The guide to dressing for your shape by Genevieve Ni Reamoinn

5 May 2015

As a television Presenter and Journalist I have to wear many different outfits in just one day. On my regular Friday Fashion show on Ideal World TV I get lots of questions from women who want to know how to dress to suit their particular shape. This inspired me to design a range of dresses for women of all shapes and sizes and the Styled by Genevieve range launched in November 2014 with second collection for spring out now. Every woman, every shape.

Styled by Genevieve

It can be very difficult to know how make the best of your figure. But with a bit of guidance and a few hints and tips you can have the wardrobe that loves you and all your curves. To find out what your shape is here is guide to the four main silhouettes and the styles that suit.

Apple

Usually characterised by rounded shoulders, a full tummy and average size bust. The weight is carried around the middle of the body with slimmer legs .

Well-tailored tunic tops work well on this shape as it lowlights the rounder tummy, an empire line is also very flattering. V necks or round neck tops work best as they flatter the bust and draw attention away from the tummy area; you can team these with a straight leg trouser.

Long line jackets are also best with this body shape, try wearing these with a skirt that sits on the hips and team with a V neck top in a block colour for perfect symmetry

When it comes to dresses its best to stay away from large prints around the tummy area unless it's in the form of an illusion style dress.

The Styled by Genevieve Illusion Dress was designed with apple and pear shapes in mind as it creates a waist where there is none.

Stay away from: tapered trousers: cowl neck tops: tight knits: short jackets

Pear

Pear shapes carry weight around the tummy and thighs and are smaller on the shoulders. Usually a slim waist, top and bottom can be different dress sizes.

The trick with the pear shape is to balance out the shoulders with the hips by drawing attention to the top part of the body. This can be achieved with wide necklines and interesting prints. As with apple shapes its best to wear block colours on the bottom. Bootleg trousers are great for creating balance or, if you prefer skirts then A line is the best cut.

With dresses you need to make sure you wear clean lines, with attention to the upper part of he body. Pear shapes often have a larger dress size on the bottom than at the top so a carefully tailored dress is essential.

The Cut About Dress from my range is designed to work with apple and pear shapes to lengthen the body, create a waist and flatten the tummy. It has stretch to cope with the difference in sizes.

Stay away from: Tight knits: pencil skirts: prints or bright colours on the bottom half.

Hourglass

The hourglass has a smaller waist, larger bust and rounded hips. It's the easiest shape to dress as most styles will suit the hourglass .

If you are lucky enough to have an hourglass shape then you can wear almost any style. To show off your waist wear high-waisted skirts or dresses with large waistbands. Necklines can be quite structured but I would say keep it simple on top as prints can make you look top heavy. Don't hide under baggy t-shirts or jumpers but instead wear fitted tops.

Well-tailored trousers are great on the hourglass figure, just be aware that your bottom can look bigger in prints.

The world is your oyster when it comes to dresses.

I designed the Marilyn Dress for curves and its neckline is perfect for that sexy look.

Stay away from: large prints: baggy styles

Lean shape

Lean shapes have a smaller bust and slender hips with a square waist.

Although a lot of us envy the lean shape it can be tricky to style as its difficult to get the balance right. Creating a waist and a bust is the first action to take. Try high waisted trousers or belted dresses. Cross over tops and wrap dresses work very well on this shape.

If you love your separates then start with a cowl neck top to give your bust a more balanced look, team this with an A -line skirt or bootleg trousers.