These are 4 of the most common body shapes. There are variations on these.
Apple
Wear a skirt that fastens at the side.
Go for flat fronted skirts. Avoid pleated fronts. Pleats that start lower in the skirt under the tummy can work but avoid pockets, pleats and gathering on the waist.
Show off a shapely leg. Knee length helps balance out your shape.
A-line or a soft flare are flattering.
Some embellishment or pattern lower down on the skirt draws the eye down away from the middle.
Fabrics that skim, not cling. Avoid shiny fabrics.
Also avoid belts and bulky waistbands.
Hour Glass
A shirt with a bit of flare will balance out a larger bust.
Define your gorgeous waist – show it off! Use belts.
Pencil skirts work well if they finish at the knee.
Try A-line skirts or skirts that gather at the waist.
You can wear longer skirts with a thigh slit.
High waisted skirts work well.
You can get away with pattern.
Pear
Vertical patterns.
A-line to skim over your hips.
Dark colours. You don’t have to stick to black. Also try navy, plum, deep purples, charcoal.
Fabrics that drape, not cling.
Not satiny and shiny or bulky fabrics.
Define your waist.
A fluted skirt is useful to hide any tummy you have.
No pleats.
Length just below the knees is flattering.
Swingy on the hips suits as does a slight A-line.
Subtle print or plain.
Avoid tight. It will make you look bottom heavy.
Draw your eyes to your waist, not your hips.
Straight
Skirts with volume add curves so try a full skirt.
A-line can also add volume.
This body shape can wear pencil pleats and ruffles to add shape.
Pencil skirts also work on this body shape, perhaps one that tapers in to just below the knee.
Tulip skirts are another option.
Horizontal lines and patterns can be worn by this body shape.
The aim is to get an illusion of curves.
Define your waist with belts. Include belts that wrap several times around your waist.
