Dressing well is all about making sure the clothes you choose suit your shape. Here’s what you need to know:

RECTANGLE
This shape is often referred to as ‘athletic’ or ‘boyish’, which refers to the look of the torso: straight up and down with little definition at the waist. Someone with a rectangular body shape usually has a flat booty and small bust size as well.
What to wear
Opt for styles that fit snugly in the waist and flare out at the bottom to create the illusion of curves. Think structured, tailored or ruched. Rectangular shapes usually have slender arms and legs, so show them off!
Avoid
Boxy pieces with little shape and anything that flows too much or is unstructured.

APPLE
If you tend to be heavier and carry your weight in your midsection, you’re probably an apple. Apple shapes often have thinner arms and legs, so make the most of them.
What to wear
Choose clothes that drape loosely over your middle and show off your slimmer areas, like your arms or legs. Your aim is to elongate your midsection, so go for monochromatic looks. When it comes to necklines, opt for deep v-necks and scooped styles.
Avoid
Any item that draws attention to your tummy, like clingy tops. Try to avoid body-hugging pieces.

HOURGLASS 
Big bust? Small waist? Full hips? Hello, Jessica Rabbit! You have an hourglass silhouette, and your curves are your best asset – dressing for your shape is all about knowing how to highlight them in a tasteful way.
What to wear
Fitted clothing, in the correct fabrics, is your best ally. You want to look tastefully sexy and confident in items like wrap dresses, pencil skirts and V-neck tops. Make sure what you’re wearing is the correct size; you don’t want to look like you’ve squeezed into it.
Avoid
Shapeless styles and anything baggy or oversized.

PEAR
Are your hips wider than your shoulders? Do you have a well-defined waistline? You’re probably a pear shape. And, contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean you have to hide your bottom half – you just need to learn how to balance out your curves.
What to wear
Your aim is to minimize your hips and highlight your tiny waist. Boat necks, cowl necks and square necklines work well to help balance out your top half. Stick to busy prints on top and try the lighter-on-top, darker-on-bottom trick to draw attention upwards.
Avoid
Skinny pants (muffin top alert!), tapered pants (they only emphasise your hips) and shapeless items.

Words: Cara-Lee Ruditsky, Fairlady
Image: Louwra Marias