Fashion

Everyone has figure flaws, but it doesn't mean you can't hide them! When shopping for a new dress this season, be sure to keep your body type in mind. By following these simple tips, you can accentuate the positive and downplay the areas of your body that... well, aren't so perfect.

Full hips and thighs

For pair-shaped women with full hips and thighs, the dress should shouldn't be shorter than an inch or two above the knee. Select a dress with an A-line skirt but not something too full. A short, fuller dress will look like a tu-tu.

To draw the attention away from your lower body, select a dress with a plunging V-neck, halter top or embellished neckline.

Thick waist

If you are apple-shaped with a thick middle, you need to elongate the look your torso and draw the attention away from your waist. Select a dress with an empire waist or drop waist to re-define your waist line.

Avoid thick belts cinched around your waist and instead choose a chain or sash belt slung low on your hips.

Heavy arms

Sleeveless and cap sleeve dresses aren't for you. Instead, select billowy, bell sleeves that are 3/4 or even full-length to hide flabby arms.

Use hand-held dumbbells 15 minutes a day to get your arms in tip-top shape.

Small bust

If you weren't endowed with ample breasts, avoid deep plunging necklines. Instead select dresses with a scoop or bandeau neck with sequins or other adornments to add a little dimension up top.

Layered necklaces are very popular right now and they can add some dimension to depth to your bust. You can also follow these simple instructions to make your breast look bigger with makeup to enhance your cleavage.

Big bust

Dresses with halter tops and deep V's are very attractive for women who want to accentuate their big bust. Select fabrics that aren't skim your body rather than bind, which can make your breasts look too big.

To draw some attention away from your bust and balance out a smaller lower body, choose a dress with an A-line skirt that falls one or two inches above your knees.

Plus size

Don't pack on layers of baggy clothes to try to cover-up your body. Contrary to what you may believe, baggy dresses will just make you look bigger. Select fabrics that don't cling to your body, but drape nicely.

A wrap dress is particularly flattering to full-figured women. Don't avoid color and prints. The colorful collection of plus-sized dresses at Avenue.com offers a variety of different types of dresses for full figured women, including bold prints and sexy styles.

Too thin

Sweater or knit dresses are terrific options for thin women. Add layers to your dress, such as a cardigan or fitted jacket to add some bulk. If you have extremely thin legs, avoid mini-skirts and choose longer, flowing dresses instead.

Thin women can add a thick belt to give their waist more definition. Bubble dresses are very trendy right now and can also give the appearance of a larger lower body.

Shift to the shift

The shift is a dress that hangs straight down from the shoulder. It's a dress type that is flattering to almost everyone. It skims your body nicely, but doesn't cling. For summer, you can find shifts in cool cotton, linen and light knits. When fall arrives, wool and heavier knit shifts will continue to be popular.

Though the typical shift dress has a straight skirt, some fashion designers have created shifts with a slightly A-line cut this season.

The Lilly Pulitzer crocheted shift dress pictured here is perfect for a summer party. It's beaded jeweled neckline adds some glitz. You can get this dress for $328 from Nordstrom.

Whatever your body type, you can find a beautiful dress that will flatter your figure. When shopping, bring a trusted girlfriend along for her honest opinion and be sure to look at the dress from all angles in the dressing room mirror.

Remember to accentuate the positive and don't obsess with the negative. If you dress confident, you will look and feel beautiful too!