The Four Basic Body Shapes:

Want to dress for your body shape? There are four basic body types universally recognized to communicate about fashion. I apologize in advance for the fact that these terms make us sound like produce (or geometry). Even still, they're uselful.

Why? Understanding your frame is the first step in creating an overall silhouette and identifying clothing styles that will fit best and be most naturally flattering to your figure.

Sure, your measurements will change over a lifetime. But your fundamental body shape probably won't. Your body type is a combination of bone structure and genetics that remains pretty constant through life.

Which body type are you?

The Pear Shape Body Type

The pear shape figure is the most common female form.

Call yourself a pear body type if:

Your upper body is noticeably smaller than your lower body. If you were to gain five pounds, four of them would go to your hips and thighs.

Sound like you?

Pear? Here are the best style tips for your apple shape figure.

The Apple Shape Body Type:

The apple shape figure is unique to the full-figured form.

Call yourself an apple body type if:

Your upper body is noticeably larger than your lower body. Not only that, but if you were to gain five pounds, four of them would go to your waistline.

If this is you, read on!

Apple? Here are the best style tips for your apple shape figure.

The Full Hourglass Figure:

Yes, it's true. An hourglass figure is considered the ideal female form. But who qualifies?

Call yourself an hourglass if:

You're very curvy with a clearly defined waist.If you were to gain five pounds, they would distribute evenly amongst your well proportioned curves.

Hourglass Figure? Learn how to dress for your body shape.

Here are the best style tips for your hourglass curves.

The Rectangle Shape Body Type:

The rectangle-shaped figure is easy to identify.

Call yourself a rectangle if:

Your figure is straight up and down, without a lot of curves. If you were to gain five pounds, they would distribute evenly throughout your frame.

Recognize your figure here? Read on!

Rectangle Body Type? Learn how to dress for your body shape.

Return from our beginning body type guide: Dress for Your Body Shape to The Curvy Counselor's Guide to Style: Plus Size Clothing Resources.