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Learn to dress your best - whatever your shape
Catherine Zeta Jones, Gwen Stefani and Missy Elliot all have very different tastes in clothes: you wouldn't catch old-school glamour puss Cathy in funky Gwen's low-slung hipsters, and can you imagine streetwear-sister Missy Elliot in a Versace gown? But what these celebs do share is their own highly personal sense of style that makes the very best of their assets. You don't have to have Catherine's bank balance to discover your own style - Gwyneth Paltrow's been spotted looking fabulous in a vest top from good old Top Shop. All it takes is getting to know what works for you.
Love your shape
OK, let's get the harsh - but most important bit - out of the way. It's time to take an honest look in the mirror. That doesn't mean spending an hour chastising yourself about a jiggly tummy or stick-like arms. The secret to dressing your best is being realistic about what you've got to work with. If you want to draw attention away from, say, your substantial bottom, you need to know what else you can concentrate on, such as your killer cleavage. So take a moment and assess the assets and liabilities of your figure.
Curvy Gals
Confidence is your secret weapon: if you feel uncomfortable wearing something, it will show. Celebrate your size - some clothes only look seriously sexy clinging to a curve. Would the now rail-thin Liz Hurley look quite as sensational in that safety-pin dress she wore when she was at least two stone heavier? Dressing is all about personal expression: you should wear what you feel like, but there are some style secrets to help make you look your absolute best:
Get some support. Sharpen curvy shapes up with some strategically-placed corsetry. We're not talking Victorian-style-torture. But a well-made, fitted shirt will flatter you more than a shapeless T-shirt. Invest in some support underwear: it will give you a smooth shape underneath everything.
Go with the flow. Remember how fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker looked, even when she was eight months pregnant? Her elegant, curve-skimming dresses ironed out any lumps and bumps and made her look super-stylish. Take a leaf out her fashion bible - go for long, flowing lines. Ghost do this look beautifully, but if you can't stretch to that, try Monsoon and Marks and Spencer.
Size matters. Why is it that a few numbers can make us so miserable? If the tag says '12', we'll feel good about ourselves; a '14', not so good. If the 12 fits you properly, great. But if you're only squeezing into it because you can't face the dreaded 14, you're not doing yourself any favours. The truth is: only you know what the label says - but the rest of the world will know if it's too small. Buy clothes that fit. And with shops like Hennes, New Look and Monsoon all doing a full range of sizes, you've got no excuse.
Sexy shoes. Never underestimate a pair of foxy shoes. Heels give you a figure-enhancing lift as well as a serious lift of the spirits.
Slender Sisters
You lucky lot of thinner girls can get away with most looks - even this season's leggings and jumper dress. (Whether you would want to is another thing.) But being slender also has its issues.
Bosom buddies. If you're not blessed in the boob department, don't swathe yourself in layers of jumpers. Look to fashionista Trinny Hall for inspiration: she celebrates her androgynous figure by positively flaunting her sleek figure. Remember: bigger-boobed girls would kill to do that whole skimpy-vest-top thing.
Don't resort to wearing kiddies' clothes if you can't find things in your size. A Barbie T-shirt for an eight-year-old girl is exactly what it says on the label. You'll be in shopping heaven in Miss Sixty, Mango and Kookai - perfect for all of those skinny hipsters.
Don't go for big, oversized accessories. If you are extremely tall or petite, large bags and jewellery will just emphasise this. Again, work with what you've got - if you're fine-boned, go for delicate jewellery and medium-sized handbags.
Shopping Secrets
Now you're ready to hit the shops, big time. But before you do, arm yourself with these top-to-toe tips:
Retail therapy is a myth. If you're feeling seriously low about your self-image, chances are you'll come away feeling even worse when you can't get into those gorgeous trousers. Wait until you're in a good mood.
Experiment. Dressing up should be pleasurable - and your style should be ever-evolving. Try out different looks. If you don't feel truly confident, take a (trusted) friend along with you. The only way to find things that suit you is to try them on. So set that shop assistant to work!
Take your time. Don't panic-buy. If you're not sure about something - especially expensive purchases like a winter coat - leave it for a couple of days. If you really want it, you'll go back for it.
Copycat. The search for the perfect trouser is the Holy Grail in most women's wardrobes. If you find a flattering pair, buy several. You'll only regret it if you don't.
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