How to Dress for Your Body Type

Just as we instinctively know to play up our strong suits in, say, an interview (shout-out to the ~~neurotic~~ detail-oriented type As), it makes sense to do the same when it comes to our closets. Let us explain: Are you a décolletage enthusiast? Take the plunge with a deep neckline. Legs as long as the workday? Keep the hemlines short. Can’t get enough of those curves? Neither can we. Once you know what works for you and what doesn’t and have a roster of trusty pieces to reach for, looking—and feeling—your best comes easy.

HOW TO DOWNPLAY YOUR UPPER ARMS

Don’t feel like, well, baring arms? Lean into pretty, pumped-up statement sleeves and let little nuances—a cinched waist here, a chopped-off hemline there—collect all the compliments.

Wear it with:

HOW TO PLAY UP A PETITE FRAME

An ankle-exposing crop (no trips to the tailor necessary) plus pointy heels, or really anything with a skyscraping waistline, has the magic effect of adding inches.

HOW TO SHOW SOME SHOULDER

Straps or no straps, the beauty of these low cuts is that they allow your décolletage to take center stage. Enhance the situation further with pinned-up hair and something sparkly in your ears.

Wear it with:

HOW TO DOWNPLAY YOUR HIPS

First: Start with an anchor, like a flattering A-line skirt. Next: Focus your energy on the waist up, with a figure-hugging knit or something sexy and tailored. And finally: Rely on this foolproof formula anywhere and always.

HOW TO COMPLEMENT YOUR CURVES

Whether you want to emphasize your curves or give off the illusion of curves, never underestimate the power of a nipped-in waist. Wraparound dresses (for the coverage queen) and bustier-like bodices (lift-off!) accentuate all the right places.

Wear it with:

HOW TO EMBRACE YOUR HEIGHT

Play with proportions that complement your stature, like a pretty midi dress that hits right at the shins or high-waisted trousers that just barely graze the ground (the longer, the better, in our opinion).

HOW TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR LEGS

Prefer something generously cut with room to breathe? Or maybe you fall into the fitted-and-tailored camp? Either way, playsuits, shirtdresses, and utility skirts are all viable options for putting the focus right where you want it: on those sexy gams.