Every month of this year we will offer a style tip to help those who need guidance with their style. By the end of the year we will reveal our new, transformed stlye.
The month of January will be dedicated to getting to know you body. I had to learn the hard way by buying countless items of clothing that did not work for my shape or size. Once you discover whether those wide-legged trousers look good on you, your wallet and body will thank you. To distinguish between the many different types of body shapes, I have put together a list to assist the lost and confused.
Body Shapes
To truly get the real shape of your body, I suggest standing in a full length mirror while wearing a tank top and jeans or just your undergarments.
A triangle body shape means that your shoulders and chest is smaller than your hips and thighs and you have a small waist. When shopping for this body shape it is important to look for clothing that show off your natural small waist. Empire-waist dresses or clinching a belt over a jacket will draw attention to the waist instead of the hips. A full or A-line skirt will slim you though the thighs and hips and straight- legged pants is also a nice cut that will slim you though the thighs giving you a sleek and sophisticated look. Finally, boatneck tops can broaden the shoulders to balance of the lower half.
The inverted triangle will be the opposite of a triangle, wider on the top and smaller though the hips. Look for full bottoms, such as full skirts and wide-legged trousers to balance the top; the front pockets on trousers broaden the hips. A nice cropped jacket or cardigan will elongate the shoulders to give the appearance of a smaller frame. Adding necklaces and bracelets are wonderful accessories when your want to draw attention to another part of your body. To give more fullness to your lower half, ruffled hems on dresses and pleating around the hip area create curves. 
If you have a small waist and a bigger chest and hips, then hourglass fits your shape. The best clothing to accentuate your small waist would be form-fitted clothing such as jackets and pencil skirts. Directing attention to your waist with a belt or a warp dress shows off your curves and adds a bit of classic elegance to this shape. A V-neck shows off the décolletage, while giving your figure a more shapely build. And word to the wise, A-line skirts are your best friend. A hem that stops just above the knee is the ultimate sexy look for any hourglass shape.
If you are not blessed with curves and in need of a defined shape you can count on these tips for a rectangle shaped figure will do you justice. To add curves, patterns and horizontal tops adds shape instantly. Ruffles around the bust or neckline draws attention away from the lack of curves. Structured clothing like fitted blazers and wide waistbands gives a feminine look while adding more volume in the right places. A-line shorts, minis and capris show off the slim legs while also giving fullness.CURVY
A curvy figure can benefit best from items that lengthens and slims. Wearing boot cut jeans, and finding structured lines in dresses and skirts adds the sleek look that you are going for. Focusing attention to the smallest part of your body is another way to give the illusion of a slim figure. Try necklines that open your chest instead of covering everything up. A good styling tip, v-necks and jewelry around the neck shows the décolletage in a pleasing way.
PETITE
Now, I must not forget the vertically challenged. If you are petite, tailoring will be your best kept secret. Clean, straight lines in your clothing will elongate your frame. Try to keep hems for dresses and skirts above the knees. Find coats and jackets that stops at the hip, which will lengthen the torso. Pants that end at the ankle are great for a petite figure to not shorten the body. Also, prints and patterns breaks up the monotony of one color, but try to not to overpower yourself with large patterns.
Sources InStyle.com
