Dressing for your body type in everyday stores can be daunting enough, but finding a vintage peice that suits you, requires a little more effort!

#1 BODY TYPE - TALL AND LEAN

- If you're tall, look for the 70's. Floor length , wrap and halter neck dresses will suit you.

- 60's kaftans, minskirts and beaded sweaters

-40's Nipped waist suits and pencil cut skirts

-Don't force yourself into a 50's dress that is too small. If it's too short, try letting the hem down.

#2 BODY TYPE - PETITE

- Think knee length frocks, a la Audrey Hepburn

- Short 60's style dress may work if you team it with some chunky high heels

- Try looking at Kid's vintage, you may just get lucky!

-Stay away from anything too fitted

- 40's platform shoes, ankle wrap espradilles.wedges.

#3 BODY TYPE - GENEROUS BUST

- Top heavy girls look great in the blousy tops from the 70's/80's, wear them with a pair of jeans and throw on a belt to cinch it in.

- Look for creams, colors and individual prints.

- Avoid t-shirts & tanks. If you must, wear them under a jacket with a defined waistline.

#4 BODY TYPE - HOURGLASS

- For curves, the 80's were good, but avoid those huge shoulder pads at all costs. They will just "bulk" you up.

- Wearing slip dresses in shades of navy or black, will help you to look slim. OR even wear a lighter colored one underneath with a lace hem, to lighten the look.

- A-line and empire style dresses are very flattering for curves.

- If you want to hide back-fat, go for high waisted shorts, as it can create a nice clean cut shape.

- DO wear; 70's wrap dresses, 50's short boxy dresses, Western shirts with jeans, Swing coats, capes, cardigans and belted trench coats.

- DON'T go for huge bright floral patterns or abstract designs.  Hippie style dresses can also be rather unflattering on curvy women.

#5 BODY TYPE - STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN

- Think of famous models like Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy, these girls broke all the fashion rules.

- Horizontal stripes are great, as are pleated skirts as the add volume and create the illusion of Hips. Also 50's dresses.

- A-line skirts with a simple top is a classic look.

-DO'S: Big prints and lot's of white, because they will look great on you.

-DON'TS: Hot pants can make you look like your legs are matchsticks, best avoid these.

Compiled in reference to Shop til You drop MAgazine, November 2006.