Body shapes busted (pun intended!)...

In the words of the fabulous fairy Gok mother himself Gok Wan, it's all about balance. Dressing to flatter your body shape is easy when you know how. And you know your body shape. None of this is hot off the press but believe it or not, the majority of women don't have a clue and the chances are that if you're reading this, you're one of them. So here it is, my self help, easy to use guide to how to suss out your body shape and how to dress to make sure you're looking fabulous, 24/7. Read on, learn, put it all in to practice and thank me later...

Body Shape: The Hourglass
Common Atributes: Broader shoulders, chest and hips. Smaller waist. In a Nutshell: The stereotypically sexy curves all in the right place. This is the body shape that the majority of men find most attractive. Lucky you!
What to Wear and Why: Deep V necks will not only flatter your fuller chest but will draw the attention down to your tiny waist. A belt round your waist will draw in your smallest area and cropped jackets that finish at the waist will also draw the eye there. Circular/a-line skirts that stop just below the knee will skim your hips and define your amazing shape. Bootcut and flared jeans will balance out your hips.

Body Shape: The Pear
Common Attributes: Narrow shoulders, smaller chest and broader hips.
In a Nutshell: If you've got smaller boobs and a bigger bum, this is you. You can wear halter and strapless tops without them falling down!
What to Wear and Why: Circular/a-line skirts will skim over your hips. Halter and strapless tops with an empire line waist will broaden your shoulders and show off your amazing neckline whilst skimming your hips. Wearing bold patterns or ruffles on your top half will draw the eye upwards and add volume where you need it. Structured jackets with wide lapels will add shape where it's needed and will broaden your shoulders. Bootcut denim in dark washes will be slimming and will lengthen the legs.

Body Shape: The Rectangle/Boyish
Common Attributes: Shoulders, chest and hips are all in the same proportion.
In a Nutshell: Are you actually Kate Moss? Then you are a fashion designer's muse and can wear whatever the hell you want. Thinking of ditching the shapeless and want to create some curves? Easy-peasy. It's a win-win situation.
What to Wear and Why: Dresses and skirts with a defined waist band will help fake some curves. High, rounded neck lines and polo necks will help add interest. Double-breasted coats and jackets will create volume and widen your shoulders. Bows, puffy sleeves, ruffles and wide lapels will also all help add volume where you need it. Skinny denim will flatter your long, lean legs but a bootcut shape will balance it out and add curves.

Body Shape: The Triangle
Common Attributes: Broader shoulders and chest, smaller waist and hips.
In a Nutshell: You're top heavy but who cares? You've got big boobs and a tiny bum. What every woman wants!
What to Wear and Why: A good fitting bra for support! Deep V necks to flatter your fuller chest and to draw the eye down to your smallest part. Circular/a-line skirts that stop just below the knee will add volume to your slim hips. Bootcut and flared jeans will balance out your hips and add curves on your bottom half.

Body Shape: The Apple
Common Attributes: Broad shoulders and chest, larger waist and broad hips.
In a Nutshell: You are the lovely larger lady. Embrace your curves 'cause most women would kill for those.
What to Wear and Why: A good fitting bra for support! Empire line dresses to flatter your chest and skim over your hips. A belt round the waist teamed with 3/4 lenth sleeves will create a curvy waist and draw attention to it. Flowing, wide leg trousers will emphasise your waist and make your top half look smaller. Jackets with structured shoulders will make your waist look smaller. Trousers with a front crease will make your legs look longer and slimmer.