Simple Style Tips to Fit & Flatter Your Shape
Great stye is all about understanding how to dress your unique body — from fit to proportions to color, a few smart tweaks can make all the difference in how your clothes look and how you feel in them. If you're unsure where to begin, start by discovering What’s Your Shopping Personality? to learn how your habits impact the way you dress.
The right styling works with your architecture and makes you feel confident, polished, and comfortable in your own skin right now. Whether you're looking to highlight your favorite features or bring more balance to your silhouette, these simple style tips — from structured layers to strategic color choices — will help you feel your best in what you wear.
Tip #1: Show Off Your Waist
Skim the body without it being tight, and avoid tenting! Great undergarments lift the bust to further enhance a waistline. A well cut jacket with curved “princess” seaming is a great way to show off a waist and is perfect for camouflaging the tummy area. And yes, you can show off a waist without highlighting other areas… try a “Fit and Flare” cut that nips in at the high waist and then drapes or flares outwards. The difference in proportions makes the waist appear smaller. Just as a big shoulder pad (think 80’s!) make the waist appear smaller by comparison.
Want to dig deeper? We break down visual tricks in Three Ways to Create a More Defined Waist.
Tip #2: Color Blocking or Cut Outs to Create Shape
Use color in skirts, dresses or tops to instantly create shape. Dark lines or cut-ins at the waist slim the area, and long vertical lines elongate the entire silhouette. Looking for on-trend shades to try? How to Combine Colors in Your Closet & Love It offers color inspiration that also flatters your shape.
Tip #3: Go Vertical
Like the dress in the color block image, a long chunky necklace also draws the eye up and down elongating the upper body and the entire silhouette. For tips on choosing the right accessories to flatter your frame, see Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Necklace.
Tip #4: Choose the Right Neckline For Your Body
Those with small shoulders can try a wide boatneck top, or a cap sleeve to build up the shoulder and proportionally balance a larger bottom half — this will also slim or define a waist. If you prefer to slim a broader shoulder, deeper cuts like a V or U will soften the shoulder and balance a smaller hip — creating more overall balance and elongation of the entire silhouette. To master this detail, don’t miss How to Find Your Favorite Neckline.
Your preferences matter when getting dressed. Don’t settle for clothes that don’t make you feel confident. Learning your Style ID will help you make shopping choices that create the look you want.