The best looks for pear shapes

Pear shapes are fuller on the lower half so dress to enhance your top half: try a top with details that draw the eye (like a dress or top with big or embellished shoulders). Or balance yourself out: try a dress with a fitted top and fuller skirt. Try wearing plain trousers or skirts. Wear a longer jacket, as a short one will exaggerate your bottom half (although make sure it doesn’t finish at the widest part of your bottom). Well-fitting pencil skirts are good as they should cling in the right places, and have a slight corseting effect Photograph: Rob Biddulph

Brushstroke dress £65 Warehouse, www.warehouse.co.uk Photograph: PR

Diane Von Furstenberg dress the black side panel shaves off width. £356, Matches www.matchesfashion.com Photograph: PR

Dorothy Perkins dress Figure flattering darker side panels. Dorothy Perkins, £40. www.dorothyperkins.com Photograph: PR

Holly Willoughby short-sleeve dress £35, www.very.co.uk Photograph: PR

One-shoulder dress £14, George at Asda, 0500 100 055 Photograph: PR

Gold dress £450, John Rocha, 020 7495 2233 Photograph: Martin Eidemak/PR

Asos skirt the black side panels slim your silhouette. £20, Asos, www.asos.com Photograph: PR

belted coat £75, Miss Selfridge, 0845 121 4517 Photograph: PR

Next long blazer £60, Next, www.next.co.uk Photograph: PR

Tweed coat £80, Warehouse, warehouse.co.uk Photograph: PR

Ankle boots that that are slightly wider than the leg make legs look slimmer. £85 Topshop, www.topshop.com (0845 121 4519) Photograph: PR

Shoes what's most flattering depends on how your legs look and your height but generally avoid ankle straps which can be unflattering – a sling back may work better. £665, Christian Louboutin www.christianlouboutin.com (0207 245 6510) Photograph: PR