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It’s not really about looking great in whatever you wear; it’s about knowing what you must wear to look great no matter what. Not all trends, cuts, colors, and even specific articles of clothing look good on everyone. Even celebrities have flaws to hide.

The trick to looking fab all the time really is in knowing your body type and picking clothes that would flatter your figure and highlight your best features. Stylist and fashion guru Donna Cuna Pita discussed the basic body types and what clothes would work best for each. Here are some tips on dressing for your body type:

Pear
Characteristics: thin upper body, full hips and thighs
What works best:
- light colored tops to highlight the upper part of the body
- dark colored bottoms to minimize the lower part
What to avoid: thigh-hugging skirts; go for A-line skirts instead

Apple
Characteristics: full breasts and stomach, thin legs and hips
What works best:
- dark tops that have a slimming effect
- light colored bottoms to minimize the torso area
- tailored tops give you shape
What to avoid: tight skirts—you’ll only end up looking like a lollipop

Ruler
Characteristics: not much curves to speak of
What works best:
- belted dresses with full skirts
- ruffled tops or skirts that add volume to your frame

Full-figured
Characteristics: curvy and voluptuous
Styling tip: wear heels to lengthen your body
What to avoid: clothes that are too loose, as they only make you look bigger

Hourglass
Characteristics: proportional bust, waist, and hips; ten-inch difference between breasts and waist, and breasts and hips; easy to dress
Styling tip:
- accentuate the waist with belted tops and dresses
- lengthen the form with straight cut pants

See the gallery below for suggested pieces for each body type, courtesy of the FN Dressing Room October Collection.