We all know that in the fashion world what flatters one shape may not be right for another, but for some reason we adopt a one-style-fits-all mentality when it comes to the office. Nothing is more damaging to a good morning than looking in the mirror and realizing your outfit looked better on the creepy faceless mannequin in the store than it does on you. The good news is that we’re here to help. You know what shape you are and we know what works best for each body type, so let’s take a minute to exchange notes (or dialogue, or get our heads together – insert your favorite work-ism here).

For pear shapes…

The right work outfit for a pear shape is all about emphasis and intent. Intentionally put the emphasis where you want it (up top) and de-emphasize the areas you’d rather not put a spotlight on. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? It is. Start with a top that you like. Bold statements are best – they attract the eye and hold attention. Look for stripes or patterns to accomplish this cleanly and elegantly. For the bottom, think solid and dark. An A-line skirt in a dark charcoal can go with any top and keep your look in balance. For pants, look for a slightly fuller cut in the leg – these will help streamline your shape with parallel vertical lines. Steer clear of jackets that hit at the thigh. Instead look for one that hits at the hip to help accentuate your curves without overemphasizing them.

For large busts…

When you have a larger chest, the right outfit is about balance. Look for V-neck tops to help give subtle structure and definition without going over the top. A longer slim jacket will help elongate your frame and balance your look. If you have an hourglass figure, play it up with a fuller skirt to give visual counterbalance and another place for the eye to land. Patterns and prints can become very useful in this department. Even if you don’t have that hourglass, the right skirt can help you create the illusion of one with the same effect.

For petite frames…

It’s all about accentuating the positive on a petite frame. Tailored jackets were made for you, so go out and pick some up. They won’t engulf you and they help give your look a sense of gravity. When it comes to pants, look for slim leg cuts to help lengthen your frame. Wide leg pants may end up making you look shorter and thicker than you’d like. Also choose skirts that hit above the knee – again, letting your legs elongate your look. Don’t be afraid of bold patterns (for tops or bottoms) – they’ll help you stand out and stay noticed.

For plus sizes…

For a plus size, the main objective is to slim and sleekify. A great fashion play is to pair a dress with a small-scale print with a blazer in the same color family. The small pattern gives flow and depth while the framing of the blazer adds structure. The result? A slimming look that flatters and gets noticed. Tailored cuts are great for plus sizes because they give structure and intent to your curves. Look for cuts that streamline with long vertical lines like straight skirts and straight-leg pants. When it comes to a top, the right bold solid color can be very flattering by attracting attention without looking busy or unstructured. And don’t forget a belt – it will help draw attention to your waist and give definition to your shape.

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