Make the most of your shape this Christmas

Whether you are tall or short, slim or curvy—there are plenty of styles and designs to suit your body shape.

The Apple

Apple’s tend to carry weight around their mid-section. Although apple’s may not have a well-defined waist, they often have a great pair of legs.

For the apple, dressing is all about showing off those best bits and avoiding volume around the middle.

What to avoid

Oversized baggy clothes are a big NO—they will give the illusion that there is more underneath than what you are actually trying to cover-up.

Short tops or boxy jackets will emphasise your middle, while pleated and tiered skirts will also look frumpy.

What to wear

The key is to buy clothes that fit—tight garments will only draw attention to problem areas.

Longer length V-neck tops will draw the eye upwards and teamed with a 3/4 length coat or jacket will be a flattering look.

Drop earrings and long necklaces are the finishing accessories for any outfit, lengthening the neck and adding a touch of glamour.

The Pear

If you are bottom-heavy—carrying weight on your hips, bum and thighs, then like the majority of UK women—you are a Pear.

Pears tend to have flat stomachs, so enhance your womanly figure by adding more shape and structure above the waist.

What to avoid

Avoid waist belts, high waisted bottoms, pencil skirts and tight tube skirts and dresses— they will emphasise your hips and behind.

What to wear

Balance out your curvy bottom half with bold and bright tops, jackets with shoulder pads, large collars and ruffles.

Chunky chains and earrings are a great accessory to add to any of these outfits and of course, heels are a must.

The Hourglass

Curvy hourglass girls go in at the middle, often with a fuller bust and bottom to contrast with their smaller waist.

This is the shape most women would love to have, so make the most of it.

What to avoid

Avoid shapeless baggy tops and jumpers that hide your waist, but do mix oversized tops and jump-suits with a waist belt.

Avoid short or low cut tops and instead opt for a longer top or dress with a round or high neck cut.

What to wear

The hourglass figure can wear most styles.

Wrap dresses and waist-cinching belts will create the best effect and a fitted waist-length jacket will finish off any look.

A pencil skirt with a scoop-neck top will mirror your shape, with patent peep-toe shoes to finish the look.

The Rectangle

Rectangle ladies are fairly straight up and down.

Although a desirable shape, many rectangles crave curves—but this can easily be created with the right clothing.

Rectangles should rejoice the fact that designers create clothes to fit this shape.

What to avoid

Low rise jeans and trousers can make your torso look too long. Stay away from clingy tops and dresses and stick to styles with more shape.

What to wear

A structured coat that cinches in with a belt will make you look more curvy.

High neck tops with bold patters are a flattering look for the rectangle, teamed with high- waisted trousers will give you hips and curves.