Every woman's body is different, but there are five main body shapes and at least one of these should roughly represent your figure. Not all shapes and styles of clothing look good on everyone, so read on to discover which body type you have and to learn how to highlight your particular assets.

The Apple:
The apple is a fairly round body shape that is usually well-proportioned but with a slightly thicker than average waist that blends with the hips rather than curving inwards. The trick to looking your best is to avoid drawing too much attention to the centre of your body and instead highlighting your other main assets. Some women with apple shaped bodies have elegant legs, while others have a bountiful bust. To flatter your torso, try to wear tops with low necklines that will draw attention to the chest and to opt for long tops that do not stop at the waist. Body control underwear can also help to give you better definition around the waist. Finally, try to avoid thin spaghetti straps, as these tend to cut into the shoulders of apple shaped women.

The Pear:
Pear shaped women have hips and thighs that are wider than their breasts, and usually have fairly flat stomachs. This is thought to be the most common female body shape. To flatter this particular figure, you should pick out clothes that add more shape and curvaceousness to your upper body. For a start, a padded and uplifting bra can work wonders for your bust, giving you a more balanced look. If you wear brightly colored tops and blouses with large collars, this will also draw attention to your bust and help to create more symmetry between your top and bottom halves. You should try to avoid tight-fitting pants or skirts, as these will emphasise your hips and bottom. This means that pencil skirts are out, but you should feel free to wear flared skirts that skim over your lower curves. Strapless tops and dresses also tend to look great on a pear shaped body, as they draw a lot of attention to your bare chest and shoulders.

The Triangle:
Women with triangle shaped figures have a torso that is wider at the top than the bottom. This is usually because of a large bust, or because of particularly broad shoulders. The waist and hips tend to be very slim in comparison. To flatter your figure, try to avoid looking top heavy by using wide or full skirts to make your hips seem wider. You can also detract some attention from your upper half by picking brightly colored pants and skirts to wear on your bottom half. Scoop necklines look great on triangle shaped figures, and they will help to make the shoulders appear narrower. In contrast, try to avoid anything that will make your upper half look even broader. You should never buy anything with shoulder pads or very puffy sleeves, and will probably not suit halter neck tops (which generally make your shoulders appear more masculine).

The Hourglass:
Women with hourglass figures have slim waists that contrast with a fairly large bust and wide hips. This is one of the most traditionally attractive female body types, and one of its blessings is that women with hourglass figures can look very sexy with minimal effort. To flatter your figure, try wearing high-waisted dresses that highlight your narrow middle, or add a belt to a dress to do the same. Flared jeans or pencil skirts also look great on this particular body shape. In contrast, you should probably steer clear of anything shapeless that hides the alluring slimness of your waist.

The Rectangle:
Women with a rectangle shaped body usually have slightly boyish figures, and are enviably slim. If you have this shape, you probably look quite athletic and strong. To flatter and enhance this sort of body type, try to pick out clothes that might help to create the illusion of a more curvaceous shape. For example, you might want to buy halter neck tops that lift your bust and draw attention to it, or dresses that are very tight around the waist but flare out around the hips. You will also look great in outfits that have feminine details like bows or ruffles, and knitted clothes will help to give your figure a softer look. On the other hand, it is best to avoid outfits that are uniformly tight, as these will highlight the straight edges of your body.

Now that you know the name of your body shape, why not research it further? No matter what your body shape, with some time and effort you can find clothes that will highlight your assets and downplay the parts you like less. Each of the above types can be equally beautiful and alluring if presented in the right way, and learning more about your particular body shape will help you become more confident and self-assured.