The five basic types of figures

THE FIVE TYPES

BOYISH

Meaning: Not much curve; basically a straight figure
Famous example: Cameron Diaz
Your clothing should: Create the illusion of curves

APPLE

Meaning: Your weight is carried through your midsection
Famous example: Jennifer Hudson
Your clothing should: Slim your torso and create a long vertical line

PEAR

Meaning: Hips are wider than upper torso
Famous example: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Your clothing should: Minimize your hips and create balance with the upper torso while drawing attention upward toward your face

HOURGLASS

Meaning: Plenty of curves with a well-defined waist
Famous example: Beyonce Knowles
Your clothing should: Show off your curves while highlighting your waist

INVERTED TRIANGLE

Meaning: Your shoulders and chest are wider than your hips
Famous example: Nicole Kidman
Your clothing should: Visually narrow the shoulder line

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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