It's happened to all of us. You get excited when you see a really great outfit in a department store window only to be devastated when you try it on. Why doesn't it look as good on you as it does in the window? It's most likely because you aren't built like the unrealistically thin mannequin. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you're not beautifully built. All you need to know is how to accentuate the positive!

Step 1: determine your body shape

While your size may go up and down in your life, your frame will never change. Begin by looking at the shape of your torso facing the mirror straight on and then focus on the shape of your torso. It is your torso silhouette that will basically determine the line and clothing shapes that are best for your body.

Stand in front of a mirror (clothing optional) and study your proportions. Would you say that your shoulders are about the same width as your hips? Your hips are smaller or larger than your shoulders? Here is a general guideline for figuring out your body shape:

Step 2: show off your body

It's really simple actually. Once you've determined your body shape, you'll probably notice the parts of you that you love and the ones you hate. All you have to do is hide the things you don't like and show off the ones you love.

If you're an hourglass, wear:

• Flat-front pants with a low-waist and either a full or straight leg
• Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
• Bermuda shorts with a low waist, simple detailing and straight legs
• Pencil skirts with a small waistband at your natural waist
• Circle skirts with small or no waistband worn just below your natural waist
• Soft blouses with seaming and shaping and darts to complement your bust
• Wrap tops in matte jersey, flat fine-gauge sweater knits and midweight cotton
• Nipped waist jackets with a single button at or just below the waist

If you're a pear, wear:

• Straight trousers with a low-waist flat front and minimal or no waistband
• Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
• Straight skirts in crisp or firm fabrics with no waistband worn at your natural to low waist
• Fitted, tailored shirts to define the shape of your torso
• Boatneck, ballet and square neck tops will visually widen your shoulders
• Belted jackets in soft fabrics at hipbone length
• Empire dresses that emphasize the upper body, and a feminine neckline to hide your bottom

If you're an apple, wear:

• Straight, slim pants with a straight leg, no waistband in a drapey fabric
• Bootcut jeans that are cut easy through the hips, fitted through the thighs with a subtle flare
• Bermuda shorts with a low waist, simple detailing and straight legs
• Trouser skirts in firm fabrics with a little stretch for a fitted look
• Tunic tops that are straight in fabrics with drape to smooth over your upper body
• Tailored shirts in stretch cotton with a form-fitting cut (not too tight), vertical seams and finished, shirttails
• Straight-cut, single-breasted blazers worn open over tonal tailored shirts
• Shirtdresses with button-front style, unbuttoned v-neckline worn at knee length

If you're a ruler, wear:

• Any pants you want but if you have a short waist avoid high-waist pants
• Old-school jeans and watch out for very low rises, they will exaggerate your flat bottom
• Knee-length pedal pushers with form-fitting tops at hipbone length
• Torso skirts with soft pleating, gathering or tiers attached to a smooth yoke
• Tailored shirts with a slightly fuller cut in crisp cotton, soft silk, knit jerseys and soft suede
• V-neck cardigan sweaters unbuttoned, hitting at hip length
• Shirt jackets with a subtle shaping and small notch or mandarin collars
• Tunic dresses with flat sandals