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It doesn’t matter how many designer dresses make it onto every fashion editor’s “It” list, how many sequin-slathered starlets prance down the red carpet, or how many glossy images of couture-clad models appear in monthly magazines…the favorite outfit for many modern-day women is still jeans and a top. But obviously we’re not talking a hole-ridden pair of dungarees and a baggy T-shirt that boasts “San Antonio Spring Break ’97” across the front.

How you wear and pair your denim makes the difference between dressing like a dud and looking like a diva. But without the right tips and tools, many women are left feeling like they have a better chance of walking down the aisle with George Clooney than finding a truly flattering pair of jeans. We endure hours of torture in the dressing room only to end up with a pile of misfits: like those “true-size” 29’s that won’t even budge an inch past our rump. Never mind the endless supply of trendy styles that come and go—light wash, dark wash, skinny-leg, wide-leg, high waist, beads, baubles—how’s a girl supposed to keep up with it all?!

Still, have a little faith, feeling good in your favorite style of jeans is easier than you may think. There’s a reason jeans are the uniform du jour for women from fourteen to fifty. If they’re styled right, jeans are everything we want them to be—classic, casual, sexy, sassy, hip, and comfy.

Jeans and tops…Love ’em. Every inch of your bod, from your booty to your belly, can look better than you ever imagined just by pairing the best cuts for your shape with the most flattery-inducing tops and shoes.

Zip up a pair of sassy boot-legs; slip on a sheer, sexy top; and kick on some heels…your inner blue jean queen is ready to be unleashed.

Ladies, Start Your Denims

HALL OF FAME

Is there a pair of jeans that looks great on every woman? If we could invent them, we’d be billionaires! They just don’t exist. We’re not promising to make the mind-numbing denim hunt a breeze (yes, you could still find yourself in a dressing room up to your knees in jeans before striking the jackpot), but we will help narrow the search. Luckily, there are certain cuts that help to enhance most body types. And if we had to pick one universally flattering style for our Hall of Fame, it would be this: fitted, long, low, dark, flared, and soft.

 Fitted. We’re not talking “I can’t suck in an ounce of air” tight. Denim has come a long way…today’s refined fabrics and modern cuts are designed to enhance (and fit) a woman’s cushions and curves—from her waist to her hips and thighs. Never has there been a better time to boast some booty!

 Long. A longer cut lengthens the legs and gives a bit of slimming along the way (a little bonus most of us gals appreciate). Also, keep in mind what shoes you’ll be pairing your jeans with—and allow for some heel. (Okay, lots of heel!)

 Low. A slightly lower-cut waist can work wonders, especially for those with a little belly. It makes jeans more comfy and helps to prevent a roly-poly midsection. But this is not a case of, “How low can you go?” Jeans that showcase your Hello Kitty skivvies (or worse yet, your glorious crack) just don’t cut it.

 Dark. Dark washes are more sophisticated and classic than lighter washes (and yes, once again, slimming). Plus, tops and tees tend to pop more off darker tones, so your overall look will have more va-va-voom.

 Flared. A slightly flared leg gives any body shape a sexy silhouette. Whether you go for boot-leg or trouser-cut, a bit of feminine flare can balance out busty gals and give straighter bods a little curve.

 Soft. Jeans with a softer, thinner weave are more comfortable and less bulky feeling (and looking) than those made from thicker, stiffer fabrics. We remember the days when we had to wear our jeans for a year before they felt this cozy! Thankfully, today we have an endless array of options, so shop around for denims that are supple and have a bit of give.

FIT TO FLAUNT

Even the best-looking jeans may not feel right on your body if they aren’t the proper size and style. Here’s how to ensure a fabulous fit every time.

 Pick the right day to shop for jeans—in other words, not when you’re in a foul mood, suffering from the breakup blues, having one of those inevitable “fat” days, or recovering from a record-setting Thanksgiving binge.

 It’s a good idea to wear flip-flops for easy on-and-off. And bring an extra pair of heels and a few favorite tops to experiment with different looks.

 When trying on jeans, don’t forget to move—sit, squat, spin, sit cross-legged, anything and everything to experience a full range of motion. Look for styles that offer a little give in the waist (but no thong-baring gaps!) as well as around the hips (without pulling and puckering). Jeans with a little stretch are usually much more comfy than the full-cotton styles and work wonders on every body type, especially full figures and Curvies. If you feel uncomfortable or stiff, then “take a pass” (as they say in Hollywood).

 Find a good tailor to nip and tuck where necessary—shortening the hem, adjusting the waistband, or getting rid of small bubbles of extra fabric. Basically, a trailor can make jeans look custom fit to your bod! It’s important to find a pro who knows how to alter a garment without drastically changing such fine details as belt loops or pocket placement. Just keep in mind that in general, you don’t want to hem more than two inches since it may change the overall flare of the leg. Experienced tailors will ask whether you want a new hem put on the jean, or the existing hem sewn onto the adjusted length. Either way, find someone good to make you look good.

 Don’t get frustrated by the mind-blowing price tags you find on many jeans. Great styles are available for every budget. We’ve found that the following lines have a little something for everyone and come at all different price points: Express, Target, Lucky Brand, Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, Joes, J-Brand, and Gap. Another option, although a bit more costly, is Custom Levi’s (you get to design your own style and fit from scratch).

JEANS 101

BOOT-CUT: With a slightly flared leg and hip attitude, boot-cut jeans never seem to go out of style. Why? Well, they’re one of the most universally flattering styles—for everyone from Curvies to Dainties. As the name suggests, they look good with boots as well as chunky wedges and heels. If you only have room for one pair of jeans in your closet, this is it.

 Booties and Hipsters: Balance out your fuller booty with voluminous tops—trapeze-cut tees and ruffled blouses. Go for tops that hit at the hipline or slightly below. Another fun look is topping jeans off with a ¾-length coat, to create a tailored silhouette. Boot-cut jeans will become your best friend—they’re sassy and slimming. What more could we ask for!

 Belly Babes: Layering is a clever trick for a little dose of waistline slimming—wear a longer, stretchy tank peeking out from underneath a tee. For the most flattering look, try midrise to lower-cut styles that do not hit above the belly. If you’re more comfortable wearing low-cut styles, pair them with long fluid or ruched tops to avoid the infamous “jelly roll.”

 Leggies: Pair boot-cuts with longer tops that hit at the hip or just below—drawing the eyes away from the waist and giving you a lean, mean look. Play with sexy scoop necks or gauzy tunics. For those tall and slender figures (we’ll try not to hate you), the slight flare of boot-cuts can actually create an illusion of curves. Pair them with tops that are structured at the waistline, such as a tapered silk blouse.

 Dainties: The trick for petite gals is to balance out the shapely curve of the boot-cuts with a form-fitting top, so you don’t look overwhelmed by your clothes. Try hip-length V-neck tees with stretch, flutter-sleeve blouses, or spaghetti-strap tanks.

STRAIGHT-LEG: If you really want to crank up the foxy factor, slip on straight-leg jeans. This feminine style elongates the body and can be shortened without messing up the overall shape of the jeans (a big plus for Dainties). Pair them with high-heel boots or stilettos, for a sexy bonus.

 Booties and Hipsters: High or midrise cuts are best to support and flatter your shape and help ward off what is commonly called the “muffin-top” look. Pair these jeans with long, looser-fitting tops that drape and hit just below the hips—lightweight trapeze blouses, flared V-neck tunics, and draped tops with banded bottoms. Then slide into a pair of pointy-toe pumps.

 Belly Babes: Look for midrise jeans that hit across the belly, not above it. Choose a tank-style A-line blouse or ruched long-sleeve top that will compliment your fabulous tummy. Stick with soft or silky fabrics that won’t cling to the skin, giving a more relaxed, comfortable fit.

 Leggies: Wear a long, lace-trimmed cami beneath a longer, loose-fitting sheer tee to create curves. Empire-waist tops and tunics are another stylish way to balance your shape. Complete the look with ballet flats or kitten heels.

 Dainties: These are perfect jeans for you—they’ll help make your legs look longer and won’t overwhelm your frame. Slip into stretchy, deep V-neck tops with gathering or details at the bust, along with a pair of pointy-toe flats. Add a long necklace to lengthen your look even more.

WIDE-LEG: A little bit groovy, a little bit rock and roll, wide-leg jeans come with a looser fit and a dash of funky attitude. This cut can be ultra-flattering for various shapes—and surprisingly, the wide leg will not make you look wider! You definitely want to wear heels, so pull out your wedges and mile-high peep-toes. And go with slim, feminine tops—your best bet for a look that is stylish, not sloppy.

 Booties and Hipsters: Curvy girls can really turn it out by pairing wide-legs with a stretchy wrap-style shirt to create an hourglass shape. Look for shirts that hit at the middle or lower part of the hip. Fitted jackets with flared hems also help to play up the waistline—slip one on over a satin tank and finish off your ensemble with a pair of shapely pumps.

 Belly Babes: Worn with a hip-length empire-waist top, these jeans will flatter your curves. A flowing fabric flares perfectly over the tummy to balance your bod in all the right places. Slip on peep-toe shoes to complete the look.

 Leggies: Pair these with a hip-length top—an off-the-shoulder top or boatneck tee—and Mary Janes or other feminine, round-toe flats for a clean, modern appearance.

 Dainties: Petite gals will likely have to alter their wide-leg jeans—but this style generally has a hemline that’s easy to take up. Pair them with a sexy, fitted button-down that hits just at the hips and wedge shoes for a bit of additional height.

SLIM-CUT: Many of us feel there’s a “slim” chance we could ever pull this style off, but when done right, it’s a look that rates high on the sexy scale. Although the cut of these jeans might seem to flatter more long-and-lean silhouettes, those of us with extra padding can sport “skinnies” by accessorizing and balancing the look. In general, slim-cuts tend to work best with longer, looser tops. And whatever your shape, summon your inner goddess and pair your slims with devastating pumps.

 Booties and Hipsters: Slip on a fluid top with a flared trapeze or empire style that hits at the top of your thighs or slightly lower (at the widest part of your hips). And yes, some hiiiiiigh heels!

 Belly Babes: Pair slim styles with longer tops that are ruched on the sides; tees designed with fluid, non clingy fabrics (such as Micro Modal, Supima cotton, or cotton/nylon blends), or baby doll blouses. Then slip into strappy sandals and go.

 Leggies: These jeans look their best when balanced by a top that is full and long, so look for styles with volume, such as bell sleeves or unstructured, belted tunics. Leggy and lean gals who want to create an illusion of curves will love these tapered cuts, since they accentuate the hips. Finish off the look by tucking your skinny jeans into a pair of knee-high boots.

 Dainties: Slimmer cuts are a best bet for petite frames. Pair your slim jeans with a lace cami peaking out underneath a deep V-neck, along with kitten heel or pointy-toe pumps to help elongate your legs.

Pick Your Pocket

The size and placement of pockets is a huge factor in foxifying your fanny. Pockets should be proportionate to the size of your tush: not too big (which would hide your bottom) and not too small (which would exaggerate it). The higher pockets are, the more they tend to give your derriere a little lift. The lower, the more they tend to drag your bottom down and shorten the look of your legs.

TROUSER-CUT: Kick up the sophistication with this tailored and utterly feminine style. These jeans are polished and yet can also give you just a hint of femme fatale. They have a fuller leg, similar to wide-leg jeans, but the sassy difference is in the refined trouser styling and pocket design. Who knew “trousers” could look this good? We have to thank the men in our lives for donating a bit of masculine styling to give us a purely feminine feel.

 Booties and Hipsters: Look for a slimming dark wash, along with silky hip-length button-down blouses that are tapered at the waist and slightly flared toward the hem. To dress up your jeans, try a lacy cami underneath a belted wrap top with a flared hem. High-heel boots or wedges complete the look. If the front pockets happen to puff or pull, they can overaccentuate the hip area, so just have them nipped and tucked at your local tailor.

 Belly Babes: The trouser cut is a perfect match for Belly Babes, since they usually have a lower-cut waist. Play with girly button-downs that have funky or feminine detailing at midhip.

 Leggies: For a cool and classic look, pair trousers with untucked button-down tops that fall to the hipline and, depending on your mood, a flirty pair of kitten heels or simple flats.

 Dainties: Pair these jeans with a V-neck ¾-length-sleeve tee that hits midhip…or a sweet cami layered underneath a fitted cardigan. Add peep-toe heels for extra height and sass.

Mamma Mia!

Maternity jeans can be a great option, even if you’re not pregnant! Don’t be shy about browsing through the “preggie” section of your local store to see what styles they have. For Belly Babes, Booties, and those who just want to be able to actually breathe in their jeans, maternity styles with those soft, stretchy, cotton waistbands can be ultra-flattering and supercomfy.

You’re the Tops!

HALL OF FAME

From tees and tunics to curve-hugging blouses and sexy draped numbers, tops are one of the easiest ways to mix up and maximize your wardrobe. In the overall scheme of things, perfect-fitting tops are probably easier (or at least less frustrating) to find than pants, skirts, and such. But it’s by no means a slam dunk! A top has to fit your shoulders without pulling, your boobs without puckering, your belly without bulging. But when you find that one that lifts and holds and fits and flatters, you’re golden. Tops are the chewy nougat center of fashion—the place to have fun, add personality, play with color, and take a few chances. If we had to pick one universally flattering top for our Hall of Fame, it would be this: long, sleeved, untucked, colorful, supportive, fluid, and V-neck.

 Long. Look for tees and tops that hit midhip or below—flattering because they elongate your body and deemphasize the belly (when needed).

 Sleeved. Three-quarter- or elbow-length or long sleeves make the most of your shoulders and arms, and flatter everything from bony shoulders to back-of-the-arm wiggles.

 Untucked. From tees to button-downs, we prefer wearing tops untucked. Tucking tends to cut your body in half and can create unwanted bulges around the hips (who needs that?). On the other hand untucked styles lengthen and create one straight, fluid line.

 Colorful. Jewel tones and deep earth shades enhance all different skin tones and help brighten your best feature, your face! And for those who want to cheat off a few pounds, darker colors are always more slimming.

 Support. It doesn’t matter how showstopping a top is if your boobs are dragging and drooping. Wearing a bra or camisole with built-in support underneath is a must. Ensure that your adorable A’s and daring DD’s look their absolute best!

 Fluid. Fabrics with a bit of give tend to accentuate the positive by hugging in all the right places. Look for smooth, medium-weight, cozy cottons, silks, and blends that provide sufficient coverage but don’t get stiff or wrinkly. The fabric should fall smoothly over curves instead of clinging—just keep in mind that when the fabric is too thin, it can sometimes detail every bump, lump, and bulge in your glorious bod.

 V-neck. This is the single-most flattering neckline style. Every woman looks good in a V because it helps make the neck appear longer. In our book, the V stands for va-va-voom!

FIT TO FLAUNT

A fabulous top comes down to four things: how it drapes your shoulders, neck, chest, and tummy. And though some tops are designed to fit loose, we just want to make sure they don’t look sloppy.

 Tops should fit around the shoulders without pulling or restricting your movement, around the chest without puckering or popping a button, and around the stomach without clinging. A great-fitting top should hang naturally and hit at about midhip. If it’s too tight in any one area, move on.

 Don’t just wear a bra—wear the right bra! That means one that camouflages your nips and gives you the desired amount of support (and cleavage!). If you want your bra straps to peek out deliberately, then make sure your undergarment is worthy of being out in public. No frayed, soiled straps and no white or beige (which tends to look like “underwear” instead of “lingerie”). Stick with dark colors, such as brown, black, navy, or racy red.

 Always check the front and rear view to ensure that a top flatters you from all sides. You want to make sure it compliments your boobs and belly, but also look at how it hugs or hangs around your booty, for the most ideal fit.

 When trying on new tops, bend down and touch your toes. Discover how much boob you may (intentionally or unintentionally) bare when you lean over. A subtle show of cleavage can be the sexiest thing on earth; just make sure you flash with finesse!

 Look for forgiving and figure-loving fabrics. Our all-time favorites: cotton and cotton Lycra blends.

TOPS 101

TEES: Whether V, scoop, round or crew neck, they’re a staple in every girl’s closet. Tees enjoy a glowing reputation as one of fashion’s most user-friendly items. Although finding a flattering tee may sound easy, subtle variations in styles can take your look from nothing special to knockout in no time. Go ahead, fill your closet with tees in all types of shapes and shades—and flaunt a little T and A (a tee and attitude, that is)!

 Busties: Hip-length fitted tees with V- or cowl necks are a great match for Busties. They help to create a downward line on your bod, rather than widening it. V-necks are an easy choice because they allow for a little peek of cleavage (if desired) and break up your chest so it doesn’t look overly imposing. Layer a ¾-length-sleeve tee over a strappy tank in a contrasting color. Or mix it up with a small-print cotton cami underneath and solid Henley-style (button-placketed) tee with flared sleeves on top.

 Tatas: Tatas aren’t limited in their tee choices—they can wear just about anything. Higher scoop-necks and V-necks, along with boatnecks, broaden the shoulder line and cheat the look of a slightly bigger bust. If, instead, you want to further enhance your boobs, try a sleeveless, flutter- or short-sleeve tee which focuses on the biggest part of your bust and gives you some extra oomph.

 Belly Babes: Slip into an empire-waist tee that is cinched just under the boobs, for a slim silhouette and flattering bust and tummy. Banded-bottom tees and high scoop-necks that drape slightly around the midsection are also great choices. Ruched tees (gathered along the sides and belly to create mini pleats) also work wonders to flatter the extra bit of lovin’!

 Broads: Pair jeans with V-neck tees to flatter the shoulder line and pull the eye downward. A feminine tank layered underneath a fluid Henley-style tee is the ideal way to soften and stylize your look. Once again, longer cuts will create a lean, luscious line and even out all your proportions.

TUNICS: They’re comfy and sexy with a touch of bohemian flavor. But what we love most about tunics is that they’re flattering and forgiving. And they easily transition from day to night…need we say more?

 Busties: Busties should choose a lower, slit-style neckline to show off a bit of collarbone and hint of cleavage. Definitely seek out styles that cinch in at the waist and flare at the hemline so that you don’t lose your girly shape.

 Tatas: Tunics and Tatas are a match made in fashion heaven! Belted styles that tie under the bustline can give your boobs an extra half-cup of size. Flowing or flared sleeves also help to enhance your upper bod. And Tatas can experiment with patterns as well—look for tunics with a little ’tude.

 Belly Babes: Belly Babes will want to live in tunics once they try them. Look for styles that are tailored just slightly at the waist and then flare downward. Slip on a simple embroidered tunic over a slim pair of jeans or leggings and finish it off with a pair of casual flats or flip-flops.

 Broads: Broads can look for long tunics that balance out the upper bod. Any kind of vertical design element (such as ties that hang, or beading) will also help to keep the look lean and fluid.

Let’s Mention the Unmentionables!

Undies are the foundation pieces of a great look. The right bra provides lift, a bit more size, or just the right amount of cleavage. The right panties preserve the beauty of your booty without bubbles or bulges. The one basic wear-with-anything bra to consider for your wardrobe: a silky, neutral, molded cup (with or without underwire). When it comes to panties, it’s all about the thong—a low-cut meshy nylon or ultralight cotton pair is invisible on every body shape. Fill out your lingerie drawer with specialty bras (halter, convertible, padded), slimmers and shapers (such as Spanx), and even maternity bras (which offer added support even when you’re not expecting!).

BLOUSES: Of all the words in fashiondom, this one always tends to sound dated. It doesn’t have the sizzle of stiletto or the sweetness of sweater. Instead, it reminds us a little too much of something Grandma would wear. We prefer to say button-downs. Okay, so they don’t all have buttons…but you get the drift. Whatever you call them, just like with tees, every girl should stock her closet with them. From classic button-downs with a touch of stretch to gauzy girly numbers, blouses forever remain a feminine and flawless look.

 Busties: The vertical line of buttons helps balance out Busty bods beautifully. Well-endowed gals who have issues with buttons pulling and popping can buy a size larger and have the rest of the blouse tailored to fit…or wear a cami under the blouse and leave it partially unbuttoned. Styles with tiny prints and subtle textures, small collars, no pockets, and toned-down details are most flattering.

 Tatas: Fitted button-downs can be a Tata’s best friend. Slip on a cute tank underneath (to add a little extra layer to the chest) and leave just one or two top buttons undone for a relaxed yet polished look. Blouses with ruffles, smocking, chest pockets, and wide collars can further amp up your boobs.

 Belly Babes: Belly Babes are stunning in button-downs that have a little stretch in the fabric, along with a feminine, tailored cut. Look for cuts that cinch in a bit right above the waistline and then flare out. Sheer swinging-cut blouses made from whispery lightweight cottons and silks are also ultra-flattering—layer over a cami for a great night-out look.

 Broads: Broads can work this style flawlessly. Keep it unbuttoned a bit lower to create a feminine look—sexy instead of stiff. Play with subtle vertical pinstripes or small patterns and textures for added interest. Tuxedo-style blouses are a great match for you as well.

SEXY DRAPED TOPS: Whether showing off silky shoulders, that defined (and divinely alluring) collarbone, or those beautiful breasts (large or small), we have a lot to flaunt. And our stash of sexy, draped tops helps us do just that. Blousy spaghetti straps, flowing numbers, and off-the-shoulder cuts will help make the most of your assets. The right fabric is key to getting a look that is truly sexy—fluid silks, sheer chiffons, and loose rayons are what it’s all about. And the right foundation pieces are a must, too, so stock up on nude and black bras and camis.

 Busties: Slip into a draped V- or cowl neck to help soften the bustline and accentuate the upper body. Experiment with strapless bras or wear a cami with built-in support underneath satin or sheer styles. Convertible halter-style bras can also be a lifesaver with this alluring top.

 Tatas: These tops were made for you. The drapey styling helps accentuate a smaller chest. And you’ll look your sexiest in sleeveless or off-the-shoulder cuts that draw attention to alluring assets such as shoulders and arms.

 Belly Babes: Perfect for concealing a tummy, silky flowing styles will show off your shoulder blades and back, and steer focus away from the belly. Look for flared off-the-shoulder pieces that are slightly cinched at the waist. Take full advantage of drapey fabrics such as buttery cotton jersey or silk charmeuse.

 Broads: Soft silky cowl necks or plunging necklines will flatter your shoulders in just the right way. Play up your décolletage with a bit of beading or sequins around the neck and bust.

WRAP TOPS: Wrap shirts should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. They lift and define our boobs, shape our waist, love our tummy, and flatter our hips. We can find no fault! Hip-length styles work best on all different body types—and from there you can take your pick of long- or short-sleeve and even sleeveless wrap tops (which are not only summer necessities but can easily spice up any evening look year-round).

 Busties: The wrapped styling and sexy V-neck is ideal for you. As always, a supportive bra is essential. The plunging cut shows off just the right amount of skin but doesn’t leave you overexposed. If the V winds up falling a bit too low exposing more of you than you’d like, slip on a delicate lace cami underneath for added coverage.

 Tatas: Make the most of wrap tops by layering a colorful cami underneath and wearing styles where the V hits a bit higher up on the chest. Add a chunky necklace to enhance your upper bod and you’re ready to go.

 Belly Babes: Wraps are perfect for Belly Babes since they define the waist, helping to create an hourglass look. Look for extra wrapping and gathering around the tummy for the most flattering fit.

 Broads: The natural V-neckline shifts the focus downward and brings attention toward the waist. Your best bet would be a dark, solid wrap shirt with ¾-length sleeves, helping to create a lean, feminine figure.

TANKS AND HALTERS: These are two sexy styles for showing off your upper body assets. We love wearing them alone during the warm-weather months or underneath fitted jackets. It’s a look that demands support, especially for Busties, so remember to grab a halter-cut bra in the lingerie department.

 Busties: Look for V-neck halters to show off your killer cleavage. Another great option: halters that cut straight across—these will give you a bit more coverage. As for tanks, try pieces that are designed with thicker straps and cut higher up beneath the arm for added support.

 Tatas: Wide-set halter straps help create the illusion of a bigger chest. Styles with ruching around the bust will enhance the effect even more. Tank tops are ultra-flattering—try out styles embellished with beading or patterns, or made of thicker, textured fabrics to give some added oomph to your upper bod.

The Wiggles

The Wiggles are those mysterious little flabs on the back of our arms (the area muscle-pumping guys call a “tricep”). Since most of us may not have hours to spend at the gym trying to tighten them up, we’ve come up with a few tricks. Among our favorites: ¾-length-sleeve tees, elbow-length cashmere cardigans, and bell- or kimono-sleeved tunics…perfect for flattering those little somethings you haven’t had the chance to work on just yet.

 Belly Babes: Halters are a great style for your shape—especially baby dolls. They cinch at the chest and drape downward, flattering the tummy. Stick with fabrics that have a bit of stretch and lay softly over the skin. Flared, empire-waist tanks with wider straps are another flattering option.

 Broads: The plunging neckline of halters balances broader shoulders and elongates your shape by drawing attention front and center. As for tanks, experiment with racer backs, which can flatter and feminize the line of your shoulders.

EMPIRE WAIST: This is a look that’s drenched in femininity. When you want to flatter an extra bit of belly or amp up a small chest, head straight for this style. With a raised waistline that hits just below the bust, empire tops flatter long torsos because they camouflage the natural waistline, and short torsos because they lengthen the midsection. In other words, it’s hard to go wrong. Since this tends to be a more voluminous look, empire waists often work best with more fitted bottoms. There’s something easygoing and a bit bohemian about this style—top it off with a pair of wedges and a long, beaded necklace for an effortlessly sexy look.

 Busties: V-neck styles in soft, brushed cottons with ruching beneath the bust help create an hourglass shape. Kimono-style empire waists are especially flattering (on various body types) and we love them because the flared arms balance out bigger boobs. Busties should look for lower empire tops that sit below the boobs rather than cutting across them.

 Tatas: This is the ideal top for small busts, especially when it’s fitted. The tight cinch under the bust will help make the breasts look bigger, creating a curvier figure. Sign us up! For a little extra punch, Tatas can try on styles that have extra detailing, such as belts or bows just under the boobs.

 Belly Babes: Empires are the Belly Babe’s best buddy since they bring the focus to the chest, away from the belly. The high waistband completely hides the tummy, creating a sexy flow and curvy body shape. Stock up on ’em!

 Broads: Styles designed with daring V-necks and cinching at the bust will go a long way to enhance your shape. High-cut sleeves that are set in a bit on the shoulder will create a narrow line. You can also experiment with ribbed fabrics or vertical patterns that give the illusion of long lines—empire tops with ties that hang down can achieve the same effect.

FABULOUS FEMMES

Deena:

Pure Italian, from her dark locks to her sun-kissed olive skin, Deena is a Dainty who decks out her delicate frame in feminine pieces with funky, eclectic touches. “For years, I’ve been insisting that I must be built completely unlike anyone else…I’m curvy and petite, barely over five foot one. Of course, thanks to the three-inch heels I wear, I really consider myself to be more like five foot four!”

Jeans (always with heels) “are one of the most important staples in my closet,” she says. She favors a mid-to-low waist with boot- or slim-cuts in darker rinses, which she says “tend to be most flattering.”

Over the years, Deena has learned how to max out her petite frame. “I realized if I wore really high heels but kept my jeans as long as possible (so they just graze the floor), I could make my legs appear much longer than they really are, especially with a more fitted thigh and slight flare at the ankle. I do this with all of my pants, too…it’s key for girls with short legs.” Deena proves that you don’t have to be built like a runway model to wear super-slim-cuts. “I especially like to wear them with heels and a tunic or sexy off-the-shoulder top that hits just below my hips to create one lean line. All of my slim jeans have a bit of stretch. I live in them!”

Britt:

Britt rocks. Literally. The only girl in the popular Los Angeles–based band Guilt by Association, she holds her own against the guys onstage and off. Blond, busty, and leggy (she stands five foot eleven), we love her laid-back style, which includes lots of jeans, layered tees or tanks, and Converse sneakers or flip-flops.

But finding the right jeans isn’t so easy. “Let me describe my shopping nightmares: a tiny dressing room filled to the brim with jeans in any size from 8 to 12, because designers just aren’t consistent. I also have to search for everything in long or extra long, which very few stores carry.” Finding flattering tops can also be a challenge because of her athletic torso (her arms are buff from years of surfing). “For shirts to fit over my breasts and not squeeze too tight around my arms, I usually have to buy a size large, which makes the shirt stick out around my tummy with a very boxy look. To fix this, I usually choose a soft, stretchy material.”

Among Britt’s favorites are empire-waist tops. To avoid a blousy, tent effect, she looks for styles that sit low on her chest and accentuate her cleavage but “in a nontrashy way.” Most flattering are hemlines that fall right at the middle of her tush, paired with fitted jeans. By pulling focus to her chest (not boobs) and shoulders and choosing a streamlined bottom, she balances the flowing style of the shirt. “When I shop for clothes, the first things I check are my butt and my boobs. If they look good, then I will consider the rest. It can be challenging to find the right fit but when I do it is super cute!” We couldn’t agree more. Rock on, Britt!

Barb:

Deliciously down-to-earth, Barb is a girl’s girl through and through. This entrepreneurial mother of three loves to cook, so how apropos that she whipped up her very own line of homemade brown sugar body scrubs and lotions, which are now selling like hotcakes! Always on the go, Barb’s everyday look is purely clean and classic. “I used to want to believe I was an ‘hourglass,’” she says, “but whenever I tried to follow the ‘rules,’ I would end up looking goofy.” After much experimenting, she now characterizes her figure as “athletic with a twist of femme fatale. I have a ‘petite’ torso and regular legs, broad shoulders, and a round rib cage that makes me appear larger in a side view.”

Barb loves to pair modern, curve-hugging jeans with dark neutrals such as black and brown—and of course, an amazing pair of heels! “No matter what your height, jeans should be worn with heels—otherwise curvy can look dumpy.” Since she has what she calls “a bit of a hook in the back,” some jeans tend to have an unsightly gap there. To remedy the problem, she has her mother “toddlerize” them by opening the waistband and adding a six-inch nonrolling elastic band. “They look like toddler pants when they are not on your body, but they fit perfectly.”

Barb never tucks in her tops and favors styles that fit her hips and waist—stretchy button-down blouses that are tailored at the waist, along with form-fitting crewneck, boatneck, and V-neck tees. Even in the simplest jeans and top, she’s one hot mama!

Maya:

Artsy and beautiful with a bohemian flair, Maya glows without a stitch of makeup and has perfected the art of being supercomfy and stylish. Whether she’s making an appearance at one of the hip boutiques that sell her line of jewelry, Maya Brenner Designs, or hitting the farmers’ market with her kids, she is always pulled together in the most effortless way. When asked to describe her body, she says, “My figure now or before having two kids?!” Although motherhood may have blessed her with a little “flesh apron” on her tummy, her thin legs, curvy chest, and toned shoulders are her favorite spots to flaunt.

A native of California, Maya has been a jeans lover all her life. These days, she likes them “roomy in the hips, tighter on the legs, hitting right below the belly button. The best fitting pant—every time I wear them, everyone says that I look so skinny—are the ‘Angel’ cords by AG. Very tight in the legs, but roomier in the butt and waist.” She pairs them with fluttery feminine blouses or structured cotton tops with lace or embroidered details…and usually a pretty-but-practical shoe, such as a modern clog or flip-flop. Who knew casual could look so irresistible!