By Lorraine Russo

For those of us who felt left out when nature handed out curves, don’t be sad, you can make your own. Here are stye tips for the boyish body type.

As I’ve mentioned in past articles, the way we look depends very much on illusion and making your boyish shape look more voluptuous is simply a matter of what you wear.  Our eyes see what we ‘make them see’ so by wearing clothes that drape this way and that, we can look as though we have a smaller waist or fuller bust.  Stylists know these nuances and that’s why some of our favorite celebrities look as fabulous as they do.   Below are some of the tricks of the trade that these personal stylists impart on their clients.  Now you are in the know.

The Boysish body type is a Square Torso/Small Bust/Thin legs

Katherine Hepburn had the classic boyish body type.

Choose bias cuts and fabrics with movement; Asymmetrical styles give a natural waistline

Jackets

Choose tailored styles that taper at the waist

Cropped styles work well

 Skirts

Choose straight skirts with flat fronts

Go for styles that taper at the knees

  Pants

Flat fronts work for shorter women

Pleats work for taller women

  Dresses

Shorter lengths show off the waist

Go for wraps, A-line and empire waits

Details and ruuching at the waist are flattering

Bold prints gibe a voluptuous illusion

Necklines

Scoop and V-necks work well

Lorraine Russo is a professional fashion consultant and personal stylist with more than fifteen years’ experience working for major department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Rich’s, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Lorraine has given fashion and wardrobe seminars ranging from “Organizing Your Wardrobe” to “Making Your Image Work For You”. She is the founder and owner of Lorraine Claire Collections, a line of unique “little black dresses”.