Ironically, this was the most difficult of all shapes for me to dress. You’d think that at 5ft 2″ I’d know all about this one but sometimes it’s most difficult to be objective about your own body! Many people assume that the biggest challenge for the petite is length - constant hemming is required. And indeed, a friendly tailor is a must-have.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. You see, petites have different proportion all over. The distance between the waist and crotch of a pant is smaller and the distance between shoulder and waist of a fitted jacket is smaller too. Petite clothes are not just shorter versions of regularly clothes; they’re tailored all over to fit a diminutive frame.

The worst thing a petite can do is wear clothes or patterns that overwhelm her body. Also, colour-blocking, which works so well for the tall figure, can make petites appear smaller. Instead, head-to-toe co-ordination will lengthen and streamline your silhouette.

For evening, take a cue from diminutive starlets like Natalie Portman and Audrey Tatou and go for shimmer and sparkle. This will also trick the eye into making you appear taller. And finally, heels are always a good way to actually add inches to your frame.

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We all have body-shape hang-ups. And while many of us want to shed 10lbs, or more, it’s rare that your fundamental body shape will change. So understanding the shape you have, and learning to dress that shape, is a key to flattering style, plus or minus that annoying 10 lbs.

The apple shape is perhaps the hardest to dress, because the waist lacks the definition that so many looks rely on. However, you have assets with shapely legs and a nice decolletage. So, draw attention to those areas and away from your midriff. Try a scoop or v-necked top to draw the eye upwards. And wear accessories around your neck.

You can also create the illusion of a waist by cinching in the area just below your bust (the thinnest part of all women’s bodies). Look for an A-line skirt or dress that will skim over your hips and create an illusion of an hourglass silhouette.

Avoid “tent-like” silhouettes. You may feel comfortable in those baggy tees and babydoll tops, but they’ll make you look like a sack of potatoes. Also, avoid anything that adds extra bulk to your midriff (pleated pants, embellished belts) and look for trouser-cut or wide-leg pants (not tapered or bootcut). For jeans, I also prefer a trouser style rather than a traditional jean.

Finally, examine, dissect and imitate the style of these famous apple-shapes: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liv Tyler and even Liz Hurley (yes, that’s a thin apple, but she’s an apple-shape nonetheless).

The dress shown here is by A.B.S.

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Being a meagre 5ft 2″, I sometimes have a hard time sympathizing with my tall friends. But I’ve shopped enough with them to know how infuriating it can be. It’s just proof that every woman, no matter what her shape or size, faces a wardrobe challenge.

While I whine about having to get trousers hemmed, my tall friends often can’t find something long enough. And because of their height they sometimes feel like bright colours or bold patterns will make them appear huge and intimidating.

The upside of being tall is that you can carry clothes very well. While the petite struggles with pieces smothering her, the tall figure can carry off those more challenging shapes with panache. The key is to break up your seemingly endless torso and legs.

One way of going this is looking for separates with pleating, seaming and details like ruffles which slice up the ensemble. Layering is your secret best friend for this reason too. Another is through the use of pattern, which will break up your body and, if executed in a flowing fabric, will also soften your shape.

Above all, choose clothes that fit. You’ll look taller if your pants and sleeves are always too short. If you can’t find that perfect fit off the rack, make friends with a seamstress who will be able to work wonders altering some of your pieces to fit.

Finally, examine, dissect and imitate the style of these famous tall sisters: Uma Thurman, Brooke Shields and Gabrielle Reece.

(Dress shown by ABS, skirt by Coupe Fashions)

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The first instinct of many full-figured women is to cover up. Unfortunately, this is the worst thing you can do if you’re curvaceous. Not to say that you should show an inordinate amount of skin. But, you should not be afraid of fabrics that hug your torso or ensembles that show a modest amount of skin.

For inspiration, look to Queen Latifah, America’s next top model contestant Toccara Jones and of course, screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe. While it’s true that it can be hard to find fashion role models in Hollywood, there are many women out there rocking a full figure and there’s no reason you should not be one of them.

Okay, let’s look at the downside of the full-figure. Very often you have a good shape, even a classic hourglass figure. But sometimes, weight can accumulate in one zone, like the tummy, bum or saddlebags. If this is the case, check out the pear or apple-shaped posts and adapt that advice to your figure.

In general, the following are your best friends: A-line skirts (fitted at the waist, but skimming away from the body), empire waisted tops (which show off your boobs, create a waist but conceal your tummy). Wrap dresses, or dresses with ruching literally create optical illusions: you’ll look slimmer and your bumps will be disguised by the fabric folds.

Finally, we all know the value of dark colour, but don’t feel limited to black. Colour-blocking is a technique you should experiment with, finding those hues that really bring out your eyes and smile. Whenever I imagine Queen Latifah I think of her huge smile and sparkling eyes, and this is because she’s always styled in the best clothes for her complexion and impeccably made up.

Heels will give you height and posture that takes you to the next level (choose a wedge heel if you can’t handle a stiletto). And above all, strut your stuff, smile widely and be bold and bodacious!

(Dress shown by Mesmerize, top by PK Maks)

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Remember the 80’s? The fashion rules back then were very black-and-white: There was one skirt length, one jacket length and black was always the new black. It made dressing easy in many respects. But it also meant that everybody looked the same (like Joan Collins) and explains why it is so easy to parody the look of that decade.

Nowadays, the choices are broader. There are many different looks in every season. Designers have abandoned the myth that we all need to reinvent our wardrobe every season. Instead, they know most of us add a handful of items and maybe replace a few tired staples.

We’re also a lot more body conscious these days. It doesn’t matter how hot the skinny pant is, if it doesn’t look good on you, you shouldn’t wear it. Now, there are stylish options every season for each body type. But while this increases choice, it can also cause more confusion. So, first things first. Let’s take a look at the new trends for this Fall. Then, look out for future posts explaining what to wear for your body shape!

(Blouse above by Alice Blue Fashions)

Ladylike chic

After a few seasons of baby-doll and cocoon silhouettes, the waist makes a return. Okay, okay, we all loved those flowing pleated tops and tees. But, no matter what your size, women look best when they show off their curves. So, don’t be frightened of the waist

Think of Hollywood sirens from Grace Kelly to Sophia Loren. A cinched in waist creates that delicious hourglass figure that shows off a woman’s best assets. Remember, the thinnest part of your entire body is the area just under your bust, so if you’re looking to slim down, look for an empire waist and an A-line skirt that will skim your body.

As part of this retro look, invest in some cute cardigans or twinsets. Cardigans are great not only for their versatility and warmth, but for their fitted shape. To updated the look, think about wearing your belt outside your cardigan. Bye bye babydoll, hello sexy librarian chic!

(Dress above by ABS, shoes by Bos & Co)

Masculine tailoring

Some of us just aren’t skirt gals. If you like wearing the pants, take a lead from one of Hollywood’s most fashion-forward leading ladies, Katherine Hepburn. She took men’s tailoring to a whole new place, making it sexy but in an easy, relaxed way.

If this is a look you love, finding the right pants for your body shape in all-important. Take inspiration from men’s suiting materials, but look for a cut that is still feminine, fitted on the derriere and flattening on the tummy. Above all, avoid a tapered leg, which will make you look heavier around the middle. Instead, opt for a boot-cut or wide leg. Finally, if you wear heels, the hem of the pant should hit the bottom of your heel.

Because this look is inspired by a man’s wardrobe, use accessories to make it more feminine and to put your own stamp on it. I love chunky jewelry with this style, just one or two pieces. A little sparkle goes a long, long way!

(Trousers above by Kim & Co, boots by Bos & Co)

The Bling

Speaking of accessories, they’re an easy way to freshen your look. Look for affordable, dramatic pieces that you won’t feel bad about splurging on. Those fun pieces are the best way of incorporating more daring and bold trends into your wardrobe and looking cutting edge without being a fashion victim.

Bracelets are going to be huge this Fall and the scale is big and bold. But accessories are an individual thing. Two women wearing a basic black suit can look dramatically different depending on how they accessorize, so go for pieces you love and that are completely “you”!

(Bracelet above by Italian Gold Couture, necklace by Joan Rivers Classic Collection)

Autumnal hues

I don’t know about you, but by the end of summer I’m dying to get back into darker shades. Wearing brights all summer is fun and flirty, but there’s nothing quite as sumptuous and rich as those Fall colours.

With colour, the most important thing is to wear a colour that suits your complexion close to your face. If a particular shade washes you out, wear it on your bottom half or save it for your accessories.

This season’s hot colours are those harvest colours we all associate with Fall - plums and harvest gold in particular. These work well with most skin tones and play beautifully off neutral blacks, browns and beiges.

Fall is my favourite dressing season. I love layering all those soft, tactile fabrics. It’s not so cold yet that you have to get practical for cold weather dressing. And, being the shopaholic I am, I get excited seeing all the new colours and styles.

That said, we all have challenges when it comes to wardrobe, so don’t forget to look out for those body-shape posts!

(Jacket above by Alice Blue Fashions, purse by Soprano)

Kermit was wrong when he said “it’s not easy being green”. It’s getting easier and easier each day as more and more manufacturers opt for organic, eco, ethical and local. As a shopper, this can be overwhelming. At the best of times, it’s difficult to weigh up the pros and cons of every purchase. But these labels can add another factor to that decision-making process.

My strategy is much the same as what it is for shopping in general: I buy what I love. If what I love comes in a more environmentally friendly or ethical option, it’s a no-brainer to trade up. But I would never buy something just because it’s got one of these labels attached.

I also think more holistically about the green movement. It’s not just about how the product was made or where it came from, it’s also about how I use it. Is it something I’ll wear or use for years to come? Will its use in turn have a positive environmental impact. And, most importantly, when I’m finished with it, how will I dispose of it?

The following are my 3 most recent green investments:

(1) Organic towels: Oh so soft Turkish cotton, this purchase had as much to do with comfort as with environment

(2) Linda Lundstrom Julie’s top: A great neutral top that I can wear with jeans or a skirt. That empire shape hugs the thinnest part of my body and gentle ruching conceals any lumps and bumps (not that I have any, of course;) And did I mention, it’s made of completely natural tencel?

(3) Caitlin straw bag: I love this retro look and I’ll be lugging everything from groceries to books around in this all summer

Now, your turn, tell us what you think of going green!

Spanx are the much loved shapewear underwear that so many of us know, love and depend on! Spanx creator, Sara Blakely has a cult following, from Oprah to the What Not to Wear hosts. But, as she tells us in this video, she’s most inspired by YOU, the Spanx customer!

If you have any Spanx feedback for Sara, click on the Comment icon below.