Depending on how you look at it, shopping for clothes can sometimes be quite a process.  And, if you are left to your own devices to shop yourself as many are, trying to decide what style of clothing works on your body type can sometimes leave you annoyed, confused, discouraged or all 3.  There are a lot of clothing styles and different body types out there so it’s only natural to sometimes wonder what works for you.

Believe it or not, there is a such thing as clothing styles that are universally flattering for all body types.  Yes it is important to know what works specifically for you but you can also take the guess work out of building your wardrobe with the following styles, regardless of your size, body type, or height:

Wrap Dress.  The wrap dress works on every shape and size.  What’s great about this type of dress is that it highlights the smallest part of your waist (or helps to create one) and can give the illusion of curves and can complement a larger posterior.  Wrap dresses also have surplice (define) v neckline and the skirt portion which will either be an A-line (flare) or pencil cut, both of which complement most body types in and of themselves.  Depending on the material and the depth of the neckline, wrap dresses can be dressed up or down, worn to the office or for a special occasion.

A-Line Skirt.  Most a line skirts have a higher waist that helps to pull in and define the waist and graduates into a full skirt to hide thighs and posterior – great for those who choose to dress strategically to conceal these areas.

Pencil Skirt.  Pencil skirts look great on a multitude of figures because they create a great silhouette by conforming to the hips and skimming the legs.  The key is finding a skirt with details that will flatter your body type and either highlight or conceal certain aspects of your frame.  This can mean choosing a pencil skirt with varying features such as rouching, peplums and varying fabrics to create the best look.

Drop Crotch/Herem Pants.  This fun staple is a relaxed look that isn’t too tight.  It skims the body and tapers at the ankle.  Create balance with a loose fitting top.  If you want to add a bit of contrast, pair with a top that is a bit more form fitting.  Depending on how the high the waist of the harem pants are, you can even pair a crop top with them.  Concerned that a crop top is not for you because you don’t have six-pack abs?  No worries – a crop top can highlight the smallest part of the waist without showing skin.

Shirt Dress.  Shirt dresses are great because they allow you to create what isn’t there.  You can cut the belt loops that come on the dress and tie that sash where your waist is naturally.  You can even pair an entirely different belt with your shirt dress to create/cinch the waist.  Use this same same concept for a trench coat.

Collarless Blazer.  These types of blazers are universally flattering because they drape over the bust without the bulkiness.  This allows you to wear tops that aren’t as thin underneath your blazer.  This concept is especially great for those who may have a larger bust line where some collars may drape over that particular area in an unflattering way.

Paneled Dresses.  Paneled dresses create illusion wherever you want it because of the panels (color clocking).  Need to hide a tummy, choose a darker color or a pattern in the front to create the illusion of a smaller waistline.  Want a nip at the side/hip area, choose a paneled dress with the darker color or with surplice lines on the side.

Jumpsuits.  Jumpsuits are great because for one thing, you don’t have to do much coordinating.  Jumpsuits create many options for varying body types because you can choose a style that drapes, skims, or hugs the body in varying fabrics and silhouettes.  Bodysuits/Leotards have a similar concept and end unnecessary bunching around the waist.

Bodycon Dresses.  Every bodycon dress is not super skin tight or super short for that matter.  Like many of the aforementioned articles of clothing, the power is in the fabric, cut and silhouette of the dress.  With that said, you might choose a dress that has side panels, rouching or even a thicker, stretchy material – whatever it takes to match your comfort level.

Boot Cut Jeans.  Boot cut jeans have a more relaxed fit so they aren’t super tight like a skinny jean.  Similar to an A-line skirt, boot cut jean skim the hips and thighs so you don’t have to show off all of your parts to the world if you don’t want to.  And of course, as with jeans in general, you can dress up or down your look and wear varying types of shoes.

Please keep in mind that even within these examples, you still have to find the correct size, proportion, and preference for your particular body type and it’s nuances/uniqueness, as well as what you want to highlight or conceal.

What are your favorite universally flattering styles?  Are there any styles not list or do the aforementioned styles not work for you?  Leave your comments below.