Ask Fashion Girl

Hi Amanda:

You'll want to wear clothes that balance your top half with your bottom. It sounds like you may be pear-shaped, which is probably the most common of body types among women (you're not alone sister!). Wear items that slim the hips and butt with tops that add just a bit of width to your shoulders to give you the proportion you want.

For skirts and dresses look for A-line, full, or circle silhouettes. If you find dresses that have a full skirt and are belted, even better! Avoid pencil skirts or anything that fits too snugly on bottom because it will pull the focus to that area. I've found several dress and skirt options to inspire you.

The horizontal stripes on top will help to balance your narrow top half with your bottom half, and the skirt is nice and full: http://www.forever21.com/

This style works well because the V-neckline and darts at the bust will add little bit of fullness to your top half: http://www.xistyle.com/

A skirt that is nice and full is super-cute and helps to disguise a big butt and hips: http://www.forever21.com/

As far as jeans, trousers, and shorts, look for bottoms that fit the largest part of your body. It is very common to find jeans that fit your hips, thighs, and butt perfectly but not your waist. This can be fixed with a simple belt, or by taking them to a tailor to get altered. Most pants have a bit of stretch in them, which also helps to remedy this problem. Before you go pants shopping, take the measurements of your inseam, hips and waist to help you determine which pants will fit you best. And if you're shopping online, always refer to the site's size chart. Avoid embellishment on the butt and thighs and whiskering, as these will add dimension to your shape (meaning they'll make you look bigger). Darker washes will give your bottom half a slimming effect to help balance with your top half.

These jeans work because they've got a wide leg, plus nice big pockets on the butt (avoid very small pockets on the butt because they'll make your butt look bigger): http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

For tops, again you'll want to look for something that balances with your bottom half. Boatneck necklines, kimono sleeves, longer tunics, and shirts with ruffles or pleats at the bust are all features that will help to add dimension to your chest and shoulders for a more proportioned frame. Here are some cute ideas:

• http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/
• http://www.forever21.com/
• http://www.xistyle.com/

The important thing to remember is that you should be comfortable in your clothes. If something pulls, pinches, or is just generally uncomfortable, don't get it. And it's always a good idea to move around when you try on clothes ( walk around in the store, sit down, stretch you arms overhead, etc) to make sure everything fits properly.

Have a great time shopping, and have an amazing summer!

xoxo,