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The upside down triangle — or the inverted triangle — is characterized by wider shoulders, a large chest, narrow hips and a small bum. Legs are often fabulous with this shape and your top half will be fuller than your bottom half — your chest and shoulders will be bigger, and your waist, hips and bottom neat.

Do's and Don'ts for Upside Down Triangle Shapes
- DO: You want to add bulk, so try ruffles, drapes, patterns, and fabrics cut into a tier shape on your bottom half as they'll balance out your bigger top half. Plus, because your legs are slim, you can get away with it! Look for soft, draping fabrics as they'll soften your shoulders and choose deep V-necks as they'll flatter your bust and make your top half look narrower.
- DON'T: Wear anything with too much shoulder or neck detail up top. Heavy earrings and necklaces can also look really messy on people with your body shape.
The Hourglass Figure
Hourglass figures are pretty enviable — the bust and hips are usually equal or pretty similar in width, and these people have a small, narrow waist and a lovely round bum. The whole aim is to define your waist, as this is likely your slimmest part, and doing this will make you look incredibly sexy.
Do's and Don'ts for Hourglass Shapes
- DO: choose V-necks as they'll flatter your bust. Look for clothes that are fitted at your waist as this shows off your thinnest part — peplums are your friend, as are skater dresses! Sweetheart and square necklines are also super flattering on hourglass shapes. Three quarter length sleeves will also show off the thinnest part of your arms. Choose flared or bootcut trousers, pencil skirts, and pieces with light tailoring that will really flatter you.
- DON'T: Hide your beautiful figure by wearing baggy tops, high necklines, smock dresses, belts that are too thick and batwing sleeves as they'll all make you look larger.
The Apple Shape
Apple shapes are slightly more rounded, but they're still beautiful. If you're an apple, you'll have a larger bust, wider shoulders and a rounded tum. Your shoulders, tummy and hips will all be a similar width. Your bum will likely be flat, and if you do gain weight, it's probably around your tummy and upper body and your waist won't be defined.
Do's and Don'ts for Apple Shapes
- DO: If you want to wear patterns and really bold colors, keep them to your bottom half. Keep the top half clean and simple with less fussy detail and pattern to show off your best bits, and choose darker colors. Wear jeans with pockets as they make your bum look rounder and wear plenty of skirts — they really suit your figure. Wear long jackets and tops that come past your hips as they make your mid-section look longer and narrower and choose draping fabrics that skim your tum rather than cling to it. Choose V-necks, too, as they'll make your upper body look slimmer.
- DON'T: Don't tuck tops into your trousers or skirts as this'll draw attention to your tum. Steer clear of clingy fabrics, especially of the synthetic variety, as they'll make your tummy look bigger and keep away from high waisted trousers and skirts, as they'll make your waist look bigger.
And there you have it! Every woman is beautiful, and if you choose the right clothes for your figure, you'll really shine!
- Photo courtesy of Patrick Colgan by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/mreraser/3749790057
- Photo courtesy of Diana by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/kurtizanka/3394786440