We often hear about body shape and scale but do you consider your proportions (that is the length of your upper body compared to your lower body, and your waist placement). Once you understand your proportions you can adjust the way you wear your clothes to give the illusion of a balanced body. The most successful outfits are those in which the waist appears to be in the centre of the torso.
You are high-waisted if:
You generally don’t tuck in
You do not wear belts on your waistline
You have a short midriff (little space between your bust and natural waistline)
You often find trouser legs are too short
Your hips look high
You are low-waisted if:
Your tops feel too short
Looking at yourself sideways, your bottom appears low
Trousers fit you, but the legs are too long
You do not like yourself in full skirts
How To Dress For Your Proportions
Tops
High Waist: Leave loose over waist or blouse over
Balanced: You choose
Low Waist: Tuck in or belt
Waistband
High Waist: None or lower
Balanced: Leave as is
Low Waist: High or defined
Trousers
High Waist: Wider leg trousers are good
Balanced: You choose
Low Waist: You choose, but not too wide
Skirts
High Waist: You choose
Balanced: You choose
Low Waist: Minimum volume
Dresses
High Waist: Low-waisted
Balanced: You choose
Low Waist: Empire style is good
Shoes
High Waist: Low heels or flats
Balanced: You choose
Low Waist: Medium to high heels with open fronts