Be a Smart Shopper: Know Your Shape!

Knowing your shape is the critical element in smart shopping, says Gwendolyn Kou, our Beauty & Style editor.

Smart shoppers don’t follow trends. In fact, they choose styles that flatter their image. How do they do that? Simple. They know their body shape. Knowing your shape helps you decide immediately what will look good even before you try it on. 

The amateur shopper spends hours in front of the mirror trying-on a gamut of outfits, relying on the mirror to reveal which one looks good on her. She has no clue what will flatter her image. But the smart shopper enters, shortlists a few, gives it a trial, steps out and pays the bill. Shopping automatically becomes a breeze once you know your shape. You not only know clothes that will flatter your image but also accessories and footwear. Here’s a quick on-the-go-guide to three basic body shapes: Curvy, Boyish and Petite. 

Curvy: You’ll turn heads in a body hugging wrap dress that emphasizes your waist and bust. You’ve got loads of stuff in all the right places, so flaunt it! Stick to styles that enhance your figure. Go for plunging V necklines with sexy gathers that enhance a bodacious bust. Summer's the time for skirts and tulip-cut skirts are perfect for you. 

They skim around the knees and flatter your calves. Team that up with a pair of structured pumps to flatter your shapely legs. 

Long earrings look best on you; they lengthen a fuller face. However, if you have a short neck, go for earrings that dangle slightly below the lobe. Long baubles make the neck appear shorter. Stick to ample bags as much as possible; it balances an hourglass. Avoid baggy clothes: they add pounds. Also avoid belts that cinch at the waist; they make hips look wide. Always go for fitted stuff. 

Boyish: You’ll look drop dead gorgeous if you stick with these pointers. Always go for clothes with fullness; they create the illusion of curves. Look for fluid fabrics with feminine details. They add dimension and curve to skinny bodies. An A-line skirt or a flirty top that billows at the waist add volume and fill out your frame. 
When shopping for tops look for styles that have ruffles; they add dimension to a slim chest. If you have big shoulders, go for cinched wide straps they draw attention to the front and center. Definitely avoid strapless tops they visually widen broad shoulders. 

Pick tiered skirts with lots of volume that hits slightly above your knee. Accentuate your plus points. Go for round-toe shoes; they provide a soft finish to long legs. Sexy collarbones are best enhanced with chunky accessories. Also, pick textured round bags that are wider than they are long for that overall balance. 

Petite: You’ll shine in tailored styles and simple shapes that prevent small bodies from disappearing under clothes. Stick with delicate prints that complement a small frame. Also, spaghetti straps and a cropped cut suit small torsos. Pick clothes that flatter your figure. Go for fitted minis that make the most of your dainty legs. 

Skinny heels add sexy inches to short legs. But if you have thick ankles, go for strapless heels. They slenderize ankles. Flats with big ankle straps make legs look like tree stumps. Avoid wearing several blocks of color at once—it stops the eye short, making a petite girl look even shorter. Go for slender watchbands that fit small arms best. Also choose dainty bags with fine details.