of a sheath dress that is more structured. Wrap sweaters and oversized chunk knits will fit your body through pregnancy and can be worn post baby bump.