Ever wondered why a certain fit of jeans looked so good on that TV model but they just made you look strange? You’re not alone. All women have different body shapes which is why the same pair of jeans might flatter one person and make another look short. Clothes only look good when they’re worn for the right body shape. Knowing your body shape is the first step to building a wardrobe that flatters you and makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.

But, what are the different body shapes and how are you supposed to select the right clothing pieces? While no two bodies have the exact same shape, there are about four broadly defined body shapes that we can look at. It’s important to identify which of these most closely matches your body type before you invest in new clothes.

1. If you have a pear-shaped body, with wider hips and a smaller upper body, choose clothing that balances your proportions. This can include tops with details or prints on the chest and upper body, as well as A-line or flared skirts to balance out your hips.

2. If you have an hourglass-shaped body, with a small waist and equal-sized bust and hips, choose clothing that shows off your waist and curves. This can include belted dresses, fitted tops, and pencil skirts.

Getty Images/ DigitalVision/ Luis Alvarez

3. If you have an apple-shaped body, with a larger bust and waist and narrower hips, choose clothing that highlights your upper body and creates the illusion of a defined waist. This can include v-neck tops, empire waist dresses, and peplum jackets.

4. If you have a rectangular-shaped body, with little difference between your bust, waist, and hips, choose clothing that creates the illusion of curves. This can include A-line skirts, ruffled tops, and dresses with a defined waistline.

These guidelines can help you make better buying decisions. But there really are no set rules in fashion. Ultimately, the key to selecting clothing is to try on clothes and choose those that make you feel comfortable and confident, and to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.