Tips on how to flatter a curvy figure.

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Your Best Pieces

Back in the Marilyn Monroe era, your curvy body was the feminine ideal. In these days of wafer-thin models, finding clothes that fit your body type is more of a challenge. But your curves aren't something to hide. The key is finding tops that enhance your voluptuous chest without overpowering the rest of you. If you've got a curvy set of hips as well, check out more pants and skirt recommendations for pear-shaped figures.

Can't Miss Pieces:

Smooth tops You want pieces that will hug your curves without adding unnecessary volume. Sweaters should lie flat, not bulk up. And stay away from blouses with breast pockets!

Belted and shaped jackets A coat that hangs straight down from your chest can make your midsection look huge. Give your waist some definition and your body will look curvy, not colossal.

Shapely sleeves To minimize thick arms, try three-quarter-length sleeves, which cover the wide top of the arm and leave your comparatively thin wrists on display. Fluted sleeves (which are wider at the end) have the same effect as boot-leg pants: they make the top half of your arm look slimmer in comparison to the flare at the bottom.

Vertical necklines Covering your whole neckline with fabric makes your upper body look like one huge mass. Break up the line of your chest by wearing V-neck tops and blouses with the top two buttons undone. The V shape draws attention toward your face, and away from your chest.

Two-piece bathing suits A tiny bikini won't offer much-needed support on top, but an athletic racerback style will keep you lifted. A one-piece, full-coverage suit can make you look larger than you really are.