Figure Flattery: Tricks for Every Body

Stylists and designers share their best advice for flattering your shape.

"Wear something fitted or low-cut. Think of your breasts as an accessory and keep the rest simple: a well-cut dress, a beautiful pair of heels, and possibly some sheer stockings."
-- STYLIST ANNABEL TOLLMAN, who works with Mariah Carey and Liv Tyler

LOOK FOR
Wide straps
Nipped waists
Supportive bras
Open necklines (scoop, square, or V-neck)

AVOID
Showing too much cleavage
Dangling necklaces

"Wide-leg pants and A-line skirts bring balance if you're busty. They make your upper body appear smaller by putting the width at the lower half instead."
-- STYLIST JEN RADE, who works with Cher and Angelina Jolie

LOOK FOR
Dark tops/vests with light bottoms
Simple, narrow sleeves
Defined shoulders

AVOID
High-neck sweaters
Wide belts
Blazer

SECRET WEAPON: Panache Bras
"When you're well-endowed, you need to be supported, but your bra doesn't have to be dowdy. I use Panache bras [panachelingerie.com] all the time on clients whose cup size is D or larger. They're quite beautiful, come in every style, including strapless, and are available in triple and way down the alphabet."
-- STYLIST NICOLE CHAVEZ, who works with Rachel Bilson and Scarlett Johansson

"You want to create interest at the neckline with ruffles, a loose bow, or a Peter Pan collar -- something with volume."
-- STYLIST EMILY CURRENT, who, along with partner Meritt Elliott, works with Mandy Moore and Emma Roberts

LOOK FOR
Halters, cowls, or turtlenecks
Double-breasted jackets
Horizontal stripes on your upper half
Push-up bras
Thick, textured fabrics on top

AVOID
Chest-length statement necklaces
Bandeau tops

"Definitely go for a short, full skirt, which will automatically send people's eyes right to your legs."
-- STYLIST MERITT ELLIOTT, who, along with Emily Current, works with Sophia Bush and Ashley Tisdale

LOOK FOR
Above-the-knee lengths
Skinny jeans
Cropped trousers
Sexy heels
Colorful and/or patterned skirts

AVOID
Fussy blouses
Distracting jewelry

"Dark, full skirts or trousers in a solid color help camouflage your legs." -- STYLISTS MARIEL HAENN AND ROB ZANGARDI, who work with Jennifer Lopez and Rachel McAdams

LOOK FOR
Wide-leg pants
Plain jeans in a deep wash
Opaque tights
Maxiskirts
Boot-cut jeans

AVOID
Shorts
Bright bottoms
Large patterns on your lower half

"A high-waist skirt or pants can make your legs appear longer and slimmer. The key is to create one continuous line." -- STYLIST BRITT BARDO, who works with Lauren Conrad and Kimora Lee Simmons

LOOK FOR
Empire waists
Skirts and pants that match your hosiery and shoes
Vertical details

AVOID
Midcalf skirts
Ankle straps

"If you have an amazing butt à la Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian, a tucked-in shirt with a pencil skirt or tight, high-waist jeans is flattering and so adorable." -- STYLIST JESSICA PASTER, who works with Emily Blunt and Angie Harmon

LOOK FOR
Jersey fabrics
Ruching over the rear
Bandage dresses
Bright bottoms

AVOID
Loose-fitting skirts and pants
Untucked tops

"To keep eyes away from the size of your rear, team a plain skirt with a print shirt. It's distraction central!" -- STYLIST CHER COULTER, who works with Kate Bosworth and Elizabeth Olsen

LOOK FOR
Fingertip-length tunics and jackets
Shirts with interesting open backs
Straight jeans

AVOID
High-waist anything
White or ivory bottoms

"To add some body to your backside, try a simple skirt with a peplum jacket or top. This also gives the illusion of an even smaller waist." -- STYLISTS MARIEL HAENN AND ROB ZANGARDI

LOOK FOR
Pleated skirts
Low-slung waists
Rear welt pockets

AVOID
Stiff denim
Leggings

SECRET WEAPON
Bubble Buns
"The most genius thing for flat bottoms is a booty enhancer, basically the same chicken-cutlet-type inserts you use in your bra but for your tush. Bubble Buns [$34; lovemybubbles.com] are my favorite. They're Spanx-like panties with pockets in the butt so you can slide in little inserts. They give you the curvy backside of a Rihanna." -- STYLIST GEORGE KOTSIOPOULOS, co-host of Fashion Police on E!

If You Love Your Hips
"Form-fitting clothes accentuate curves. Try a fitted pencil skirt or high-waist bottoms with a loose tucked-in blouse." -- STYLISTS MARIEL HAENN AND ROB ZANGARDI

LOOK FOR
Shiny fabrics on bottom
High heels
Fishtail hems
Tapered skirts and dresses

AVOID
Baggy tops