Body Type:
  • apple
  • long and lean
  • pear
  • full-figured
  • hourglass

Sean Collection Sequined Stretch Mesh Dress

I want to know which style wedding dress looks good on the different body types?
—Jennifer Y., Fort Worth, Texas

Style Spy Says: Berry

It's pretty easy to find a perfect wedding dress for everyone. In fact, the knowledge that I'm about to drop can also apply to bridesmaid dresses.

When all else fails, there's the A-line. An A-line dress (also known among the more condescending designers as the "princess") skims curves without hugging too tightly, highlights the good parts and, in essence, flatters almost anyone. Some guides warn that A-lines don't work for women who lack defined waistlines, but in practice, that's not always the case. Plenty of plus-sized gowns by JS Boutique and other designers feature an A-line silhouette.

Photo by: shop.nordstrom.com

Body Type:
  • top heavy
  • pear
Body Type:

Mary Kate Olsen

What are the rules when wearing prints? Which print/colors go together?
—Anna L., Cambridge, Massachusetts

Style Spy Says: Berry

There's only one rule: Simplicity. "The key to pulling this trend off is to K.I.S.S.—Keep it Simple, Sexy," stylist Toni Ferrara explains.

If you're worried about your figure, fear not. (Yes, Mary-Kate may be waifish, but Jill Scott isn't, and the prints she wears on No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency are gorgeous.)

"Prints can be worn on all sizes and body types," Ferrara assures. Just remember to always practice balance and proportion.

If you're still intimidated, here are a few more guidelines.

Photo by: PacificCoastNews.com

Body Type:
  • pear
Body Type:

Sydne Summer

In mystyle's new weekly blog post, stars, staffers and users all offer up their favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips.

If you are pear-shaped, stay away from bubble dresses. Go for an A-line instead.
–Sydne Summer
 

To get new tips every day, follow mystylequicktip on Twitter. And be sure to post your own! You can comment below, or @reply and we'll re-tweet your fab advice.

Photo by: PacificCoastNews.com

Body Type:
  • full-figured
Body Type:

L. Erickson USA Interlock Turban, Perrier-Jouët Champagne

Things we want to buy today...

1. Met Gala It: L. Erickson USA interlock turban, to channel Kate Moss; $98.

2. Bubbly It: Perrier-Jouet Champagne Cuvee Fleur de Champagne, to toast Mom with a beautiful bottle; $140.59.

3. Plus-Size It: Faith 21 wild leopard tunic, to let our curves roar; $22.80.

4. Rock It: Worn Free Debbie Harry Vultures tee, to get the look of the '80s singing sensation; $54.95.

5. Antique It: Lucy locket bracelet from Mod Cloth, to keep treasured photos handy; $17.99.

6. Maxi It: Boho strapless lace dress from Shop Intuition, to wear day or night; $50.

7. Graphic It: WKND by Cheap Monday Scan scarf, 'cause we like the purple print; $35.

8. Mini It: Wet Seal rosette wide-waist skirt, 'cause we like the floral detail; $21.50.

9. Spell It: Bunches Of Fun Bananagrams game, for road trip entertainment; $15.

10. One-Piece It: Go Jane shirred halter jumpsuit, to hop on the trend without breaking the bank; $23.

Photo by: franceluxe.com; Courtesy of Perrier-Jouët

Body Type:
  • full-figured
Body Type:

Joan Rivers Faceted Crystal Bib Necklace, Too Faced Hot Chocolate Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara

Things we want to buy today...

1. Dazzle It: Joan Rivers faceted crystal bib necklace, for an understated take on statement jewelry; $118.32.

2. Lengthen It: Too Faced Hot Chocolate Lash Injection Pinpoint mascara, 'cause brown is more natural and just perfect for day; $19.50.

3. Fringe It: Wet Seal abstract square scarf, for a colorful way to keep warm; $8.50.

4. Plus-Size It: One Stop Plus jumpsuit, 'cause the printed top and dark bottom flatter a fuller figure; $59.

5. Safari It: eDressMe cheetah-print minidress, for fierce and sexy style; $60.

6. Comfy It: Tie-dye wrap from Intuition, for luxe hippie layering; $55.

7. Jean It: Anlo Macey tie-front skirt, for a chic denim basic; $187. 

8. Star Style It: Gypsy 05 Love off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, for Vanessa Hudgens' flirty comfort; $125.

9. Pleat It: BB Dakota Lima skirt, 'cause we love the bright green hue; $44.

10. Tank It: Modern Amusement waves top, 'cause we like the subtle dots; $120.

Photo by: qvc.com; toofaced.com

Body Type:
  • full-figured
Body Type:

Carrie Underwood, Brooke Shields, Lauren Hutton, Eva Longoria. Angelica Houston, Badgley, Mischka

Here's what caught our eye on the Web this week:

Badgley Mischka celebrates 20 years in fashion with an A-list campaign shot by Annie Leibovitz. (FabSugar)

The fashion world ignores the average size 14 American woman. (LATimes.com)

Okay, not the entire fashion world. Forever 21 just announced its upcoming plus-size line, Faith 21. (NYMag.com)

Young Hollywood impersonates American icons: We get Lilo as Madonna, but we're not buying Emma Stone as Carrie Bradshaw. (Glamour.com)

In addition to staging a Circus, Britney Spears replaces Hayden Panettiere as the new Candie's girl. (Just Jared) 

Angelina Jolie swings both ways—with hair color, that is. We actually kinda like the blonde. (E! Online) 

Oprah shares her mag cover with Michelle Obama, who sported a plastic belt just like we recommended. (Fashionista)

Christian Louboutin's new Marie Antoinette heels cost more than $6,000! That's just sick. (Red Carpet Fashion Awards)

And in Paris, Sasha Fierce's fave designer, Gareth Pugh, shows his fall collection in a freaky but mesmerizing video. (SHOWstudio)

Body Type:
  • top heavy
  • pear
  • hourglass

Marisa Tomei, Halle Berry, Jessica Stroup
Style Secret

The Oscar gowns were certainly pretty, but what really caught our eye were the dresses at the after-parties. We especially loved all the diagonal stripes, because the pattern is visually interesting and incredibly flattering for so many body types!

Thin stripes, like the black and gold ones running across Halle Berry's Marchesa, are ideal for creating an hourglass shape. They enhance the curves of the hip while making the waist appear smaller.

A chevron pattern, like the lines ending in a point on Jessica Stroup's Pamella Roland, can help camouflage a larger physique. The V-shape draws the eye down the middle of the torso, while an inverted V brings the focus up to the face.

Striped colorblocking, like the Carlos Obando gown Marisa Tomei wore to post-Oscar parties, is best for top-heavy and pear-shaped women. Just make sure the lighter color hits the areas you want to downplay and the darker shade lands on those you want to showcase.

Shop all of these options in the steal 'n' splurge gallery below!

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: George Pimentel/Getty Images; Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

Body Type:
  • hourglass
Body Type:

Kim Kardashian

Aside from a feathered slip-up, Kim Kardashian has truly transformed from a booty-poppin' party girl into a sophisticated lady. But at Y-3's fall fashion show this weekend, Kim gave cutting-edge style a try with a Maison Martin Margiela jacket (on the right). Forget the space-age, structured shoulders. I'm surprised the reality star had even heard of the avant-garde designer. Even more shocking? The look actually worked, thanks to the thick black belt that nipped Kim's waist, allowing her to still show off her hourglass shape.

Still, as much as I applaud Kim for trying out something new, I prefer her best in ruffles and goddess gowns. What about you? Consider the sexy, feminine and cutting-edge looks above, then vote in the gallery below!

Loading poll...
Photo by: Paul Fenton/ZUMA Press, Todd Williamson/Getty Images, Joe Kohen/Getty Images

Body Type:
  • apple
  • long and lean
Body Type:

Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Morrison

My best friend constantly complains that she has no waist. To make up for her lack of curves, she often wears short skirts to draw all the attention to her fabulous legs. But minis aren't always appropriate—or even comfortable, for that matter.

Mystyle Style Class: Au Courant

A more sensible option is the blouson. It comes as a shirt or a dress, like Jennifer Morrison's Anne Valérie Hash strapless, and has a fitted waistband with material bloused over. Angelina Jolie is a huge fan of the loose but flattering fit as well. That's all she's been wearing this awards season! I prefer the sparkly Versace over the blue Max Azria, because you need to show at least a slip of skin to make this trend look sexy.

If you're top heavy, the blouson is not for you. But if you want to add shape to your rectangular frame day or night, shop the tops and dresses in the gallery below.

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: E! Networks/Comcast Entertainment Group

Body Type:
  • long and lean
  • hourglass

Molly Sims, Jaime King

Style Secret

Last year's colorblocking trend is still going strong. Black Halo, T-Bags and LaROK offer some of our favorite youthful, contrasting brights. But if you want a more sophisticated look, try a monochromatic multitone dress.

The subtlety of varying shades in a single color is mature, but still modern. I suggest buying one in spring's more understated hues: lavender or slate (bluish/gray). Any neutral will also work.

Just remember that the placement of the blocks will affect your body. A vertical split, like Molly Sims' Alberta Ferretti, elongates and adds height. A diagonal pattern, such as the one on Jamie King's Jason Wu, produces an hourglass shape. Shop both styles by clicking through the gallery below!

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images, Michael Buckner/Getty Images for GQ

Body Type:
  • pear
  • hourglass
Body Type:

Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson

Style Secret

While promoting their new movie, The Spirit, in London last week, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes proved you can look sexy without being overtly suggestive. Instead of flaunting their cleavage, the curvy costars relied on '50s silhouettes to showcase their womanly figures.

Any body type can benefit from the cinched waist and full skirt of these retro-style dresses, especially pear shapes (it hides all your bottom-half problems). On the petite side? Follow Scarlett's lead and keep your frock above the knee. If you have more of an athletic build, stay away from Eva's off-the-shoulder neckline and wear V-necks, like the DVF splurge in the gallery below.

And don't forget fabulous footwear, like Scarlett's Brian Atwood stilettos with orange rosettes. We're happy to resurrect '50s dresses, but saddle shoes are best left in the past.

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: Fotonoticias/Getty Images; Mike Marsland/Getty Images

Body Type:
  • long and lean
  • pear
Body Type:

Calvin Klein Jeans Double Breasted Velveteen Jacket

I am 5 feet tall and I weigh 108 pounds, but since I am curvy with a Latin shape, I look chubby. Most of the time, I wear skirts above the knee and a short fitted jacket or V-neck top and, of course, high heels. I don't usually wear pants. I'd like to look tall and thin. Any suggestions?
—Irma, Miami

Style Spy Says: Berry

Tall. Thin. Feh. Bleh. Overrated. You think Hollywood cuties like Kristin Chenoweth or Eva Longoria weep and gnash their teeth over their small stature? Longoria's towering basketball hunk of a husband certainly doesn't seem to care, but I digress.

Here are a few tips, courtesy of image consultant Jeane B.

Body Type:
  • hourglass
Body Type:

Julianne Moore

Style Shout-out

While promoting her new movie, Blindness, at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Julianne Moore demonstrated she has 20/20 vision when it comes to getting dressed. The wrap style of her Balenciaga gown flatters all body shapes, magically creating coveted hourglass curves. Plus, the redhead knows what colors work best for her complexion, and magenta is definitely included on that list.

Since pink is the perfect hue to support October's Breast Cancer Awareness, we're helping you shop similar wrap steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below. Be sure to head over to mystyle's Style Shout-Out gallery for more fashionable moments.

Steals n Splurges

Body Type:
  • full-figured
  • hourglass

Jada Pinkett Smith, Naomi Watts,  Queen Latifah

Style Secret

Every season, the little black dress gets a makeover. This fall, one of the most popular styles only has one sleeve. We've seen the single arm before (think Penélope Cruz circa 2000) and because it flatters most body types, we're happy to welcome it back. 

Toned petites like Jada Pinkett Smith benefit from belted styles, which create an hourglass shape. Mothers-to-be take pleasure in the comfort of stretchy Lycra, as seen with Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein. And full-figured women, like Queen Latifah, enjoy the slimming effect of asymmetry. (The silhouette forces the eye to move down and across the body and not focus on one point.) If you're self-conscious about your arms, you can achieve a similar slip-of-skin feel with an off-the-shoulder or split-sleeve dress.

Shop for the look in the gallery below. We found two dresses especially tailored for full-figured women.

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images, Steve Mack/Getty Images, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Body Type:
  • apple
  • long and lean
  • pear
  • full-figured

Leighton Meester, Jennifer Hudson

In middle school, I matched the ribbons in my braid to my uniform (Brittany Snow knows what I'm talking about). Last year, I followed celeb hairstylist Ken Paves' advice and substituted a strand of grosgrain for a headband. This year, I'm using ribbons in lieu of a belt.

Style Secret

Clearly, I love ribbons. They're versatile, feminine, flirty and, well, cheap! Think about it: Instead of paying $390 for Ferragamo's girlie belt, you can head to your local arts and crafts store and pick up two yards of satin or grosgrain for well under five bucks. Then, wear the fabric a multitude of ways.

I personally always want an hourglass shape, so I tie mine around my waist à la Leighton Meester. Worn just below the bust, like Jennifer Hudson, a ribbon tie shows off an impressive chest and hides a fuller midsection or baby bump. (Just please wear shoes. Bare feet cancel out all ladylike efforts!)

Should this simple DIY style seem too daunting, here are built-in-ribbon options for every shape...

Steals n Splurges

  • Steal

    Newport-News Ribbon Dress

    $49 $39
    NEWPORT NEWS—the soft pleating drapes beautifully over an hourglass shape

  • Splurge

    BCBG Ribbon Dress

    $288
    BCBG—the ruffled top balances out a pear shape's proportions

Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images, Rosemary Goldhar/Getty Images
< Prev Page: 1 2 3 4 Next >

Get Your MyStyle News Now

Top steals and more, straight to your in-box!

Email

Email

Birthdate:

Enter your full birthdate:

has been subscribed to the MyStyle Flash Newsletter.

DONE