Dress your shape ... boyish figure

Every woman wants to know how to dress to flatter her figure – how to show off the best bits and disguise those least-favourite parts (and let's face it we all have them). The good news is you don't need the money of an A-list celebrity or Demi Moore's plastic surgeon to do this.

There are basic rules on what to wear to make the most of your body, follow these rather than slavishly following fashion and you'll know what to buy, what to avoid and soon be dressing to suit your shape. Simple really.

Add feminine curves to a boyish figure

Role models: Nicole Kidman, Trinny Woodhall, Tara Palmer Tomkinson

Do

Try jackets, tops and dresses that are shaped in at the waist, or create instant curves by cinching clothes in with a ribbon or wide belt

Wear volume - full or pleated skirts help create the illusion of a fuller figure and look great with a fitted top. Ruffle shirts look feminine and draw the eye away from a straight body shape

Enhance your figure with an elegant wrap dress, tied at the waist to add shape. Or show off slim legs in pair of skinny jeans

Don't

Wear skin-tight tops, these simply highlight what you haven't got

Avoid anything loose fitting and baggy. Shapeless clothes make you look shapeless

Steer clear of cropped boxy jackets, shrugs and boleros - your lack of waist will be on full display

How to dress:

An hourglass figure

A petite frame

To flatter big breasts

To flatter a larger bum