Interesting question! In general, I've found the old rule of top/bottom contrast in silhouette to be helpful: if one is tight or narrow, the other should be loose or wide, etc. (I think I found that in the Kibbe book, long ago; it must appeal to my Libra need for balance.) Dressing myself (5'2", with a short torso and longish neck & limbs) I start with the neckline: big or fussy collars are out, but narrow, sharp ones work, and the very best is a simple, round neckline that grazes my collarbone--if I can find that in a tee, dress, or sweater, everything else seems to fall into place. After that, shoulders should be precise, not sloppy, and sleeves fitted. Cropped jackets, narrow-legged pants, 3/4- or elbow-length sleeves, and shoes with 2" heels all make me feel better proportioned, too.

UKSue, thank you for the kind compliments! I am blushing.

You're right - I do have some curves -- Angie dubbed me a slim hourglass/rectangle. There is no hourglass at all up top (except my shoulders) -- the curvy bits are on the bottom half. But it does mean I have a waist of sorts to show. Not a hugely defined one, but a waist nonetheless.

Related to tunics -- I do like trapeze shaped tops on me a lot. Waist surrender works really well. But I don't wear the tops tunic length -- it just seems to throw things off on me.

I think tunics and untucked button-downs are my friends as they help even out my proportions. Me in a cropped top is another "sign me up for the circus" look.I feel like I basically have no waist, as there is only an 8" difference between my waist and my hips, and a 5.5" difference between my waist and my bust.

I'll have to back to read all the responses. What an educational thread, thanks for starting it Staysfit.

I don't know if I have pearls to offer, but I do know as a curvy petite with full hips that I'm careful about waistlines on skirts and dresses. I look for dresses and skirts without gathers or large pleats, because they add bulk just where I don't want it, making me look both pregnant and pearish. Full skirts look cute on short me but it sure isn't elegant! Petite knee length sheath dresses have been my friend as they hit my defined waist in the right spot. Tucked high waists give me a longer leg line but also very pearish in the back view. It's not my favorite look on myself for that reason.

Sorry I haven't checked back in for a while, I had a long work day! I am learning so much by reading everyone's pearls! Thanks for all the helpful tips everyone!

As someone with a long rise, long torso, shorter legs, shoulders slightly broader than my hips (my hip measurement is all in my bum, not the width of my hip bones, and my widest point is the top of my thighs vs hip shelf), and a slim waist, the most traditionally figure balancing look I can wear is a fitted top tucked into a full skirt that hits at my natural waist (and is fitted there) and ends around knee length. The fullness of the skirt makes my hips & shoulders look equal and exaggerates my waist's size by comparison, moving me more towards the hourglass 'ideal' & that length/style skirt gives the impression of longer legs too. Oh & peplums work well, for similar hip-volumising issues, as long as the waist seam matches my natural waist. Usually they hit too high, on my ribcage instead, which makes me look boxier. Empire waists are not the most flattering option.

As someone with a delicate, widely set bosom (traditional cleavage is pretty much a physical impossibility!), I've noticed body con knits with a round neckline (either crew or scoop) make me look bustier. And square necklines best play up my decolletage; I think because of the contrast between the straight lines of the clothing & the rounded lines of my chest.

My short neck looks longest if I'm either wearing my hair up or down at chin length or shorter.

I have to pay close attention to the armscye region; a lot of armholes hit significantly lower than my actual armpit, which makes for a sloppy looking garment.

My small curves look best in either very fitted looks to show them or deliberately waist surrendering/voluminous ones. The in-between ground of 'tailored,' like the traditional button down shirt, is very tricky, as it tends to just make me look boxy. Especially in wovens!

That's about all I can think of for now! In case it helps anyone else. This thread has been great fun to read!

E., a close friend has a figure very like yours, and she's always looked best in square and deep U-shaped necklines, too. So feminine with a neat waist.

Suz, do you find that you can wear longer (tunic-length) cardigans, if you leave them unbuttoned? I don't look good in tunics, either, but long, narrow cardigans give me a slouchy 1920s feel that I like a lot.

Staysfit, just wanted to say that I thought the proportions of that long striped knit dress & short cardigan in your other post were just right. And a toned body deserves a dress like that!

My recent realization--as in realizing I was already doing it--is that I need a defined hipline to feel okay. I have broad shoulders and narrower hips; and hormones and stress have done unkind things to my midsection. But if I wear a pair of jeans or a slim skirt with a fluid top, I feel good.

As for the top of me, with my square shoulders and short neck (and big head too), it's definitely open necklines all the way! Vs or anything carved out. I think I like moto styling because the collar forms a V. My constant challenge is picking necklines low enough for flattery and high enough for work appropriateness.

Great to hear everyone's thought process!

Tulle, thanks for the complement! I love that dress, and after reading Angies recent post about uni leg Maxi skirts, I can appreciate it even more!

Every time someone posts their pearls, If I have a moment, I am looking at their WIW's. This is very helpful in getting some concrete understanding of the proportions. I am learning so much!

Tulle, yes -- I do like a long, open cardigan. The one I like best is a bit longer than traditional tunic length on me -- more like a mini dress length. I liked wearing it this winter a lot.