If You Have a Belly...
An edgy leather waistband makes it virtually disappear, and the torso-lengthening low rise counteracts a short waist (As Is by Alvin Valley, $350). The Antonia blouse from Anne Fontaine ($295)—the ultimate white-shirt specialist—has ruffles three rows deep...a sweet technique for building up a small bust (the well endowed should stay away).
Cuff, Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel. Shoes, Chanel.
If You're Small Waisted but Bottom Heavy...
Try these lightweight stretch wool pants (Michael Kors, $750). They start out fitted but get fuller in the leg (so they glide over thighs) and widen out at the hem. (Not for petites, because in shortening the pants you lose that flattering trajectory.) Club Monaco's lean Kara shirt ($79), with a clean-lined vertical placket, has its own built-in scarf—nice for framing the face.
Belt, Gucci. Shoes, Charles David.
If You're Just About Any Body Type...
From our size 12 model to a woman 52 and under, you'll look leggier in Premise's straight and narrow but not skinny Grace pants ($245). For jean lovers who need dressier pants for work, the cut will feel comfortably familiar. The crisp French-cuffed blouse (Lafayette 148 New York, $198) has seaming that echoes (and enhances) curves; added stretch guarantees a better fit (and requires a lot less ironing) than 100 percent cotton.
Ring, Mia & Ko. Shoes, Delman.
If You're Pear Shaped...
Classic boot-cuts (Raven Tailored, $212) even things out with a wider hemline that balances the breadth at hips and butt. The ruched top (Ann Taylor, $78) creates the impression of a nipped-in waist because the gathers guide the eye to the center of the body. Neither too long nor too full, this shirt won't look sloppy left untucked.
Ring, Tito Pedrini. Shoes, Report Signature.
If You Have a Straight, Boyish Body...
Throw it a curve with these trim pants (Tevrow + Chase, $275)—they have all of menswear's good points (wide, dropped waistband; belt loops; easy fit) and none of the bad (fattening pleats). The poufs of the balloon-sleeved top (Tevrow + Chase, $185) epitomize the feminine details we've been seeing lately.
Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Belt, LAI. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman.
