InStyle magazine wants to help you look your best this summer. So whether your shape is hourglass, triangle, inverted triangle or rectangle they've compiled the perfect outfits to flatter any figure.
Rising temperatures call for hot fashions. InStyle’s new special issue “Look Your Best” features options that will make every body look stylish and sexy, based on the four figure types defined by fashion designer and author Bradley Bayou in “The Science of Sexy.”
The hourglass: Your shoulders and hips are the same size, and you have a defined waist. Try pieces that hug (not hide) your curves. Look for details that accent your waist, like a belt or the ruching on this Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress ($140; Nordstrom). Metallic strappy sandals from Lauren by Ralph Lauren ($89 at select Macy’s) lengthen legs, and a simple Nashelle cuff bracelet ($160; Nashelle.com) pulls the look together without overpowering the vivid hue of the dress.
The triangle: Your hips are wider than your shoulders. Balance out wider hips with your other sexy assets. The boatneck on this dress from Lauren Moffatt ($396; Barney’s New York) widens shoulders and evens out hips. The silk inset helps define the waist to create an hourglass effect. Attention-getting accessories like architectural sandals (Michel Perry, $700; (704) 552-8987) a sleek clutch (Carrie Valentine;$265; carrievalentine.com) and a statement bangle (R.J. Graziano; $135; (212) 685-1248) complete the look.
The inverted triangle: Your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips. Filling out your lower half is essential. Choose a full skirt or dress with pleats (Isaac Mizrahi; Target, $45, Target.com) in order to add volume to the hip area. A plunging neckline and detailed waistline balance out the upper body. Distract from less-than-shapely hips with chic accessories: a shock of color on the feet (Michel Perry shoes; $645; (704) 552-8987), look-at-me earrings (Nashelle; $122; Nashelle.com), and a contrasting bag (Jamin Puech; $950; Jamin-puech.com)
The rectangle: Your shoulders, bust and hips are similar in size, and you lack a defined waistline. Create feminine curves on a boyish shape: the wide-set straps on this plaid Tibi dress ($385; Ruby; (480) 538-7817) subtly broadens shoulders, and the bold belt defines the waist. The Karen Millen sandals ($320; Karenmillen.com) mimic the neckline of the dress, thereby balancing the look from head to toe. A bright clutch (Carrie Valentine; $276; Carrievalentine.com) creates contrast by adding the illusion of extra volume at the hips, while sunglasses (Selima Optique, $250; Bond 07 by Selima; (212) 677-8487) and delicate earrings (Nashelle; $45; Nashelle.com) complete this Hollywood bombshell ensemble. For more information on summer clothes that flatter your figure, visit InStyle's Web site.