Q & A: How Can You Dress for Figure-Flattery?

Two women with two very different body types get answers on how to find flattering clothing.

Slim Hips, Wide Shoulders
QUESTION: I have what my mother called a German build: flat tummy, slim hips, but wide shoulders and back. What kind of clothing will flatter my body type?

ANSWER: A flat stomach and slim hips can be real assets when shopping for clothes. And while a broad back can pose some fit problems, the right clothing can help.

Avoid tops and blouses that pinch or pull across the shoulders; the seam that attaches the sleeve to the body of the top should fall at the outer edge of your shoulder. Look for blouses in stretch fabrics, with shaped waists to give the illusion of curvier hips (this balances out wider shoulders). Try V- or scoop-necks, which de-emphasize your upper body's width.

On the bottom, go for slim, straight-leg pants or straight skirts, which highlight your lower body's sleekness. You have the perfect body type to experiment with intricate and whimsical belts. Or try an A-line or bias-cut skirt to add some curve to your lower body.

Thin Waist, Big Butt and Thighs
QUESTION: My body has a weird shape: I have a thin waist but a big butt and thighs. A size 8 or 10 fits my waist but is too tight on my thighs and butt. A 12 feels good on my thighs yet is too big for my waist. Please help!

ANSWER: You're not alone: Many women find that when they buy pants or skirts to fit their hips, the waist is too big. One way to solve this problem is to choose unstructured bottoms. Look for A-line skirts, which flare out over curvy hips and thighs; drawstring, wide-legged pants in moveable fabrics like jersey or silk; and flowing skirts in lightweight (read: non-clinging) materials.

If you simply can't give up the structured look of straight skirts and man-tailored trousers, your best bet is to enlist the help of a skilled tailor. Buy pieces in sizes to fit your thighs, then ask your tailor to adjust the waist to fit you. Often, pieces that have been altered to fit your shape look the best of all!