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30 Closet Staples Every Woman Should Have

Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut Jeans

Skinny jeans are the most popular cut right now, but they aren’t the most flattering cut for a lot of people because they cling to the body and highlight any problem areas. Bootcut jeans, on the other hand, hug your body in all the right places, and the slight flare at the bottom makes your legs appear longer and leaner. Opt for a dark wash pair, and wear it with your favorite collared button-down or a loose tank and cardigan and finish off your look with a pair of open-toe pumps.

(Image via Instagram)

Longline Cardigans

Longline Cardigans

The appeal of longline cardigans is right there in the name: they make your body look longer! Cardigans that hit at the waist make you look shorter, so choose cardigans that go to at least mid-thigh or longer. There are so many ways you can rock a longline cardigan, including over a printed dress, an A-line skirt and tee, or over a tank and skinny jeans. Increase your height even more by adding a pair of pointed-toe heels, and you’ll look as tall as Karlie Kloss.

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Wrap Dresses and Tops

Wrap Dresses and Tops

The crisscross pattern of wrap dresses and tops has the effect of making your midsection appear smaller while also creating an hourglass shape due to the draping. Wrap dresses are super hot this season, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your budget. Style your wrap tops with dark wash jeans or pencil skirts, and wear your wrap dresses with a pair of pumps or heeled booties.

(Image via Instagram)

Belted Tunics

Belted Tunics

A shapeless tunic may do nothing for your figure, but when you add a thin belt to it, voilà! Now you automatically have an hourglass figure. Tunics are also super easy and versatile when it comes to styling. You can wear them with knee-high boots, pumps, flats, or sandals. If it’s cold outside, add a pair of tights and a cardigan or blazer.

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Silk Blouses

Silk Blouses

Silk blouses are so chic, and they work on everyone’s figure! They just have a way of draping your body perfectly and grazing over any problem areas you may have. Champagne or blush-pink-colored silk blouses look expensive even if you buy them at Forever 21, and you can pair them with your favorite black pencil skirt, black skinny jeans, or high-waisted dress pants.

(Image via Instagram)

Trench Coats

Trench Coats

If you only invest in one good coat, make it a trench coat. They never go out of style, and they are universally flattering. Trench coats lengthen your body, and they have a built-in belt, which helps accentuate your figure. You can wear your trench coat over just about anything, from dresses and pants to tops and jumpsuits. Any kind of shoes also work with these coats, so don your favorite pair of riding boots, booties, heels, flats, or even Converse!

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A-line Skirts

A-line Skirts

The A-line cut is one of the most flattering because it starts at the narrowest part of your waist and flares out from there, creating a feminine silhouette even if you have an athletic build. A-line skirts look great in both solid colors and patterns, so take your pick! Combine it with a fitted top and leather jacket or a loose button-down. Wear a pair of pumps or pointed-toe flats for a sleek finish.

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Paneled Dresses

Paneled Dresses

Paneled dresses are vertically color-blocked, and they can make you look thinner than you've ever imagined. Seek out a dress that has a white panel in the middle and black panels on the sides, and it will create the illusion of a much thinner frame. Add some color to your outfit by adding red pumps, gold jewelry, and a blazer if it gets chilly.

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Leather Jackets

Leather Jackets

Wearing leather anything gives you a touch of “tough rocker chick” while also looking classy, and the greatest leather item you can own is a jacket. These generally fit closer to your body, but the thick material and somewhat shiny appearance makes you look smoother. Pair a leather jacket with jeans and a tee, a casual dress, or even a cocktail dress! You can dress it up or down. Throw on a pair of leather pumps or suede booties, and you’re all set.

(Image via Instagram)

Structured Blazers

Structured Blazers

Blazers are great because you can wear one to work and look classy and refined, or you can throw one on over white jeans and a tee for a chic, casual look. Structured blazers give you powerful shoulders and a defined waistline, so no matter your figure, they will look great on you. For work, pair one with a silk blouse and dress pants, or for going out, wear it with dress shorts or over a bodycon dress and pumps.

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Pleated Midi Wrap Skirts

Pleated Midi Wrap Skirts

Midi skirts are having a huge moment right now. Pleated skirts have the perfect amount of volume. It doesn’t cling to the body and highlight those areas we’d rather not show off. You can pair it with a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers or with a blouse and low heels for an upscale look.

(Image via Ann-Taylor)

Collarless Blazers

Collarless Blazers

A traditional blazer can be a problem for women with a larger chest. The collar and lapels sit in a weird spot or bend and can look pretty unflattering. Instead, try a collarless blazer. They don’t have that problem, and the smooth lines look super sleek.  

(Image via Pinterest)

Column Dresses

Column Dresses

For tall builds, a simple column dress is an amazing choice. The seams help accentuate the body while giving you an hourglass shape. If you’re going with a simple column dress, don’t forget to accessorize. You can choose a pattern instead, something we recommend if you’re wearing it for an event.

(Image via ASOS)

Skater Dresses

Skater Dresses

We all know about A-line skirts, but we may not think about skater dresses! They’re similar to A-line (and just as flattering), but shorter. For some, A-line dresses look less matronly, but it’s all personal preferences. You can style it any way you’d style an A-line dress.

(Image via ASOS)

Ruched Dresses

Ruched Dresses

Athletic builds look fantastic in ruched dresses. It helps create a silhouette of a curvy figure—even if it’s a little on the slim side. The best part of this is that ruched dresses are totally in. You can pair a ruched dress with booties or even just sandals, depending on the season.

(Image via DressBarn)

Pencil Skirts

Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts hug your hips and make the most flattering figure possible. We suggest getting a pencil skirt and having it tailored so it hugs your hips just above your hips. Then, the rest of it will skim your legs as it tapers in.

(Image via DressBarn)

Short, Asymmetrical Dresses

Short, Asymmetrical Dresses

For petite figures, you want to give the appearance that you’re taller, and nothing is better at this than an asymmetrical dress. When picking your asymmetrical dress, pick something shorter. Maxi dresses can make you look even smaller!

(Image via ASOS)

Shift Dresses

Shift Dresses

Shift dresses work on everyone. Anyone that hates a shift dress just isn’t wearing the right size! The trick is to buy one that’s big enough to fit comfortably over the largest part of your body. If you’re really worried, you can get it tailored for your body type. We love shift dresses because you can wear them with heels or sneakers.

(Image via DressBarn)

Bell-Shaped Skirts

Bell-Shaped Skirts

Bell-shaped skirts hug your hips while flaring out around your legs. The length of the bell skirt depends on your height. If you have longer legs, a longer bell skirt works. For shorter women, a try to find one that ends just above the knee.

(Image via Amazon)

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans became so popular for the sole reason that they look flattering on all body types. A good pair of boyfriend jeans should follow your legs evenly all the way down. The only place it should feel really loose is where your calves taper down to your ankles. Then, the cuff should be the tightest spot.

(Image via DressBarn)

Co-ords

Co-ords

Co-ords are a new trend that’s popping up around the world. Many people love them because you don’t have to worry about matching everything. The only thing you need to look out for with co-ords is wearing a pattern that isn’t dated. That could turn your cute outfit into a ’70s flashback. Since there are so many types of co-ords, you can wear them for any occasion.

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Cropped Moto Jackets

Cropped Moto Jackets

Everyone should own a moto jacket, but if you’re worried about flattering your body, get a cropped one. Don’t just grab any crapped moto jacket off the shelf. Try it on and make sure that it ends around your natural waist. Cropped moto jackets are especially useful for women with larger chests.

(Image via Bloomingdales)

High-Waisted Jeans

High-Waisted Jeans

High-waisted jeans have a bad reputation since many people still call them “mom jeans.” Here’s the dealio: high-waisted jeans create a perfect hourglass shape. They hug your body at the waist, and honestly, make your butt look great. High-waisted jeans are best paired with a casual look.  

(Image via ASOS)

Vertical Stripe Tops

Vertical Stripe Tops

Ever get confused about which types of stripes you should wear? Vertical is the answer. Horizontal stripes can make you wider, while vertical makes you look taller. We suggest wearing a vertical striped top because it’ll elongate your body. Don’t be afraid to dress this one up or down!

(Image via Ann-Taylor)

Wide-Leg Pants

Wide-Leg Pants

We’re talking super wide—the kind that almost looks like a dress when your legs are close together. Find a wide-leg pant that cinches at the waist, so it creates a contrast. Wide-leg pants look fantastic with a blouse and flats or a t-shirt and sneakers.

(Image via ASOS)

Peplum Tops

Peplum Tops

Bring back this classic 1940s look! The reason why is pretty obvious. It hugs the waist then flares at the hips to make the ideal hourglass silhouette. Peplum tops flatter pretty much any figure, no matter your body type!

(Image via Kohls)

Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Some women dislike showing their shoulders—why? Showing off your shoulders is super flattering (and it’s also super trendy right now). If you’re really worried, pair this top with a high-waisted skirt or pair of pants to accentuate your waist. Your off-the-shoulder top should be fitted, so try it on before you buy.

(Image via Ann-Taylor)

V-Neck Dresses

V-Neck Dresses

Everyone looks beautiful in a V-neck dress. It’s sensual and stunning, but you don’t have to wear a low-cut design if you don’t want to. A cami under a V-neck dress can create the same flattering look without all the skin. This type of dress is most flattering if it’s cinched at the waist either by a belt or tailoring.

(Image via DressBarn)

Sweetheart-Neckline Tops

Sweetheart-Neckline Tops

Whether it’s a top or a dress, sweetheart necklines are popular for a reason because they’re flattering for any body type. Designers are starting to bring this neckline out of wedding attire so women can wear it for any occasion—casual and otherwise! This top is also fantastic if you want to create the illusion of a larger chest.

(Image via DressBarn)

Bubble Skirt

Bubble Skirt

Unlike other skirts on the list, the bubble skirt is wide throughout. The only place it’s tight is right around the waist. This design is universally flattering for women of all shapes and sizes. You can also dress it up with a sweetheart-neckline blouse and heels or down with a t-shirt and sneakers.  

(Image via Pinterest)