On the contrary, women generally want to achieve a longer, leaner silhouette. To achieve this, the ratio should look more like this:

 

To help you emulate this at home, Colette has put together the key garments to incorporate into your everyday outfits:

1. Cropped jackets and blazers

2. Blazers or  jackets with one button that do up at the waist

3. Tops that cinch in at the waist (eg. Peplum tops)

4. Necklace that reaches the waist (no longer)

5. Waist belts (thickness depending on woman’s body proportion, may not be appropriate if the woman has no defined waistline)

6. High waisted bottoms like jeans or pants (skinny or straight), skirts (pencil or flare at waist)

7. Dresses that cinch in at waist (style dependent on women’s overall shape)

8. Scarves that reach no longer than the waist when wrapped (opposite ends on scarf tied together and wrapped in snood style ideal)

If you’ve got a wardrobe filled with hip-hugging jeans and long chain necklaces, it could be time for a clean-out. Colette gives us the seven articles of clothing that aren’t doing your figure any favours

1. Low waisted pants & skirts

2. Balloon tops with thick ribbing at bottom

3. Heaving pleating on skirts around thighs

4. Dresses that move in and out from the hip, or have gathering at the hip

5. Necklaces that finish at the lower stomach region

6. Hip belts

7. Hipster Jeans (the term “muffin top” was created when hipster jeans came out)