You don't have to wear black everyday to look your sleekest. Try these simple figure flattering tips to elongate your body.

Here's How:
   1. Opt for a monochromatic outfit.
   2. Add contrast color or texture with a blazer, cardigan or overshirt.
   3. Leave the blazer or cardigan unbuttoned for maximum vertical lines.
   4. Any stripes on the garment should be vertical.
   5. Choose scarves tied loosely with long, vertical dangling ends.
   6. Match pantyhose hue to skirt or pant and shoe color.
   7. Avoid big belts, which can cut you in half visually.
   8. Use long necklaces or pendants and avoid chokers.
   9. Wear skirts that are longer than they are wide.
  10. Choose shoes with at least an inch heel: the taller the better.
  11. Elongate the neck with V-necks.
  12. Wear a shorter top with long & tight fitted pants.
  13. Wear a long top with shorts/short skirt.

Tips:
- Monochromatic doesn't have to mean boring. Mix textures to keep the look interesting (i.e. knits with leather)
- If you are petite (5'3" or under) make sure you scale everything down : smaller prints, pockets, etc. so they don't overpower your figure.
- Don't make the mistake of going for all the long pieces. Go for contrasting proportions. Mix a longer jacket with a shorter skirt, shorter jacket with pants, etc.
References:
about; shopaholic-area
 
Here are a few tips to show yourself off to the best advantage.

What you should look out for:

1. Do wear fitted clothes - they will look great on you!
2. Do show off those lovely legs in a short dress or skirt, and it will make your body appear longer.
3. Do wear slingback shoes with killer heels, they are made for you, showing off the full length of your leg and making you appear taller.
4. Do stick to skinny trousers and skinny jeans, anything wide will shorten you.
5. Do nip in your waist with a wide belt.
6. Do wear tops and dresses with horizontal stripes, they will give the impression of gorgeous curves.
7. Do pick cropped jackets they won’t swamp you.
8. Do wear light knits, but avoid chunky pieces, they will swamp you.
9. Do choose well fitted pencil dresses, they add shape and definition to a small frame, its the perfect dress for a night out.
References:
fashion-style

Exclusives: shopaholic-area's recommendations!

 
Every woman has something about her body she'd like to hide, whether it's heavy thighs, a pudgy tummy or a too-round bottom. With just a few visual tricks, your problem areas will disappear and let your true beauty shine through!

Bottom-heavy
If your hips are wider than your shoulders and your thighs are round, you have a classic pear-shaped body. Dressing is a snap if you remember to accentuate the positives: a shapely waist, delicate upper body and attractive shoulders and arms.

For Tops
1. Avoid too-baggy tops or too-tight tops: the looser tops will make you look large all over, the tight tops will make you look out of proportion to your hips. Look for fitted -- not skintight -- T-shirts (something with some stretch) and button-front tops. V-necks, turtlenecks and open collars all call attention to the face, which is always a good thing.
2. Jackets and blazers should hit anywhere but the widest point of your hips. That could mean right below the waist to mid-thigh, depending on your height. Wear jackets and blazers open for the best vertical lines.

For Bottoms (e.g. shorts/skirts)
1. Avoid anything too tight.
2. A-line skirts that hit around the knee area are ideal because they draw attention away from problem areas. Miniskirts are generally a bad idea because they accentuate heavy thighs.
3. Pant waists should fall somewhere below the natural waistline for a better fit. A straight or slightly bootcut leg is the most flattering. Avoid patterned or light-colored pants. Skip fussy details like big cargo pockets, rouching or excessive zippers around the hip area.
4. Shorts can be tricky, but for workouts and casual wear, choose lightweight, loose-fitting shorts (no bike shorts). Slimming side stripes on shorts can give the illusion of sleekness.

For Dresses
1. Look for dresses that nip in at the waist and slightly flare out over hips and thighs.
2. You can pull off a full-skirted ballgown because it will hide heavy hips and thighs.
3. Try sleeveless and strapless dresses to play up pretty shoulders and arms.
4. An empire, or raised waist dress brings the eye up away from problem areas. Careful, though. Sometimes this gets mistaken for a maternity look with fuller figures.

Top-heavy
The apple-shaped body is usually softer around the middle and has heavier breasts, with narrower hips and slimmer legs. Make the most of your womanly figure by showing off your legs and great cleavage.

For Tops
1. Avoid too tight (plays up large breasts too much) and too baggy (just makes you look heavier). Opt for fabrics that skim the body, preferably knits and wovens with stretch for a better fit.
2. V-neck, boatneck, turtle and mock necks and shirt collars are your most flattering necklines.
3. Play up nice cleavage with a peek, not a Dolly Parton-sized slice. Especially appealing: a pretty lace-trimmed cami showing under a jacket or top.
4. Avoid full sleeves or puffy sleeves.

For Bottoms
1. Balance out a top-heavy figure with an A-line skirt that will give you the look of a waist and more of an hourglass look.
2. Choose flat-front, never pleated, pants that have a lower rise than the natural waist.
3. Five-pocket jeans are your friend! Front pockets on jeans help disguise a tummy problem, while back pockets can help define a flatter rear common to top-heavy women.
4. Avoid anything too tight -- from pencil skirts to skintight jeans -- because it will only accentuate top heaviness.
5. Play up nice legs with shorter (an inch above the knee) skirts.

For Dresses
1. One-piece dressing is tricky for you. Best bets: A sleeveless black sheath, a soft princess seamed dress, a strapless dress with corseted top.
2. Resist the urge to cover up head-to-toe: showing a little skin, whether it's bare arms or shoulders, is much more flattering.

Body basics for every figure
    > Wear colors that look great on you. Not sure what those are? Grab a trusted friend and head to the mall. Hold up tons of colors next to your face and get feedback from your friend. Hues that compliment most complexions: pink, blue, white (you'll just need to change the intensity of these colors to suit your coloring, i.e. hot pink for darker skins, carnation for fairer, ivory for olive tones, etc.)
    > Nobody looks good in high-waisted, pleated pants with narrow ankle openings, but manufacturers still turn these out in droves. Avoid!
    > Don't worry about being trendy when you look at what suits your figure: concentrate on what flatters, and add up-to-date shoes, handbags and accessories later.
References:
about.com
 

If you are one with broad shoulders, BE GLAD!

Broad shoulders are what nearly every girl is hoping for, and if you noticed, most models have broad shoulders. These girls are normally referred to as "clothes hangers" because they are suited to wear almost every kind of clothes - their shoulders are able to support the clothes and bring out the style perfectly.

However, if you feel like downplaying your broad shoulders, here are some of the ways you can do so:
1. Wear tops or dresses with cap or flutter sleeves so that they will narrow the appearance of your shoulders, while still showing most of your arms.
2. Wear a v-neck top/dress, or if your body allows, wear a deeper-V neckline top/dress! This will draw attention toward the center of your body, and away from your shoulders.
3. Wear vertical stripes, which downplay the appearance of full shoulders. People will tend to look up and down instead of side to side.
4. Find jackets that fall to the hip instead of the waist. Do wear long coats and tops. If you wear something long on your top half it helps to draw the eye downwards, therefore taking the focus off your shoulders.
5. Soften the shoulders and make the body appear longer and leaner overall by wearing an entire outfit that's all the same color. Darker clothing on top will also help achieve this look.
6. Wear accessories such as interesting buttons & bangles so that they will help to divert attention away from your shoulders.
7. Short hair that doesn't hit the shoulders is a good choice. (alternatively, you can tie it up!)
8. Do wear simple silhouettes and dark colors on top. If you have nice toned hips, consider wearing light colored and detailed bottoms to draw attention to your smaller area.
9. Do wear long necklaces and narrow scarves to help draw the eye downwards.
10. Wear looser fitted shirts! But of course you don't want anything overly baggy hiding all your good points! But a beautiful silky blouse or a dolman sleeved sweater will give off the illusion of small shoulders. Anything that flows at your top area will be a great concealer and you'll look lovely and feminine while doing it!

What you should NOT do if you want to downplay your broad shoulders:
1. Avoid strapless or halter tops as they will put your shoulders on display.
2. Become aware of the triangle created by your shoulders and waist, and dress accordingly. Try not to wear tops that will narrow your waist-lines because it will only make your shoulders look bigger in comparison. In other words, try not to wear tops that "stick to your waist".
3. Avoid tops/dresses with thin straps as well!
4. Don't draw attention to your shoulders with shiny fabrics, loud prints, overly bright colors, or shoulder detailing. Jackets with epaulettes are best avoided.

Despite all, I would advise girls with broad shoulders to consider showing off your broad shoulders. In my opinion, downplaying of broad shoulders should be done only if your broad shoulders are not proportionate to the rest of your body - small hips etc. It is not necessary to hide your broad shoulders!

Tip for all:
Don't slouch! Standing up straight makes your entire body look better, no matter what your proportions.
Never slouch in an attempt to try and hide, or disguise broad shoulders. Poor posture never looks attractive and it typically makes clothing look ill fitting. Simply pick flattering clothes and stand proud, you'll appear much more attractive because you will look confident.
References:
shopaholic-area; all experts; e-how; helium

Exclusives: shopaholic-area's recommendations

 
1. NEVER wear white undergarments under white-coloured clothings as they will show. Wear nude-coloured lingerie instead.
2. Instead of pairing a short dress with leggings or tights, wear it with a pair of shorts for the perfect casual look.
3. When it comes to accessories, don't be too matchy-matchy i.e. colour-coordinated. For instance, if you carry a dark brown bag, don't wear dark brown shoes - choose light brown ones instead!
4. Some suggestions on what to wear with white: (click on the pictures to see a full-sized image with captions!)
References: yes-style; about
 
  Common Shopping Mistakes
  1. Don't talk yourself into an outfit that isn't flattering to your frame.There are only two kinds of clothes in this world. Clothes that flatter you and clothes that don't. Don't blindly follow the trend when they don't suit you.
  2. Girls usually find more joy shopping together but just a word of caution: don't shop with a competitive friend because she will cajole you into buying more and possibly unflattering items.
  3. If you are shopping for a cocktail (for special occasions) dress, remember to bring your shoes. That way if you need to have in-store alterations you will be all set.
  4. If you have many things you need to shop for, remember to bring a list. This can help to focus your attention and keep you on task.
  5. Nothing good will come from buying uncomfortable shoes regardless of how fabulous they are.
  6. Don't buy something you don't need just because the price is good. I know we have all done this but it is a waste of money and closet space.
  7. Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself the following questions when deciding if to buy. Do I need this? Does it fit with my lifestyle or wardrobe? Where and when am I going to wear this? If you are still undecided, put it on hold and shop for other clothes first. If you are still thinking about it at the end of the day - buy it.
  8. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy a particular item, thinking that "I would be able to wear it when I thinned down", "I will exercise more, eat less, and then I should be able to wear this" or something like that. Most of the time, these items will end up rotting in your wardrobe and you will soon forget about it.

  Some Shopping tips
  1. Spend money on great shoes because they can make or break an outfit. You can even wear them with jeans and look fabulous!
  2. Buy items that fit your lifestyle. If you know you are going to live in your jeans then it is ok to spend $150 for a pair especially if you have to try on dozens to find the right fit. Buy clothes to suit your lifestyle.
  3. Spend money on staples like shoes, bags, a black pair of pants/jeans, and skimp on belts, socks, trendy tops, scarves, hats and sunglasses.
  4. Before you shop, know what you have at home. Make it a point to go through your closet at the beginning of every shopping trip.
  5. When deciding whether to buy a particular item, ask yourself whether you have clothes/pants to go with it. If not, that item will just end up collecting dust in your wardrobe.
  6. Invest in undergarments because the right foundation garments can make everything you own look better.
References: Beauty&Fashion Advice; shopaholic-area
 
Aside from the usual combination of jeans/shorts & hoodies, here are a few other styles that you can use to go with hoodies:

Lounge-Around Casual
Since heavy cotton hoodies can only be casual, save these for off-duty days. If the hoodie is baggy, style it with fitted skinny jeans or ultra short-shorts to control the volume. Go for simple, casual tops underneath like a fitted T-shirt or halter top. This look is perfect for a movie or board game night with friends at home or just a quick dash to the library.
Picture

Streetstyle Cool

Adding a few catchy accessories and a statement piece can update your hoodie instantly. Avoid the one that's most worn out when creating this look. Style it over a button-front plaid shirt, roll up the cuffs and then team it with check shorts over bright-colored tights. Finish with a pair of sneakers to create a classroom-perfect look that's bound to keep the boredom away. Other options to try include pairing with a mini skirt and leggings, cropped sweatpants or distressed denims.
Picture

Classically Chic
Reach for your knit or thin cotton hoodies (this might even just be a hooded top) to create a look that's smart casual and pretty. You'll want to layer the hoodie under a blazer and then pair with skinny pants and high heels. Large and bold accessories are an important finishing touch.
Picture
References: yes-style