How to Shape and Flatter Your Natural Curves

Every body is beautiful. That's right; every single curve in your body is naturally gorgeous. Do you agonize over getting your body to look proportionally like an hourglass? If you do, you should understand that very few women naturally have that shape.

Stop agonizing and take a look at your body just as it is. Even if you want to lose weight, you can identify what natural body type you have.

Instead of trying to squeeze and hide parts of your body to look unnatural, emphasize what you do have! You can feel confident in your own skin with the right attire, including shapers designed for your natural shape.

To determine your body type, stand naked in front of a mirror or grab some measuring tape to measure your proportions. Refer to these guidelines whenever you shop and you'll look ravishing for every occasion!

Hourglass Figure

If you're a natural hourglass, your shoulders and hips are proportionally the same size while your waistline is smaller. Your waist is eight to ten inches smaller than your bust and hips measurements.

When you dress, you'll want to emphasize your narrow waist without adding too much extra bulk or attention to your bust or your bottom. Clinging and wrapping tops work well, as well as soft fabrics and solid colors. Wear attire that lengthens your torso and legs like high-waisted pants and skirts, and form-fitting jackets. You may also want extra length to your legs by wearing heels.

For shapers that lengthen your look and emphasize your slim waist, try the Mid-Thigh Bodysuit by Amia and Corselette by AMIA. The Ann Chery Geraldine Bodysuit will also slim the waist, abdomen, and hips, creating a beautiful, voluptuous shape.

Inverted Triangle Figure

If you have prominent shoulders that are wider than your hips, you're an inverted triangle. You most likely have a large chest and a straight waist.

Your main objectives when dressing are defining your waist and softening your shoulders. Avoid embellishment around the shoulders and neckline and try to add emphasis to your hips with designs like pocket details and pleats.

Shapers that work well wonderfully for inverted triangles figures include the Vest by Amia, the Lilian High Back Underbust Body Shaper by Vedette, and the CoCoon Perfect Fit Braless T-Shirt, all of which firmly shape your waistline and providing extra support for your bust.

Rectangle Figure

As a rectangle shape, your shoulders, waist, bust and hips are all relatively close in size. Your waist is less than 25 percent smaller than your bust or hips.

Your goal in styling is to emphasize your feminine curves. Wear cuts that are interesting and draw attention to your bust and hips.

Shapers can be very helpful in creating curves. The Hippie Hip and Butt Padded Brief by Bubbles Bodywear, the Alexandra Butt Lifting Shaper, and the Vedette Dayanna Open Bottom Body Shaper with Front Closure are all fabulous butt-enhancing options.

Pear Figure

If your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust, you're a pear shape. You may enjoy the benefits of a well-defined waistline and rounded hips and bottom.

Your main style objective is to lengthen your silhouette so you'll look balanced from top to bottom. Highlight the top half of your body to contrast the lower half. Draw the eye to your neckline and shoulders, while emphasizing your slim waist. Wear dark and plain on your lower half to elongate your legs.

You may benefit from a garment like the Backless Body Shaper with Bikini Bottom by Fullness, which creates a smooth curve throughout your torso while giving your bust a nice lift. For slimming and control of your hips, thighs and butt, try Stephanie by Vedette or High Waisted Shaping Shorts by MeMoi.

Apple Figure

If you're an apple, your shoulders and hips are about the same size. Your bust and waist measurements are similar, while your hips are about six inches smaller than your bust.

Women with apple silhouettes typically have lovely busts, so wear tops with low necklines or small collars. Your challenge is the lack of a waistline, so choose styles that draw attention away from your tummy and emphasize your arms, legs and chest. Empire cuts, flared and trouser legs, and wrap dresses are all great examples.

Shapers that work for apples include the Cincher by Amia and Evonne by Vedette, which create a smooth waistline and lift the bust. The Vedette Dayanna Open Bottom Body Shaper with Front Closure also shapes a waistline while giving your butt and hips a nice lift as well.