Laws of Couture: Fashion That Flatters: Top off Your Summer Wardobe With the Right Top for Your Body Type

Fashion is all about dressing for your body. In a world of ever-changing trends, knowing what to wear to flatter your shape can be a challenge. But, if you know your body shape — and every woman should — then you will be able to find clothes that fit and flatter. Luckily, I'm here to show you how to dress for your body, starting from the top.

What body types can or cannot wear halter tops, sleeveless tops, spaghetti string tops, and more?

First, determine and embrace your body shape. Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best.

When you think about body types, don't focus on height and weight... focus on shape. A slender gal can have the same body shape as a curvy gal, just as a short woman can have the same body shape as her taller friend.

Each of us is unique — and our bodies are, too! Nevertheless, our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: pear, wedge, rectangle, apple and hourglass. You might fall into one category, or you might be a blend of two or more categories.

Once you've determined your body shape, you can begin to consider which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid. Spend some time in front of the mirror and do a fair and honest assessment of your body. Then put these fashion tips to work for you!

PEAR SHAPE

Pear-shaped celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, and Jennifer Love-Hewitt

Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body — in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well-defined.
Your best assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach
Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Dos and dont's

If your body is pear-shaped like Kim Kardashian's, then you want to minimize your lower half and focus attention upward.

DO experiment with light-colored tops.
DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
DO wear strapless tops to show off arms and even out proportions.
DO try styles with ruffles on top.
DO wear cropped tops that hit right above the waist.

Banana Republic

Bebe

WEDGE SHAPE

Wedge-shaped celebs: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renee Zellweger, and Teri Hatcher

Wedge body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders, which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.
Your best asset: Your legs
Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Dos and don'ts

If you have a wedge body like Audrina Patridge's, then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.

DON'T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
DON'T wear boat neckline tops.
DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline, especially peplum looks, which create the illusion of a waist.

Bebe

Milly

Alice + Olivia

Bebe

RECTANGLE SHAPE

Rectangle-shaped celebs: Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, and Hilary Swank

Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.
Your best assets: Your arms and legs — and you don't have to minimize any body features.
Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Dos and don'ts

If your body is rectangle-shaped like Natalie Portman's, then you want to create curves where they don't necessarily exist.

DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
DO layer to add more dimensions.
DO wear tops with ruching- cinches on sides are ideal!

Diane von Furstenberg

Blaser
Bloomingdales

Ann Taylor

Bebe

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Ann Taylor

APPLE SHAPE

Apple-shaped celebs: Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, and Jennifer Hudson

Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.
Your best asset: Those legs!
Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Dos and don'ts

If you have an apple-shaped body like Jennifer Hudson's, then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist. Your body is soft and round, so your goal is to add structure, especially on top. Draped fabrics, cowl necks and flutter sleeves look great on you, too, for a feminine flourish. If you feel like you need more support, layer with a dressy tank top that has a bit of lycra.

DO go for monochromatic looks.
DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops.

Bebe

Ann Taylor

Banana Republic

Macy's

HOUR GLASS

Hourglass-shaped celebs: Beyonce, Selma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, and Halle Berry

Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.
Your best assets: Large bust, slim waist, and curvy hips
Your fashion goals: Show off your curves... without going overboard.

Dos and don'ts

If your body is hourglass-shaped like Beyonce's, then you're a lucky girl! Your shape is all about tastefully showing off those curves: not too baggy, not too tight. Simplicity is key. Look for clean, simple tops with scoop necklines and three quarter sleeves. Avoid layering and look for cinched tops that highlight your tiny waistline. You look best in long, shapely seams that gather in at the waist and flare out again at the hips for a smooth, snug look that shows off your contours.