How to Flatter a Boyish Figure

What works about this outfit:

• The double-breasted style, nipped-in waist, and flare of the jacket
• The v-neck, empire waist, and horizontal stripes on the top
• The flare at the hem of the jeans
  

What works about this oufit:

• The straight, fitted style of the blazer
• The scoop neck, empire waist, and feminine floral print on the top
• The bootcut styling of the jeans

Pieces that Flatter a Boyish Body:

What to look for in...

Coats & Jackets:

• Fitted and structured styles (not too boxy)
• Peplum jackets, empire styles, or ones that flare at the waist
• Breast pockets (and other detailing)
• Belted, or with some kind of waist definition
• Double-breasted or wrap styles
• Safari or biker jackets
• Wide lapels and details at the collar

Dresses:

• Semi-fitted styles
• Wrap dresses
• Belted shirtdresses with pocket detailing
• A-lines, pleating, and empire waists or other waist detailing
• Halter necklines (or sweetheart necklines for narrow shoulders)
• Tiers, panels, or ruffles to add volume & contrast waistline
• Bust details (such as ruffles, pleats, or ruching)
• Princess seams and darts
• Tapered or pencil style skirts
• Drapey, soft fabrics

Tops:

• V-necklines, halter, or scoop necks (open necklines)
• Use belts to cinch & define waist
• Ruffled, gathered, pleated, or embellished necklines
• Horizontal stripes or details
• Empire waist, waist ties
• Flared or flutter sleeves
• Breast pockets and other bust detailing
• Yoke details bring attention to bust
• Floral, polka dot, paisley, etc.

Pants/Jeans:

• Low-rise styles
• Fitted through the hips & bottom with a flare at the hem
• Straight, bootcut, or flared
• Pleats visually create curves
• Skinny or straight styles emphasize hips
• Angled pockets, or buttons (on sailor-style pants) help give hips shape
• Back patch or button-flap pockets to add definition

Have any tips on how to dress for a boyish shape? Share them in your comments!

Family Reunion: Dresses for Petites Over 40

Q: My family is having another reunion, and I don't know what to wear. I've lost 30 lbs. since the last one, so I would like to show off my new look, but I'm a petite woman, and it's hard to find flattering dresses. What can I wear to an outdoor family get-together? By the way, I'm over 40, so this is a challenge.

A: Congratulations on your weight loss! You're right, this is a challenge, but not something we can't handle. As a petite, you should look for dresses that hit at or right above the knee; anything lower than that will "cut your legs in half" and make you look even shorter. Tapered/straight skirts or A-line skirts will flatter you most, and be sure they are high-waisted or have an empire waist, because they will elongate your legs. Wrap dresses would also work well. Another tip? It's best to wear a dress with a higher neckline for a taller look (no plunging tops for you). As for your age, you should stay away from strapless dresses, and ones that are way too short (think 5 inches above your knee).

Remember to pay attention to details. Vertical buttons, seam lines, pleats, etc. will definitely flatter your body. Also, when it comes to patterns, keep them simple or small-- don't wear loud, oversized prints, because they'll overwhelm your petite frame. Stay away from big horizontal lines, too-loose or stiff pieces, and too many embellishments and details. Another thing to remember when choosing your dress: make sure the bottom hem isn't too busy and the skirt isn't extremely full. And when belting a dress, make it a neutral color (brown, black, cream) and wear it above your natural waistline for a more flattering style.

If it gets a little chilly outside, pick a jacket/coat that's simple and above the knee, just like the dress. Try to get one that's cropped or has an empire waist. Any lapels should be narrow and short (ending above your natural waistline). Same with belts on the jacket-- they should be above the waistline. This keeps you looking taller. So just remember: keep things simple and short. Here are 7 of our favorite age-appropriate dresses for petites, whatever your budget (and you don't have to wear these just once):

Our Under $50 Choices:

Ruffle Woven Wrap Dress $27.80 at Forever 21

Women's Tie-Waist Shirtdress $29.50 at Old Navy

Sleeveless Pocket Front Dress $42.75 at ASOS

Our Over $50 Choices:

Petite Silk/Cotton Floral Dress SALE $84.99 at Banana Republic

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Stretch Satin Dress $118.00 at Nordstrom

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress $148.00 at Nordstrom

Donna Ricco Ruffle Neck Silk Dress $158.00 at Nordstrom

Tory Burch Patricia Silk Twill Dress $475.00 at Nordstrom

Great Swimsuits for Bigger Busts

TIPS: Ditch the triangle tops; they don't have enough support if you're bigger than a D-cup. And stick to low necklines with underwire or a hidden bra (unless your top is a halter).

Miraclesuit "Sanibel" Hidden Underwire One Piece Swimsuit $136.00

Bloomingdale's

Tommy Bahama Sunkissed Solids Underwire Bra and Hipster $80.00
Bloomingdale's

Tommy Bahama: Sunkissed Shirred Bandeau One Piece $128.00
Tommy Bahama