Pear Shaped

This is the most common body shape - hips are wider than shoulders, waist is usually quite well defined.

What suit's: Strapless, V-neck or scooped necklines, possibly in off shoulder styles. A-line is the best shape, but avoid too full a skirt. Empress line can also work well. Diagonal draping on the bodice is very flattering.

What to Avoid: Halter-necks or high cut necks make hips look bigger. Bias or straight cut dresses also emphasis hips, as do full, gathered or pleated skirts. Avoid any bulk around the hips. Mermaid styles just won't work.

Rectangle

Here the hips and shoulders are about the same width, and there is not much definition at the waist

What suit's: Go for a waistline with a V shape at the front to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Structured and corseted bodices with fairly full skirts also achieve this effect. Empire line styles particularly well as do bias cuts if you are tall. Keep necklines wide and use detailing either above or below the waist, not both.

What to Avoid: Halter necks or high necks make the shoulders look narrow and as result do not flatter the waist. Avoid ruching or draping in the waist area. Straight cut dresses are in danger of making you look boxy.

Triangle

Really an inverted triangle, with the shoulders wider than the hips. Most models are this shape.

What suit's: Bias cut or straight cut dresses can look very sophisticated, and this shape can easily take very full ball gown styles. Halter-necks or higher cut necks balance shoulders and hips and flatter a smaller chest. Bustles or bows in the hip area can add shapeliness.

What to Avoid: Very low cut neckline can make you look "all top" unless carefully balanced. Avoid full or very fancy sleeves and wider necklines.

Hourglass

Hips and shoulders are the same width and there is a well defined waist. Think Marilyn Monroe!

What suit's: Strapless, V-neck or scooped neckline. Off shoulder styles work well but in any case keep the neckline quite low. A-line is a good shape; a shapely mermaid style works well for slimmer hourglasses. Use ruching or draping to disguise less perfect bits!

What to Avoid: Bias cut or straight dresses don't suit the typical curves of the hourglass unless you are very tall and slim. Gathered or pleated skirts can make your hips look big, so be careful. Empire styles will hide your best features.