You can observe how your role models dress themselves.  Naturally you want what is best for you.  What is appropriate for flesh-and-blood people like you and me must work and sweat for a living, shop, eat, and dress on a limited budget.  Don't forget the most basic of all fashion rules: Be yourself and feel confident in whatever clothes you're wearing. 

Body shapes of women

With a little research, a merchandising assistant came up with practical fashion tips for body shapes and then you can find the look that's right for you.

Fashion tips for women

TYPE S

If your bust, waist, and hips are similar in size, you belong to the S type.  To maximize style, loose, figure-slimming clothes are best for you.  Below are more fashion do's and don'ts for S type.

What to wear

Do:

• Do wear blazers to camouflage the waist.
• Do reveal a bit of cleavage for wearing V-shaped neckline blouses and dresses.
• Go for dark colors like black, brown, navy blue, etc.
• Do wear tunic
• Wear clothes that are straight-cut

Don't:

• Avoid wearing clothes with horizontal stripes.
• Don't wear blouses or dresses with tucks because they emphasize your shape.
• Don't tuck tops into the skirt or pants that are too tight at the bottom
• Avoid layering; it will make your figure appear bulkier.

TYPE Y

You belong to the type Y if your bust and shoulder are wider than your hips.

What to wear

Do:

• Do wear clothes with small print
• Do wear flared or A-line dresses and skirt
• Do wear round or V-necked dresses or blouses to underplay the broadness of your shoulder.
• Do wear a bra that gives a lot of support.

Don't:

• Don't wear shoulder pads.
• Don't pair loose skirts or blouses with skintight pants or leggings.
• Avoid high-waisted dresses and blouses as these add extra inches to your shoulder.
• Don't wear tops with ruffles.

TYPE A

You belong to Type A if your hips are broader than your shoulder.  This is the most common shape especially those who love to eat but never exercise.  The general rule for Type A body shape is to wear dresses that emphasize the top, which is the slimmer part of your body. 

What to wear

Do:

• Do wear close-fitting skirt or pants topped with a loose blouse blouse to even your body shape.
• Do wear tops with Sabrina necklines because they make your shoulders appear broader.
• Do wear sheaths because they look clean and uncluttered.
• Do wear dresses with designs or colors that emphasizes the top.

Don't:

• Avoid pleated skirt and pants because they will make your hips appear broader.
• Avoid clingy, tight tops.
• Do away with patterned bottoms such as floral pants or embroidered light-colored skirts.

TYPE I

You are type I if you have a broad back, flat waist and hips.  If you fall under this type, here's what you can do to add a little curve:

Do:

• Tuck blouses over skit or pants to emphasize waistline and add curves.
• Do wear clothes with horizontal stripes.
• Use clothes with colors and patterns that create the illusion of a shapely figure.
• Do wear dresses and skirts that define your waist.
• Do wear bras with padded cups.

What to wear

Don't:

• Don't wear loose dress.
• Don't wear body-fitting clothes
• Don't wear dresses or blouses with scooped necklines because they will only emphasize your small stripes.
• Don't wear large clumpy shoes.

Resource:  Woman Today Magazine