How to Dress for Your Size

Whether you're thin, curvy or somewhere in between, finding clothes that fit your shape is necessary in piecing together a flattering wardrobe. When you know how to dress for your size, you're able to accentuate your natural figure instead of masking it or concealing it. Knowing how to dress for your size doesn't take a lot of time, and it isn't difficult as long as you think realistically with style.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Notepad
• Pencil

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure the widths of your shoulders, bust, waist and hips. Do this using a measuring tape while in the nude to get a good measurement. Don't pull the tape too snugly, though, because you want your clothing to fit naturally. Use a body-measuring resource to measure yourself adequately.

• 2

  Write down your body measurements so you don't forget them. Keep the note in your purse or billfold so you always know your exact measurements.

• 3

  Shop according to the measurements of the brand's size chart. For instance, brands vary in how their sizes are gauged, so just because one top is a medium doesn't mean a top of another brand will be the same fit. When you shop according to measurements, you're able to get the right fit, regardless of the brand. Before long, you'll notice that your wardrobe features a variety of number and letter sizes because you properly went by the width measurements.

• 4

  Avoid clothes that draw attention to your problem areas. For instance, horizontal stripes lend to a widening effect when worn on the body, especially if you're thick in the middle. Vertical stripes, on the other hand, are slimming.

• 5

  Dress in layers to accentuate and draw focus to your finer qualities. For instance, if you're a little top-heavy, but thinner in the hips, layer a mini-skirt over colorful leggings to add depth to your lower half. If you're bottom-heavy and top-light, layer your top with a vest, bolero or some other accentuating garment.