Style

Tummy trouble? Generous booty? Curves that fall flat? You're not alone! Find your shape below plus tips from style expert Genny Iannucci for how to dress your body type right!

If you're a triangle...

Your bust is smaller than your hips and you have a defined waist. Your body type often requires a smaller size on top than bottom. Triangle is the most common female shape.

Go light and bright on top and opt for darker fabrics on the bottom to enhance the upper body.

Horizontal details (e.g. wide lapel, stripes, cowl neck, etc.) draw the eye across the body and create the illusion of width.

Layering is a great optionas it gives the body dimension. However, ensure pieces are fitted through the waist to maintain definition.

Above, third from left: wardrobe, Cleo; shoes, The Bay.

If you're a rectangle...

Your bust and waist measurements are roughly even with a slight (if at all) indentation at the waist (usually one to eight inches smaller). You typically wear the same size on top and bottom but often find that garments fit snugly through the waist.

Choose tops with rufflles or ruching throughout to give the illusion of a more defined waist.

Add volume to your bottom half with a full, pleated, gathered or A-line skirt.

Detailing at the shoulder will broaden the upper body and really differentiate it from your waistline.

Above, middle: top, skirt and shoes, The Bay.

If you're an hourglass...

Your bust and hip measurements are about equal with a very well-defined waistline. You usually wear the same size top and bottom. The key to dressing your figure is to maintain a vertical balance.

Select lightweight fabrics that have movement and draping. Heavy fabrics will fall away from the body rather than hug your curves.

Look for dresses, jackets and blouses with a contoured waist. If necessary, add a belt but don't cinch it too much; you don't want to appear top or bottom heavy.

Choose clothes with simple detailing. Overly fussy, large or substantial accents will add visual dimension, which can throw off the balance between bust and hips.

Above, third from right: dress, Cleo; shoes, The Bay.

If you're an oval...

Your bust and hip measurements are smaller than your waist. You typically buy a size larger in jackets and pants to accommodate your waistline.

A head-to-toe monochromatic look or subtle all-over pattern increase the illusion of length through the body.

Define your waist by choosing articles of clothing with gentle shaping at the midsection. Overly loose pieces will just add weight to the body.

Vertical and diagonal stripes will serve to enhance your shape. However, when accessorizing with belts, wear them loosely over tops and dresses so that they dip below your natural waistline or rest on your hips. This will instantly give you a slimmer look.

Above, second from right: dress, Addition Elle; shoes, Winners.

A big thank you to our body-shape models Pamela Robinson (triangle), Geeta Wahab (rectangle), Angeline Thornton (hourglass) and Kristen Talesnik (oval) as well as CDG Display Solutions for providing the posters for the show!

A Canadian fashion-industry insider for over 20 years, Genny Iannucci is an expert in how to flatter your figure and build a strong, versatile wardrobe. Her passion? Helping women look their best on a budget.