Issue: “I want to create curves.”
Jasmine Crowell, 30, wants to add the illusion of curves to her slim, boyish figure. “I don’t have much of a waist,” she admits.
The plan: The key to creating an hourglass figure? Chooses pieces for a delicate, feminine look and accentuating her waistline.
After: Three looks that offer Jasmine chic options for day or night.
A voluminous top and flared skirt are reigned in by a wide, belted waistband—emphasizing the smallest area of Jasmine’s midsection. Plus, the wide V of the silk top highlights her collarbone.
The beauty of a trapeze dress: No one knows what’s hiding beneath. Bonus: The above-the-knee length and platform heels bring the focus to Jasmine’s legs and add instant sex appeal. (Translation: Not a hint of her boyish frame remains.)
The classic curve creator: A shrunken blazer. The tailored cut nips in at the waist, while a billowy top underneath creates movement and shape. The hip-length top conceals a straight silhouette and in fact—paired with dark skinny jeans—shows off Jasmine’s hip curves.
Issue: “I want to minimize my bust.”
Before: Allison Wicke, 25, would love to balance her top-heavy silhouette. What may seem average (a 34C bust) easily overwhelms her petite 5’3” frame.
The plan: Tighter does not equal slimmer. Instead, opt for tailored, body-skimming pieces up top and pair them with fuller bottom pieces for balance.
After: Three looks that create a streamlined effect with a few tricks of the eye.
A light, billowy fabric skims over Allison’s top half (deemphasizing a larger bust), while a full skirt balances on the bottom. Plus, the mid-thigh hemlines and three-quarter-length sleeves accentuate a petite frame.
A dark, fine-gauge cardigan skims over Allison’s bustline without pulling or drawing attention, while a high-waisted, floor-length skirt lengthens her frame. Hint: Petites should usually shy away from overwhelming, full-length pieces, but in this case, a high waist actually gives the illusion of height.
This cute and boyish double-breasted vest covers up and minimizes her bust; the cropped trousers, accentuated further by sky-high heels, make her legs seem longer.
Issue: “I want to minimize my hips and thighs.”
Before: Loryn Lopes, 25, wants to balance her bottom-heavy silhouette. “Finding clothes to suit my lower body—particularly my curvy hips and butt—can be a challenge,” she explains.
The plan: Myth: Volume is not the enemy. Look for structured pieces that play up a thinner waistline and naturally drape more fully over hips, thighs, and butt.
After: Three go-to outfits perfect for anything from Sunday afternoon shopping to a Friday night date.
Yes, dresses are definitely an option. A scoop neckline flashes a collarbone sex appeal, and the fitted bodice shows off Loryn’s tiny waist. Paired with a full skirt, the overall effect emphasizes Loryn’s assets and delicately conceals fuller hips.
A fine-gauge cardigan skims lightly over Loryn’s hips without adding bulk, and a slightly-above-the-knee skirt length shows off her calves and ankles. Tip: Adding a belt under the bustline accentuates the smallest area of the midsection.
The Empire silhouette shows off Loryn’s ribcage—a thin point on almost everyone. A tiny print, ruffling, and pintuck detailing at the neckline bring the focus up top, while dark-rinse jeans create a leg-lengthening, streamlined effect.
Issue: “I want to enhance my bust.”
Before: Lauren Farquar, 26, can’t find pieces to fit (or flatter) her small bustline. “Clothing is often too roomy on top or too low-cut for me,” she says.
The plan: Fake it—with fabric. The key to a fuller-looking bustline is all in playing with volume, draping, and shaping.
After: Three looks that create proportion—and squash the term “small chested.”
A billowy printed blouse creates volume on the upper half of Lauren’s torso, hiding the contour of her bustline. Tight jeans and a trim jacket balance the roominess of the shirt.
A cowl neckline has a smoke-and-mirrors effect: Draping and folds make Lauren’s chest appear bigger, while the sleek silhouette shows off her trim waist. Bonus: A cowlneck in a structured fabric (such as wool) offers a little bit of neckline without showing off too much.
A peplum jacket gives the illusion of an hourglass shape—creating the appearance of overall proportion—while the gold sequin collar highlights her long neck.
