Don't have the perfect body? No problem. All you need to know before you walk in style is your shape. Large or thin, just cocoon yourself right. By P S Bhavana

Yawn! Another day... The clock strikes a routine day. 7 am: You rummage through the cupboard; ten minutes later the bed is a heap of clothes and you are an emotional mess. Nothing fits right, nothing satisfies you; you have nothing to wear! Sounds familiar? Many of us go through this ordeal every day even though our closets are stacked to the top of the cupboard (Psst: Don't let your man read this!).

What's the answer? One thing for sure - putting together a look doesn't mean wearing pin stripes (especially if you are matchstick-like) or sporting layers (definitely not if you are pear-shaped) - just because they did the rounds of the catwalks this year! Instead read these style pointers and evolve your personal style.

Body Type? What's That?
It is the shape of the body. Recognising your shape will solve many of the wardrobe crises you have faced in the past. Why do you wear some clothes more than others and why still others just don't seem fine however hard you try! Always consider the widest or the thinnest part of your body as your strength instead of a weakness.

Heavy On The Bust
Many women pay to get this anatomical feature, mind you! But in case you still feel very conscious of this fullness, avoid seams on the bust and heavy embellishments close to the area. In Western styles, keep big lapels, short sleeves,big belts and tucked-in tops far away from you. Try duster-length jackets (long, below-the-knee jackets) or skirts and pants with interesting details instead. And if you are a salwar-kameez lover then avoid yokes, empire lines (stitch lines below the bust) and heavy embroidery near the bust area. Always think of drawing the eye downwards.

Heavy On The Top And Bottom But Shaped On The Waist
This is a shape women dig, and if you are blessed with one (even if it is not the 36-24-36 type) capitalise on it! Think various shapes of pants, shirtwaist dresses, contoured jackets and tucked-in tops. Try tops that have a shaped waist as opposed to a straight shape. This emphasises a slimmer waist. You could add accessories, too.

Heavy On The Bottom
A figure most women dread! Avoid loose clothes. Skirts and pants that are well-fitted on the hips, fabrics cut in bias (diagonally) or fishtail (overall tapering) designs are good for a leaner look. Use stretch fabrics for bottoms. And slightly flared trousers add style. The ideal top length is if you keep your arms straight down it should reach half your palm's length. Always draw the eye up with accessories. Huge buttons, zips, decorative trims and hemlines are a big no-no. Don't tuck shirts or tops at the waist. Try single colour (monochromatic) dressing and shoulder pads.

Wide On The Waist
A lot of cheese, a bit of butter and some chocolates is all it takes to reach here! A shorter top is ideal with trousers or skirts. But avoid shirts that are long. Wear flared skirts and trousers that take the attention away from the waist. Avoid body-hugging dresses and kurtas. Coordinate a bright colour with a dull shade for maximum impact. Please don't wrap chunky belts even if you adore them! Replace them with slim belts.

Skinny
If you sport this shape then please get down to eating right. But knock at a doctor's door if you have an anorexic mind frame! Tight clothes are better for this figure. Seams at the bustline and heavily worked clothes are nice. Overlaps, layers, ruching and bulky fabrics work well, too. Attention on details is great. You can add them on trousers, skirts, shirts or any other silhouette. Try medium-size accessories this time.

Athletic Build
Are you a workout freak? But don't venture into the extremes unless sports are your life. Add oodles of femininity to your wardrobe (of course this wouldn't work if you are the tomboy kinds!). Try short tops and skirts in soft fabrics like crepes, chiffons and voiles. Wear kurtas, floral prints, and pretty colours for some pizzazz.

Broad But Flat On The Upper
Having a small bust size doesn't mean you are unattractive. You could work around it and build your confidence. Wear well-fitted tops (can be a little loose but the shoulders should not be hanging over). High necks and 'V' necks would make you look better. Don't load your neck with heavy jewellery. Instead shift them to your waist.

Big Overall (Obese)
This is a shape that calls for a lot of attention, but nothing to fret about. Wear nothing too tight, too skimpy, too short or too loud. But what's left? Wear straight skirts teamed with kurta-length tops or shirts or trousers that drape well in softer fabrics. In Indian wear flaunt a sari, as this silhouette conceals flaws more than you ever imagined!

Next time you shop or get clothes tailored, remember all you need is a pair of keen eyes, one for style and the other for detail. Also don't forget to ask the mirror, what's your shape!

Vinita Sawant, Designer, Barcode
"I keep the fabric in mind when I design for women with not-so-perfectbodies. I go in for softer, flowy fabrics and stretchable fabrics in dark colours.Unlined contoured jackets with princess lines, trousers with a straight fit work well. So do beltless, semi low-waist trousers (two inches or five cm below the waist) or belted versions that are about two-and-half cm lower than the waist. I design with zips on the side rather than the center for a flat front. I would advise heavy women to avoid gaudy colours, big prints and boot cut trousers."

Nisha Somaia, Director, Revolutions
"We have had women in our store who have sobbed because they do not fit the socially required measurements of beauty! Almost all Indian women have typical Khajuraho figures which is essentially a heavy hip and bust with a small waistline and shoulders. First and foremost is comfort. Feasibility is another very important aspect for large sizes. Women across the board, regardless of size, are very comfortable in black."