Who wears short shorts? Rejoice, Hs, and stop doing lunges because this season you don’t have to. There may be conspiracy theories about disappearing into a mysterious triangle in the middle of the Caribbean, yet your shape will not be lost as it travels in Bermuda shorts. Unlike their Daisy Duke counterparts, Bermudas follow the length of the hip and upper leg, highlighting subtler curves.

A knee-grazing cuff, like the one on Pure Colors’ Cosmo-Fit Yoke-Waist Cuffed Bermudas, breaks up the body and creates definition, almost as if there are hidden weights in the folds drawing the eye downward, helping to emphasize normally minimal hips. Bermudas with trouser-inspired details work best—just imagine the result of taking a pair of scissors to your favorite work pants to give your legs a needed vacation.

The economy may have brought your dreams of sipping a piña colada on a white, sandy beach to a halt, but in these knee-length shorts, you’ll sail through sultry summer days in first-class style.

Oh, the shock and awe! Tapered and cut off at the ankle? Talk about two fashion sins rolled into one. Before you go committing any style violations, there is a surefire defense for trouser-related crimes against chic. An S can rock pants just like any other shape, be they bootcut, flared or ankle grazing. The important feature to highlight is the natural S curve of the hips. Choosing silhouettes with a thicker band that sit lower on the waist will flatter you by accentuating the smallest part of your figure.

Ankle pants can veer into Munchkin Land territory, so look for a pair with a straighter leg such as MICHAEL Michael Kors’ Cotton Twill Ankle Pant, whose tailoring will keep you out of the Lollipop Guild. A slight crease elongates the leg as a slight flare at the hem distracts from any hint of flood-preparedness. For a classic look, add a crisp white button-down shirt and a pair of pointy flats (or sky-high heels if you’re a more petite S).

The Edwardian period ended ages ago, so don’t be afraid to show a little ankle.

Besides light rainfall, blooming florals and pesky winds that keep antihistamine permanently in your purse, spring is often a time for celebration. With occasions ranging from Mother’s Day to the ubiquitous outdoor wedding, there’s always the added pressure of figuring out who to bring. Lose the anxiety of having to ask your favorite “go to” to yet another function—extra add-ons should be reserved for your wardrobe decisions.

Tacking on an extra layer can easily narrow broad shoulders. The idea is to break up the body into even proportions and, more importantly for Ys, create some breadth at the hip. The V-neck on August Silk’s Linen-Bamboo Cardi and Cotton Top 2-fer is cut deep enough to draw the eye inward, while the cardigan’s cropped cut creates a little waist definition. The global-inspired cotton tee falls into A-line silhouette perfection right at the hips, making the area appear more curvaceous and filled out.

A narrowed shoulder, an hourglass look and a defined waistline? No need to feel singled out this season; just invite a figure-flattering garment to the party.

Madonna famously explained “What It Feels Like for a Girl.” Madge knows as well as any woman that being a lady can have its ups and downs, especially when it comes to trying to crack that glass ceiling, navigating everyday life or feeling your best when glancing in the mirror. No matter what life throws at us, sometimes we just want to feel our most girly. You can do so while keeping your style grown-up by donning the ultimate in daintiness: a bow.

No need to go sporting anything at the neck or stuck in your hair; feel free to leave that to the ingénues of Gossip Girl. This adorable accent works best on an M when it’s used to highlight the smallest part of the torso. Look for modern silhouettes like Liz Claiborne’s Cotton Eyelet Portrait-Collar Wrap Dress, which has a slim tie off to the side that balances the breadth of the dress’s neckline and shows off an M’s curves. For a beribboned look that mixes masculine and feminine elements, try CC Couture’s Pleated Silk Chiffon Blouse, whose tie hits right at the body’s center, creating distinct proportions. This play on a Chanel classic never goes awry.

Whether your taste is whimsical or modern, why not find out how flattering it feels to embrace your shape with a waist-loving feminine detail?

Nods to romance have been popping up all over this spring, and although there’s enough drama in the world without having to add over-the-top theatrics to your wardrobe, it’s an opportune season to subtly accessorize your shape with the ultimate in femininity: flirty ruffles. Understated cascading folds can add volume to your figure in all the right places, accenting rather than overpowering your look—and keeping you from resembling a performer in a Marcel Marceau troupe.

It’s always important for an E to break her body’s shape into distinct parts, whether halves or thirds. Barbara Lesser’s Ruffle-Front Knit Dress’s chiffon froths cleverly separate the figure into proportions. If daywear is more your thing, add a little romantic dimension underneath a suit with Kenneth Cole’s Ruffled Rayon-Jersey Top. With these modern twists, precious petals strike the right grown-up balance of sweet and sophisticated.

Think high-waisted jeans aren’t for you? You may be in for a surprise. Spring’s wide-legged, nautical-inspired high-waisted styles keep P figures looking positively shipshape with smart design that emphasizes the lower body. These risers are a far cry from the pair that earned Jessica Simpson media flak and accusations that she’d put on more than a great show. When it comes to high-waisted jeans, the right cut can make a big difference—and make you look like you’ve dropped a few pounds without walking into a gym.

When you have more up front, focus should be placed on the hips and legs. Since Fresh Ink’s Winston High-Waisted Trouser Jeans sit at the natural waist and slim and define the torso, creating vertical lines with seaming and rows of buttons, they make the upper body appear longer. Meanwhile, a wider leg, sanding and deft tailoring help to balance the bust.

Accessories should be kept to a minimum, as there’s no need for distractions from this glamorous silhouette. Simply tuck in a solid-hued top, and sail through your day in head-to-toe style that sets your shape on an even keel.

Where would Bogie be without Bacall? Fred couldn’t possibly two-step sans Ginger. And Joan can’t bag on Red Carpet fashions minus her beloved Melissa. Just as these famous twosomes would be lost without both partners, your ensemble could use a great co-star. Statement jewelry is an effortless way to compliment an outfit without making a big noise or faux pas.

Adornments worn closer to the neck are perfect for the slight-shouldered A and an artful substitute for cropped jackets and sweaters. If you’re on the taller side, go for full-out drama in chunkier pieces like Origin’s Triangular Nuggets Necklace, which lies flatter on the neck, broadening the shoulders. For those on the shorter side, stick with bold pieces that won’t weigh you down. Joann Smyth’s Tumbled Agate Necklace adds texture and color, still serving as a conversation piece despite its more scaled-down design.

In these budget-friendly gems, you’ll keep eyes peering ahead instead of below, so throw on some rocks and get on your style soapbox.

Volumizing smock silhouettes have become less muumuu and more streamlined, making them very stylish choices for an H. This season’s smock tops are fitted to the body, no longer prompting questions such as “When are you due?” “Can I have guacamole with that?” and “Did you get that during your recent visit to Hilo Hattie’s in Hawaii?” Hs often want to trick the eye into thinking that there is more there, there. This always means adding interest at the hips.

Two distinct styles get the tummy-taming smock look just right. The subdued print on AGB’s Floral Stretch-Smock Top with Belt brings the trend from girly to grown up. The skinny belt pulls in the waist, and the fabric bells out at the hips to create hourglass proportions. For a look offering comfort and versatility, try Bobi’s Smocked-Waist Cotton Jersey Dress. The sexy structured V-neck slims the shoulders, drawing the eye down as the empire waist makes everything look oh so slim and balanced.

Whether on your way to work or play, go forth and rock the smock, and never worry about hearing chants of “Toga! Toga!”

Time to cast aside the structured sheaths of fall for a frillier approach. Yes, Valentine’s Day has passed, yet romance shouldn’t be relegated to a single day. In the warmer weeks ahead, drape your S curves in the lushness of a frock made of weightless chiffon. Gasping in terror as your mind conjures images from a Jane Austen novel? Not so fast. Emma would’ve had much better luck if she’d raised the hemline.

Your curves will float beautifully through spring in Max & Cleo’s Ruffle-Neck Silk Chiffon Dress, which has the same basic attributes of its autumnal sister. The waistline is still nipped in, as front and back pleats add dimension to the hips and waist. The scoop neckline falls delicately into cascades of ruffles grazing the bust line, so everything appears softer, leaving you with plenty of wiggle room.

Hourglass proportions have never had it so easy—with this flirty trend you’ll never lose form, and dressing will be a breeze.

Fashion is always looking over its artistic shoulder to decades past for inspiration. Some styles work. Skinny jeans really aren’t that bad, other back-in-the-day staples not so much. Shoulder pads, anyone?

And then there are the silhouettes that become instant classics and never wear out their welcome. Ys, it’s time to get your shape into gear and throw on a shift dress. This mod icon allows you to relinquish those staid pants and blouses in your office wardrobe in favor of a polished dress shape that complements strong shoulders.

The straps on Flora Kung Nina’s Geometric-Print Silk Jersey Shift Dress hit at the widest part of the shoulder, creating the illusion of a narrower upper body. The drape falls away from the body, forming a balanced line from shoulders to hips. Wear with tights while there’s still a nip in the air, and slip on funky sandals when the sun begins to show her rays.

Some styles just get better and better, even if you rocked them the first time around.