Shopping can be torture, especially if you are faced with common trouble spots such as wide hips, large thighs and sagging upper arms. Don’t give up! There are solutions to all your shopping challenges even when it seems like stores are filled with rows of outfits that do not work for your body type.

You may think you are too tall, too short, too large, and even too square. But isn’t that what makes us unique? Thank goodness we come in different sizes, shapes and colors. How boring it would be if we were all identical!

We also have different tastes: what one person finds beautiful, another may find ugly. Equally, what some women may consider a well-coordinated or balanced ensemble, others may find uncoordinated and disproportionate. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder! And every culture has its own concept of beauty. The bottom line is, true beauty comes from within, and everyone radiates his or her individual beauty!

But to set you on the road to fulfill your desire to be even more beautiful than you already are, here are some pointers.

To appear taller:

Choose straight-legged pants that sit just below the waist. Avoid boot cuts and flashy leggings. For skirts, choose A-line skirts that fall just below the knee. Mini-skirts are a definite no-no. For tops, select fitted shirts and V-necks. When wearing a blazer or cardigan, leave it unbuttoned to create a vertical line. Any stripes on the garment should be vertical. Opt for monochromatic outfits. Match pantyhose shade to skirt or pants and shoe color. Avoid big belts, which cut you in half visually. Avoid chokers. If you can wear heels, choose them over flats.

To minimize your bust line:

The idea is to not attract attention to your upper curves. If you feel uncomfortable about a large bust, avoid round necklines and select V-necks, wear three-quarter sleeves, not sleeves that end in line with your bust. Horizontal lines are an absolute no-no. Adopt long jackets and shirts. Finally, wear solid dark colors and avoid patterns and motifs.

To maximize your bust line:

Select loose blouses and tops to create an impression of a fuller bust and steer clear of fitted blouses and t-shirts. Of course, you can always opt for a padded bra. Wear accessories that enhance the cleavage and also give the illusion of a more voluminous bust. Think long necklaces and ties.

Wide Hips:

Isn’t that most women’s bugaboo? The easiest way to balance a bottom-heavy figure is to choose a dress that skims over the lower half of the body. A dress that features a plunging halter to show off the face, shoulders and bust is a great choice. Keep the line long by choosing dresses in single solid colors that are slim-cut as they elongate and trim the figure.

Choose fitted jackets that end well above your widest point. Also wear tops or jackets with structured shoulders or puffy sleeves to balance out wide hips. Rely on a formfitting skirt—not a tight one--in a non-clingy fabric.

Select straight but fluid-legged pants. Above all, stay away from fitted jeans or slacks. As for colors, choose dark ones like navy blue, brown, gray, or black, as they will help minimize your hips. Light colors make you appear larger. Keep your belly button covered and forget about belts. Your secret weapon: high heels!

Broad shoulders:

You don't need to hide your upper body if you have broad shoulders. Instead, look for oversized details, like a wide hem and slightly A-line skirts to add balance. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim skirts or pants, as they will exaggerate your shoulder width.

If your shoulders are very wide, avoid shoulder pads as well as boat necklines. However, raglan sleeves and V -necks are your best allies.

Aging arms

Don't worry, you don't have to look matronly to cover up sagging upper arms. The trick is to keep the sexy element like this dress from Laundry.

Thick Waist:

Disguise a thick waist by either raising or lowering the waistline. An apron dress, for example, with a raised waist is flattering. A drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere around the hipbones, is another good alternative.

Last thoughts...

Before buying any clothes or accessories, always ask yourself, What is important TO ME? Designer’s clothes? The quality of the fabric? The price? Be mindful.

In my professional opinion, the fit of your clothes is the most important factor to consider when going shopping. Always start with the largest part of your body first and ensure that what you choose fits properly! Select every piece of clothing and accessory with care, look after them well and make certain that everything you wear enhances your appearance!

Finally, walk erect. Engage your abs, tighten your glutes and think of a string pulling the crown of your head toward the sky.