Common characteristics of this shape are broader shoulders, larger upper arms, a full bust and a somewhat undefined waist. Hips and thighs are generally smaller and your rear view would never be mistaken for J Lo. If you gain weight it goes straight to your middle. Here again, the key is balance: Elongate the torso, narrow the shoulders, take attention away from the midsection and really play up your assets—the fabulous bust and shapely legs.

• Look for tops that are slightly fitted, but not skin tight. Wrap tops are great, as is anything with a v-neck, which de-emphasizes wide shoulders. Stay away from puff sleeves. Empire waist or raised waist tops are also great, because they take attention away from the tummy area. Stay away from ruffles, flounces or gathers. Keep it sleek and simple.
• Jackets and blazers should end at just below the waist or down to mid-thigh, but never end at the widest part of the hips. Darker, solid colors work best or very small patterns. Stay away from bold checks or large patterns, which tend to make you look bigger.
• Knee length dresses and skirts or those worn one to three inches above the knee will play up your gorgeous legs. A-line skirts work especially well because they tend to give you more of an hourglass shape. Wrap dresses are great. Look for textures like silk and chiffon that will swish around your legs for an ultra feminine feel and strappy sandals to flatter your gams.
• Trousers should have a flat front—stay away from pleats! Absolutely NO pleats! Jeans with back pocket flaps look great because they help add a bit of curve to your rear. Boot-cut and jeans with a slightly flared leg will also give you a long lean look. Stay away from too-tight jeans or anything with a tapered leg.

The Hourglass Figure

Scarlett Johansson. Jennifer Lopez. Kate Winslet. Catherine Zeta-Jones. You are in good company ladies! Your body is equally proportioned with great shoulders, a gorgeous bust, a narrow waist and shapely hips. You've got curves baby, so let's make sure you know how to dress them to advantage.

• Choose tops and blouses that emphasize your bust and waist (make sure you have a supportive bra!) V-necks and scoop necks are fabulous, as are surplice tops and wrap tops—especially if it is a true wrap that ties at the waist, emphasizing and flattering your shape. Halter tops are also particularly flattering, but don't go too bare, especially if you have cleavage. Keep the halter straps wide. Stay away from ruffles or too much detail in the bust area.
• Jackets and blazers that are fitted or nip in at the waist are great. A tailored safari style jacket would be a particularly fetching look for the hourglass girl.
• Figure flattering dresses include those cut on the bias, which hug your curves and flare out over your hips and rear. Anything that cinches or belts at the waist emphasizes the narrowness of your waist as well as your curves. Length-wise, you can go a little longer for a more feminine look—mid calf or tea length is particularly flattering—and if you have great legs, a figure skimming sheath or slim skirt will look especially great on you.
• Jeans which hug your curves are the way to go. (A little Lycra goes a long way!) One problem the hourglass girl runs into is jeans that gap at the waist. Try Joe's Jeans Honey for a flattering fit. Mid-rise jeans tend to work best, but low rise also works.
• Stay away from anything baggy or oversized.
• Heels, heels, heels! Stacked heels, platforms, wedge heels, embellished heels. Strut your stuff in sexy shoes doll!

The Catwalk Figure

Aygness Deyn. Kate Moss. Kate Hudson. Kiera Knightly. You are the envy of many, who claim that even a potato sack would look good on you. Lean and athletic, shoulders in proportion to hips, but very little definition at the waist. Small bust and a flat rear. Slim shapely arms and legs that go on forever. In seeking the ever-elusive balance, you want to create the illusion of curves and a waist.

• Look for tops that give you those desired curves. Wrap tops, v-necks and feminine details will emphasize your bust, as will tops with ruching, pintucking or a belted waist. You can also get away with ruffles and other feminine touches. This spring's peasant style boho tops look fantastic. Look for jackets and tops that are fitted at the waist, then flare out for the illusion of hips.
• Trousers that are more tailored look great on you. You can even get away with pleated trousers and cargo pants. Stay away from anything too high-waisted however. Look for jeans that fit your shape but also lift your rear. Back pockets with flaps can add fullness to your rear view. Trousers with a little flare at the leg and boot cut jeans de-emphasize a straight-up-and down figure. Don't forget a great pair of gorgeous girly flats to complete the look!
• Full skirts look particularly fetching. You can also wear skirts that are gathered at the waist or pleated. A skirt with a wide belt will give the illusion of a narrow waist and curved hips.
• Look for dresses that have details at the neckline. Because of your slim athletic arms, you look great in sleeveless dresses and dresses with spaghetti straps. Also, loose dresses belted at the waist are a good choice for creating curves. Show off your great legs in killer heels and wedges. For the fashionista with larger than average shoe size, Barefoot Tess is a fabulous source for the latest styles and trends!

Happy spring style shopping girly girls!

xoxo,