Lin’s personal style is so awesome that since stepping into the role of Yorkdale Prom Ambassador, she has been asked about six times if she wants to be a fashion stylist when she grows up. But it’s not just about choosing a dress you like; here Lin gives wicked tips on how to flatter every body type.

When it comes to dressing for prom, making sure the dress fits your body type is the most important thing to take into account.  If you don’t already know your body measurements, go find a measuring tape right now! These numbers are your secret weapon to finding the perfect fitting dress.

While there are countless body types for girls – I doubt anyone is exactly the same – these four shapes are the most common: Hourglass, Wedge, Rectangle and Pear.  

Hourglass. Think Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Mad Men’s Joan Holloway or Kim Kardashian

An hourglass figure has a full bust and hips. Straight and flared skirts work best for this body type and choosing a dress with wrap details will definitely flatter the figure.  Gathers and soft pleats work well with any hourglass shape. Avoid horizontal lines around the hips as this will make them appear larger and will throw off the whole balance of the beautiful full figure.

Sophia Draped Evening Gown, BCBG, $298

Seamed dress with flared skirt, Zara, $59.90

Wedge.  Think Blake Lively or Maggie Gylenhaal

Otherwise known as the “inverted triangle” the wedge figure is wide in the shoulders, full busted, and narrow in the hips. Straight and simple architectural lines compliment this body type as well as asymmetrical details. Slim, bias, and gored skirts are perfect for this body type.  Gathers and wide full pleats at the waist make the wedge figure look fabulous!

Dress with irregular fine pleats, Zara, $79

Strapless lace and silk dress, Banana Republic, $275

Rectangle:  Think Taylor Swift, Olsen Twins or LIGHTS

A rectangular figure has few curves and not much waistline definition. Dresses that wrap or flow through the waistline are a perfect choice! Slim fitting skirts or flowing graceful skirts will help give a rectangular figure more shape. Pleats and soft gathers will always be your best friend.  Remember to stay away from clingy fabrics!

H&M soft flared dress in pink, $34.95

Hall Evening Gown, BCBG, $428

Buttercup yellow dress with double layer at back, Zara, $99

Pear: Pink, Katherine Heigl, Lady Gaga

A small bust, shoulders that appear smaller than the hips, and a waist that is small in comparison to the hips is what typically defines a pear shape. Upper body details like tucks or pleats and wide scoop necklines will compliment the pear shape.  A-line, flared, gored, and bias skirts are most flattering.  Soft flowing fabrics, perhaps with soft pleats, and long graceful skirts help camouflage full hips.  Avoid horizontal or excessive detail around the hips as this will emphasize this area.  Bulky or severe slim line skirts are a major no-no for a pear figure! 

Timoa Ombre Evening Gown, BCBG, $548

Dress, H&M, $19.95

Dori Maxi Dress, Club Monaco, $249

All body shapes are beautiful but following these simple rules will ensure that you look your best for prom!