High Summer 2010

Straight: Winter 2009

If you're despairing that you don't have a waist, then remember that this is now the most sought-after shape on the catwalk. Kiera Knightly, Teri Hatcher, Agyness Dean and Kate Moss are all naturally straight up and down.

Your hips and bust are in proportion, but unlike an hourglass you don't have a defined waist. This can work great with some of this season's masculine tailoring or pinched-from-my-boyfriend looks.

If you want to give the illusion of curves, separates work well, so mix a tailored jacket with some on-trend harem pants. You can go all out on patterns and you'll also look great in the current sci-fi trend.

Here's our pick of the latest pieces from the high street for autumn/winter to help you make the most of your catwalk-inspired shape. Work it baby!

Tops & jackets

To give the illusion of curves, go for layering or tailoring on your top half - both of which are key looks this season. Layers of fine knit woollens and prints give a bohemian, romantic look, or try fitted shirts and waistcoats for smarter, sharper edge.

Deep V necks work well for you, especially if you're busty, as does layering contrasting camis or vests under v necks or open jackets.

This leather jacket is a classic, and will be a staple part of your wardrobe forever. £150 from Next.

Get it from:
Next at Buchanan Galleries

sequinned blazer

Sequins are a must-have this season. For a low-key nod to the trend try sequinned accessories. But for more of an on-trend look, go for a sequinned blazer.

This shape will work really well for you, and it's a lot easier to wear than you might think. Wear it with jeans for the daytime, and as a cover-up over a dress for going out. £80 from Warehouse.

Get it from:
Warehouse at Buchanan Galleries

vest top

This vest top is a great base for layering while keeping the look more glam for the evening. As it's fitted it gives you definition and the sequin stripes will give the illusion of curves. £38 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Skirts & dresses

For skirts, look for volume and a shape which is going to create curves. Lantern style or tulip skirts are ideal, and have the added advantage of disguising any tummy.

Leather, denim and suede are all big for skirts this season, and we found this beautiful leather one which will look stunning on you.

Team it with a simple, sharp top and rock chick accessories for an edgy look. £65 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Oasis Dress

When it comes to dresses, you've got plenty of options. In particular, look for styles with volume in the sleeve and the skirt.

This digital print dress will look great on you. The puffy sleeves and bold print works to enhance your shape.

It's perfect for the evening with a pair of killer heels or for a more relaxed look team with flat boots, or layer with a long boyfriend cardi. Dress £80 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

curved strapless top

Foxy? Yes, please!

Turn heads with this curve enhancing little number. The curved strapless top and the shaping of the skirt were designed with you in mind. Team with high, high heels and a bit of bling, and you're sorted.

And the best bit? It's only £29.99 from H&M - you'll look a million dollars without breaking the piggy bank.

Get it from:
H&M at Buchanan Galleries

gorgeous figure enhancing dress

Another gorgeous figure enhancing dress.

The nipped in waist creates curves, and the v of the neck is really flattering, especially if you're busty. Team with high heels and jewellery and you've got the perfect party outfit. £38 from Jane Norman.

Get it from:
Jane Norman at Buchanan Galleries

black and white dress

You'll look great in the soft shape and graphic all-over pattern of this black and white dress from Miss Selfridge.

Team it with bright accessories which will really pop out - a shocking pink would look great. Dress £38.

Get it from:
Miss Selfridge at Buchanan Galleries

kimono-like dress

The deep V neck and kimono-like shape of this dress will also suit you. The big sleeves and gathering will make your waist look tiny, and the splashes of purple make it a good choice for the autumn.

Team it with black opaque tights and matching heels or shoe boots for legs that go on and on and on! Dress £65 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Trousers & jeans

Mid-rise, dark wash jeans with a mid width leg work well for your shape.

For a classic, no-brainer trouser go for wide-legged trousers with a mid-rise or a curved waist. A crease down the front of the leg will narrow your silhouette. And wear them a wee bit too long with heels in order to make you look even taller and slimmer. Trousers £75 from East.

Get them from:
East at Buchanan Galleries

harem pants

If classic's not your thing, try harem pants - they're still big this season, and you'll find them all over the high street. These sequins ones are for the very brave and super stylish!

We love them. £45 from Next.

Get them from:
Next at Buchanan Galleries

Coat

If you're looking for a winter coat, the shape that will work best for you is single-breasted, open-necked, straight, and knee-length in a plain colour. Avoid belts or high collars, as they'll accentuate your up-and-down shape.

We saw this beautiful knitted cardi coat and fell in love with it. We reckon the beautiful plumy colour and cascading front will look great, especially with layers underneath and a pair of high boots. £50 from Wallis.

Get it from:
Wallis at Buchanan Galleries

tailored coat

Strictly speaking this tailored coat is double-breasted - which would normally be a no-no for you.

But the buttons are close enough for it not really to count, and the soft tailored fit and flare shape and sharp shoulders will look great on you. A great option if you're looking for a smarter look. £50 from Wallis.

Get it from:
Wallis at Buchanan Galleries

Accessories

You've the shape for high fashion, so go for statement accessories whenever you can!

Waist or hip belts work really well for your shape, but try to keep embellishments to a minimum - save them for your shoes, jewellery or handbag.

We've spotted a few waist belts which we've just had to snap up - including this black one for £9.99 from H&M.

Get it from:
H&M at Buchanan Galleries

sleek leather belt

This sleek leather belt has a hidden popper fastening.

It'll look good either with tailored styles, or over boho layers or long-length cardigans. And if brown doesn't work for you, they've also got it in black. £22 from Warehouse.

Get it from:
Warehouse at Buchanan Galleries

Statement necklace

Statement necklaces and neckpieces are huge this season - in more ways than one!

Wear your necklaces big and bold for an immediate and low-cost style update. There are plenty to choose from on the high street, but the fashion pack are loving this jewelled version, £18 from Accessorize.

Get it from:
Accessorize at Buchanan Galleries

Futuristic beaded necklace

Not all shapes can get away with wearing chunky jewellery, especially curvy shapes, but they're perfect for long and straight bodies.

This gorgeous futuristic beaded necklace on ribbon will go with almost every outfit. £15 from Wallis.

Get it from:
Wallis at Buchanan Galleries

Clutch Bag

Clutches are usually kept for the evening but this oversized one can be used both day and night. The colours are gorgeous and with a metallic sheen it is very stylish. £20 from Accessorize.

Get it from:
Accessorize at Buchanan Galleries

blue croc-effect Dita handbag

Lady-like chic is another of this season's key trends, and what better way to channel that sophisticated almost retro vibe than through a handbag?

Oasis have been producing some fantastic bags and accessories over the last few seasons, and this blue croc-effect Dita handbag is another winner. Not only does it look much more expensive than it actually is (always a good thing), the colour's spot on for the season - navy is the new black, after all. Bag £38 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Undies

If you're looking to create curves, cheat some with your underwear.

Underwired bras will flatter your bust and your overall shape - and if you're looking to enhance your shape further, add padding or 'chicken fillet' gel inserts.

A corset or boned basque is not the most practical of options for day-to-day wear, but perfect for a special occasion underneath a figure skimming party dress.

Or try high-waisted shaper pants - these aren't the prettiest to look as, but work wonders at whittling your waist for a sleeker silhouette.

Bra from La Senza £28, with matching shorts available.

Get it from:
La Senza at Buchanan Galleries

The disclaimer bit: we've tried our upmost to make sure that all the pricing details given here are correct, but sometimes mistakes happen, or changes are made, or the item sells out. So, please take this as a guide, and we'd always recommend that you confirm details with the shops. Thank you!