People tell you many different things when it comes to fashion. Some say to focus on the look, not the clothes, while others prioritize function over form. Meanwhile, some also believe that fashion is a fad; style is what counts. But when it comes to dressing, your view is all that matters. What do you look like in the clothes you choose to wear? Learning what fits your body type is the first step. 

Read on to find out how you can do that.

Four different body types
Each body type looks good in certain clothes, but there is no hard and fast rule about what you should wear. Keep in mind your shape to know what is likely to work. But if something unconventional catches your eye, grab it off the rack!

1. Pear
If your shoulders are narrow, and your waist and hips are full, you have a pear shape. The key to dressing such a figure is highlighting the neckline and shoulders and drawing the eyes upward. Use dramatic statement tops to pull attention up and balance out your full hips. Cowl necks, bell sleeves, plunging necklines, dramatic earrings, and necklaces all draw attention. Fitted tops give the shoulders definition. Also, try skirts and dresses with an A-line cut or Princess cut and waist-length jackets to define the waist. Bootcut and flare denim tend to flatter your silhouette.

2. Hourglass
If you have a full bust and hips almost equal in size but a cinched waist, you have an hourglass shape. Most women dress to achieve this shape, so remember to pick clothes that embrace your curves. Fitted garments enable this, and so do clothes with fancy necklines. From trench coats to bomber jackets, different layers and all kinds of sleeves suit this shape. Fit and flare dresses and empire silhouettes work wonders but steer clear of saggy styles. Fitted jumpsuits also help show off the enviable figure you have. Use belts and necklaces to help highlight every curve in your body.

3. Apple
Apple-shaped bodies have full hips and broad shoulders but no well-defined waist. A similar shape is an inverted triangle where the hips are narrower than the shoulders. You might want to play up the bust and create the illusion of a cinched waist with belts for these body types. Comfy relaxed tops and dark shades tend to downplay the wide upper body. You can show off your long arms and shoulders through strapless or sleeveless clothes. A-line and trench-style dresses are super flattering. If you like breezy tops, you can pick skinny or structured pants to help balance your frame.

4. Athletic or rectangular
When your shoulders, hips, and waist measurements are almost the same, and you are not particularly curvy, you have an athletic body. Pick fitted tops and breezy pants to draw eyes downwards, or wear skinny jeans with oversized tops. Halter necks and strapless clothes help flaunt your defined shoulders, and so do sleeves without structure. Use embellished necklines to play up the bust. Belted tops and bomber jackets help contour the midsection. High-waisted pants tend to make the waist seem very straight, so stay away from them.