Spring 2012 Fashion Trends For Your Body Shape

The trend: Pastels

The runway: Prabal Gurung

Go ahead and wear short shorts when you’ve got a thin, trim ruler body type. For a fashion-forward take on the pastel trend, look for a style that’s just a little bit sporty—love it in this pale blue—and pair it with a dressy blouse and blazer. Game on!

Your way: Lucky ruler body types can play with all of fashion’s fun patterns and textures. Take this lovely pink lace blouse paired with silk polka-dot cropped pants—it’s flirty, trendy and flattering all at once. Bring on spring!

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Robert Rodriguez lace blouse, $265, and polka-dot silk pants, $295, Nordstrom

Your way: It’d be a crime not to show off those gorgeous gams of yours. Stay on trend this spring by pairing fun blue short-shorts with a pastel top in a bright and sunny yellow. Is it getting hot in here?

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Mossimo Henley top, $15, and denim shorts, $18, Target

Your way: Colored jeans are super trendy for spring and ruler body types can really pull off this violet cropped skinny style. You may want to pick ’em up in apricot, too.

Free People skinny jeans, $98, Piperlime

The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: Victoria Beckham

No curves? No problem. Just shimmy into a style like this long and lean color-blocked number for a sexy, eye-catching look.

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Your way: When you’re narrow, bold and colorful stripes are an easy way to give your body the illusion of curves. This mini dress lets you work those thin legs, while the wide bands of pink, orange, navy, white and camel add interest up top.

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Eliza J striped dress, $138, Nordstrom

Your way: Color-blocking—such as with this bright style that features a fitted waist and open back detail—adds curves to a ruler shape. We’re happy—and warm—just looking at it.

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Oonagh by Nanette Lepore “Ricky” dress, $228, Saks Fifth Avenue

Your way: Add some sass to your spring wardrobe with this kicky little color-block dress that’s fun for day or spring nights.

H&M color-block dress, $60, H&M

The trend: Peplum

The runway: Jason Wu

When your shape is straight up and down, a peplum frill adds instant curve appeal. Do it in eye-popping fuchsia, and you get high fashion appeal, too.

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Your way: A pretty peplum detail adds even more interest to this floral sateen blouse. Dress it down with a great pair of fitted jeans or dress it up with body-skimming black pants or a pencil skirt. Now, this is flower power.

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J.Crew peplum top, $350, J.Crew

Your way: You’ll be ready for cocktail hour in this black lace fitted high-waist skirt complete with a peplum frill. The narrow cut is so flattering on a ruler shape that we suspect you won’t be paying for your own drinks when you’re out in this style.

ASOS lace peplum skirt, $50, ASOS

Your way: Ruler body shapes will look sleek and chic in this three-quarter sleeve T-shirt with a jewel neckline and flared peplum at the hem. Just add jeans, sassy heels and a hot date—and you’re set for spring.

Alice + Olivia peplum T-shirt, $198, Saks Fifth Avenue

Circles, get your spring on.

Pastels, color-blocking, and peplum touches can work great for your body and warm weather is the time to show off those legs.

Here’s how you can best sport the trends.

The trend: Pastels

The runway: Prada

The palest of pinks, blues and yellows combine to create one of the prettiest pastel styles we’ve seen. This silhouette is lovely on circle body types—your thin arms and legs take center stage—while a little strategic blousiness flatters your waist.

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Your way: When you’d rather not put your middle on display, reach for an ultra-flattering wrap dress. This pretty pink print shows off your best assets, while paring down your waist and making you a true wrap star.

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Kate Spade New York “Aubrey” wrap dress, $438, Nordstrom

Your way: The empire, smocked waist on this lovely mint green tunic helps whittle your middle.

Ella Moss tunic, $108, Neiman Marcus

Your way: Between the flattering empire cut of this maxi dress and its bold pastel paisley-like print, no one will ever notice a little tummy bulge. Did someone say brunch?

H&M dress, $35, H&M

The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: Jill Stuart
A loose shape featuring blocks of great colors—whether they’re soft and muted or bold and bright—looks fab on a circle shape.

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Your way: Ease into the color-blocking trend with this cute, coral chiffon dress with a lavender stripe, paired with a blue cardigan and yellow scarf. The short dress is roomy through the middle—perfect for circle body shapes—so you’ll feel as relaxed as this style looks.

Mossimo dress, $25, cardigan, $20, and scarf, $15. Target

Your way: The key to the color-blocking trend when you’d like to streamline your middle? Keep dark colors on the areas you’re trying to downplay. This navy and red skirt does the trick beautifully. Just add a roomy knit sweater and spring break style, here you come!

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Cast Chroma A-line skirt, $158, Anthropologie

Your way: This long and loose cardigan tricks the eye, bringing attention up and away from your midsection and to your pretty face with a shot of bright, neon yellow.

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Free People cardigan, $168, Free People

The trend: Peplum

The runway: Thakoon

When you’re thicker around the middle, you want a peplum detail that flatters your trouble area while giving you a little breathing room. Look for a chic, swingy top you can pair with slim-fitting pants or shorts, and you’ll feel good and look fashion-forward. How perfect is that?

Your way: Get in on the peplum trend without adding unwanted bulk with this swingy jersey blouse. The rounded neckline and cap sleeves balance out the peplum hem, helping you look long and lean.

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Your way: The subtle peplum trim on this roomy, pretty tank doesn’t add unwanted attention—just a pretty flourish. Pair it with skinny jeans or Capri pants for an easy weekend look.

Hive & Honey peplum tank, $44, Piperlime

Your way: The black peplum on this cute dress slenderizes and disguises your middle, while the white top draws the eyes up. The belt line hits a little higher on the torso where you’re thinner.

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Alice + Olivia “Hilly” dress, $330, Alice + Olivia

Triangles, whip out the flirty skirts for spring and bare your slim shoulders. This season is yours!

The trend: Pastels

The runway: Nanette Lepore

A pale purple gets a dose of brightness with pink piping and a shot of orange. Really want to be on trend this spring? Bring some orange into your ensemble. “Tangerine Tango” is the hottest hue for 2012, according to the color experts at Pantone.

Your way: Spring wedding on your calendar? Show up in this stunning strapless, yellow, abstract butterfly-print dress and get ready to dance the night away—in the high style, of course.

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Ann Taylor “Butterfly Whispers” dress, $325, Ann Taylor

Your way: A classic trench is as spring-appropriate as tulips in bloom, and this mint green shade is as fresh as the grass we’re so happy to see after a long, cold winter. Triangle body types benefit from its slight A-line shape and nipped-in belt. April showers? Bring ’em on.

Gap trench, $98, Gap

Your way: Can you say garden party? This spring-tastic tree-print dress features a triangle body type’s go-to shape—the classic A-line—that nips in at the waist and hits at the knee. Pair it with a pretty, pale green cardigan—we love this one done in a watermelon trim—and belt the sweater to highlight your svelte upper half.

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Milly “Bridget” circle skirt dress, $385, and “Boyfriend” cardigan, $285, Milly

The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: Sophie Theallet

Triangle body shapes will want to spring into the warm-weather season with a fitted cardigan and A-line color-blocked skirt that take you from day to night in a breeze.

Your way: Disguise a curvier bottom half with this artsy color-blocked, knife-pleated maxi skirt. The tangerine mixed with yellow and gray is as fresh as a spring day. Can you almost smell the flowers?

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Tabitha “Field of Vision” skirt, $148, Anthropologie

Your way: A thin, yellow belt whittles your waist, while the slight flare in this dress gives your hips and rear a little wiggle room. Pair it with flats or strappy heels when the sun is out. Add a cardigan for work or to keep warm on chilly spring evenings.

MNG by Mango dress, $75, JCP

Your way: Wanna be easy-breezy this spring? Here’s your go-to dress. The pretty coral shade is color-blocked with light-pink tiers at the bottom, and the soft pleats and nude-hued belt help show off your shape.

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Jessica Simpson chiffon pleated dress, $128, Nordstrom

The trend: Peplum

The runway: Rodarte

When you’re a triangle body type that’s trim on top, pair a fitted blouse with just a pinch of peplum to an A-line skirt for a real “Wow!” moment.

Your way: Forget two-fers, this style is a trend three-fer! We’re talking peplum detail at the waist, color-blocking and pastel shades. And, hooray! It’s perfect for triangle shapes with an easy silhouette that shows off your sexy décolletage and flatters your thighs. Yes, please.

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Sonia by Sonia Rykiel peplum dress, $295, Saks Fifth Avenue

Your way: The pretty peplum on this top flatters without overwhelming you, the belt-like detail at the waist emphasizes your skinny middle and the sleeveless, detailed neckline gives your toned arms the attention they deserve. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than $40? Yep, we just fell in love.

ModCloth “Coach Tour” peplum top, $38, Modcloth

Your way: When you’d like to de-emphasize your lower half, it’s all about tricking the eye. The vertical white stripe on this dress, flanked by black stripes, makes you appear instantly narrower, while the peplum draws attention to your itty-bitty waist. Consider this your instant slim-down.

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Cynthia Steffe “Trissie” dress, $295, Bloomingdale’s

Versatility is the name of the spring game this year. And that’s what Inverted triangles do best. Get planning!

The trend: Pastels

The runway: Lanvin

A gorgeous, one-shouldered mint dress looks absolutely lovely on a woman with a strong upper body and a tapered waist and legs.

Your way: Your narrow hips get a dose of marvelous mint color with this crinkled maxi skirt (perfect to pack along for your spring break getaway!). Add a sheer cotton crochet top for a look that says Boho chic.

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Sanctuary “Garden” top, $98 and “Leotie” maxi skirt, $130 Nordstrom

Your way: Take advantage of your slender legs with a pair of cropped slim-cut jeans in a pretty pastel shade. Top it off with a classic, feminine sweater set in a bright shade and roar right into the spring season.

Ann Taylor curvy cropped jeans, $88, crewneck cardigan, $68, and jewel neck shell, $68 Ann Taylor

Your way: That narrow lower half of yours will look sleek and chic in this long dusty rose skirt.

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Cascade Canyon maxi skirt, $78, Free People

The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: BCBG

Use color-blocking to your advantage by accentuating your inverted triangle shape with strategic swaths of bright shades.

Your way: This scoop-neck, color-blocked T-shirt creates a slimming illusion, especially when you team it with lean black slacks. Need a new go-to work outfit? This is it.

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Liz Claiborne scoop-neck top, $22, Worthington slim leg pants, $25, JCP

Your way: Those athletic arms deserve some extra attention—and get a little softening—with this charming Peter Pan-collared dress that flows from cream to navy to orange. Eat your heart out, Tinker Bell!

Tinley Road minidress, $69, Piperlime

Your way: Broad shoulders will look seriously sexy in this sleeveless color-block blouse in kelly green and cobalt blue. We love it with slim white jeans for the weekend, or try it with a black pencil skirt for work.

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Collective Concepts blouse, $64, Piperlime

The trend: Peplum

The runway: Celine

Beautiful arms get noticed in a simple, crisp white sleeveless top with a peplum hem, while a lean trousermakes your already thin legs go on for days.

Your way: Strong shoulders and a tiny waist? Show them off with this sleeveless blouse and bright taffeta skirt with an asymmetrical peplum detail for a perfect party look.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs “Saatchi” blouse, $198 and “Ellensworth” skirt, $278, Nordstrom

Your way: Embrace your narrow lower half by slipping on a form-fitting skirt with a flirty peplum kick. This style, with its dainty rose print, is just right for a little spring fling.

Betsey Johnson skirt, $79, Macy’s

Your way: When you’ve got great gams, a bright mini is the way to go. The little peplum flourishes on the sides of this skirt won’t add bulk—just interest. Like you needed any more of that.

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TopShop “Bodycon” skirt, $56, TopShop

Old-world feminitity has made its own stamp on this spring’s fashion lineup, and we know many hourglasses can get behind that! Wear it your way ladies.

The trend: Pastels

The runway: Oscar de la Renta

A pretty pastel looks anything but girlish when it’s done in a subtly sexy style. One part Joan Holloway from “Mad Men,” one part modern-day Marilyn, this dress is all spring romance. Swoon.

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Your way: There’s no need to hide those fabulous curves at the office—just sweeten them up a bit with a dose of pastels. This coral and beige suit, with its tailored jacket and sexy secretary pencil skirt, looks gorgeous belted to draw attention to that teeny-tiny waist of yours.

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Your way: Hourglass shapes look fab in halter dresses, so why not put your best self forward in a pretty-in-pink style that’s demure enough for any occasion?

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Talbots “Marlo” dress, $129, Talbots

Your way: A pink belted cardigan layered over a pastel floral-print pencil skirt will get you through all sorts of spring situations: work, parties, Easter, Mother’s Day (we could go on). Don’t you just love an outfit you can wear together—or apart—again and again?

Charter Club cardigan, $59, and skirt, $64, Macy’s

The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: Max Mara

Not that you needed any help in the curves department, but a fitted color-block style such as this sassy number will add a little oomph to your outfit. Make that a “Pow!”

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Your way: Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with this blue and yellow color-blocked stunner of a pleated dress with just the right touch of retro. And, yes, we encourage dancing and twirling in this number. Standing over steam grates—optional.

BCBG Max Azria dress, $228, Nordstrom

Your way: When you prefer to dress a bit more demurely, try a style like this sleeveless, color-blocked number that’s easy-going, but still totally put-together. And if you prefer to show off your shape, just add a belt. Instant update!

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Marni for H&M silk dress, $80, H&M

Your way: On the hunt for a perfect spring work dress? We’ve found it! The soft, pleated jewel neckline and color-blocking in geometric shapes look polished, professional and pretty all at the same time. Winning!

Ann Taylor color-block sheath dress, $158, Ann Taylor

The trend: Peplum

The runway: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Work that hourglass shape with a waist-emphasizing peplum flourish. This style combines bold stripes on top with a ruffled taffeta skirt. Ooh la la!

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Your way: Talk about glamour! You’ll have it in spades wearing this flirty, fluttery pencil skirt topped with a peplum frill to thrill.

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Plenty by Tracy Reese peplum pencil skirt, $138, Anthropologie

Your way: Caution! Dangerous curves ahead! That sexy hourglass figure gets the va-va-voom treatment with this cream and navy dress that is sure to draw all eyes to you.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs “Marfa” dress, $598, Neiman Marcus

Your way: We can’t help but cheer over this vintage cheerleader-inspired peplum top. The slightly puffed-up cap sleeves and skinny red belt have us yelling “Rah! Rah! Rah!”

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ModCloth peplum “Squad” top, $38, ModCloth