For years, I copied everything.

First my older sister. Then celebrities. I was constantly copying outfits from magazines and TV shows (Rory Gilmore, anyone? 🙋🏻‍♀️)

I didn't care if it worked for me. If it looked good on someone else, I wanted it.

Then at 19, I started selling clothes. I'd fly to the US, fill four giant suitcases with clothes, fly back to Venezuela and sell everything. (I worked at an airline, had free flights and had a place to stay for free in Miami)

I'd go to women's homes, show them everything I brought and help them put outfits together.

Women of all ages, shapes and styles. And when you're trying to sell clothes to all of them, you have to think about what actually works for each one.

That's where I started learning. And that's exactly what today is about: what actually works for YOU.

Over the last 4 Thursdays, you found your non-negotiables, learned how tops multiply your outfits, found your YES colors and edited your closet.

Today is the last piece of the puzzle: your body shape.

📬 Missed an email? Here's what each one does

Today's email uses everything from the last 4 Thursdays:

• ​Set a 5 minute timer and try THIS with your closet: you pick 3 bottoms and 3 tops for the trip you take most, and find your non-negotiables (the things every piece has to be for you). It solves: not knowing what to keep and why.
• ​Same 8 pieces. 3X the outfits.: why tops that go with all your bottoms give you more outfits from fewer pieces. It solves: buying new pants just to wear one top.
• ​Your colors, explained (the simple version): how to find the colors that make you look tired, with ChatGPT and a mirror. It solves: tops you loved on the hanger that never make it into your suitcase.
• ​Why letting go of clothes is SO hard!: the 4 feelings that make you hold on (love, hope, guilt and fear) and the closet edit, category by category. It solves: a full closet with nothing to wear.

🪞 First, find your shape

You don't always need a measuring tape for this. Just a full length mirror and something fitted (leggings and a tank top are perfect).

Then ask yourself:

1. Are my shoulders wider than my hips? You're likely an inverted triangle.
2. Are my hips wider than my shoulders? You're likely a pear.
3. Are they about the same width? Then go to the next question.
4. Do I have a clearly defined waist? If yes, you're likely an hourglass. If not, you're likely a rectangle.
5. Do I carry more weight in my middle, with slimmer arms and legs? You're likely an apple.

This isn't a science, and a lot of us are a mix. I'm an hourglass that moves toward pear when I gain weight, so I take advice from both body shapes. But truth be told, I mostly pay attention to how I feel.

Your shape doesn't decide what you're "allowed" to wear. It just explains why some pieces never felt right, even when they passed every other test.

How to use this section:

Find your shape below and read only your section (you have my full permission to skip the rest 😄).

Each shape gets its job, what to look for, what to skip and 4 outfit examples, one for every season.

Each one starts with 2 struggles women share the most. If you see yourself in yours, you're not alone (and it's not your body's fault).

🔎 has the words to type into any store's search bar. I truly want you to be able to do this on your own!

🎨 The colors in the outfits are just examples. Swap in your YES colors from two weeks ago.

The images show the idea, not the exact pieces. I linked similar ones, but use the 🔎 words and your YES colors to find yours in whichever store you like to shop at.

Pear (hips wider than shoulders)

Sound familiar?

• Dresses that fit your hips are way too big up top (one size on top, another on the bottom).
• Your thighs rub together when you wear dresses and skirts.

Your job: balance your lower half with your upper body. Bring the eye up.

✅ Look for: wide necklines (boat neck, off the shoulder), short or puff sleeves, prints and color up top. A line or fit and flare skirts that skim your hips. Straight or wide leg pants with the waistband above your hip bone.

❌ Skip: standard sleeveless tops and dresses (they shrink your shoulder line, unless you add a layer), clingy fabric at the hips and straight dresses with no waist.

🎨 Color: brighter colors and prints on top, darker colors on the bottom.

🍂 Fall: Coffee and a long walk

🎯 The formula: Breton striped sweater + dark straight leg jeans + loafers + crossbody bag​

The stripes pull the eye up to your shoulders, and the dark jeans keep things calm down low.

❄️ Winter: Holiday dinner

🎯 The formula: red cashmere boatneck sweater worn off one shoulder + black A line midi skirt + black tights + heeled booties​

The wide neckline widens your shoulder line, and the A line skirt starts at your waist and skims right over your hips. (Quince even says you can wear this one off the shoulder. Size up if you want more of that look.)

🌷 Spring: Brunch with the girls

🎯 The formula: boat neck sweater in a bright color + dark straight leg jeans + ballet flats + a trench over your shoulders

The bright color and the wide neckline sit up top, so that's the first thing people see.

☀️ Summer: Dinner on vacation

🎯 The formula: Tencel fit and flare midi dress + denim jacket + flat sandals + raffia bag​

Fitted on top, flared from the waist down (and it has pockets!). The dress is sleeveless, so the jacket adds the width up top that balances your hips.

🔎 Search for: boat neck top, off the shoulder sweater, puff sleeve top, A line midi skirt, fit and flare dress, straight leg jeans.

Apple (more fullness in your middle)

Sound familiar?

• Clingy fabric hugs your tummy, and looser styles make you feel like you look pregnant.
• Waistbands pinch, and when you size up, your pants keep sliding down.

Your job: make your torso look longer and show off those legs! Let the fabric skim your middle instead of clinging to it.

✅ Look for: V necks and wrap tops, flowy fabrics that skim, long open layers (cardigans, dusters, an open button down). Straight or slim pants with a soft, flat waistband. Empire waist or wrap dresses.

💡 Waistbands that pinch? Try Spanx pull on pants. No zipper or button to dig in. Athleta pants like these are also great for you!

❌ Skip: thin clingy knits, tight tucks and stiff waistbands that dig in.

🎨 Color: when your top and bottom are the same color, your eye doesn't stop at your middle. Add an open layer on top and you get two more long lines. Vertical stripes are your best friend too.

🍂 Fall: Saturday farmers market

🎯 The formula: V neck tee + dark straight Ponte pants in the same color + open merino duster + loafers + a long necklace​

The duster hangs open and draws two long lines down your body. The long necklace does the same thing right in the middle.

❄️ Winter: Theater night

🎯 The formula: navy V neck sweater (worn out, not tucked) + navy straight leg pants + leopard flats + a long pendant necklace​

Same color from top to bottom, so nothing stops the eye at your middle. The leopard flats are the fun part 😉

🌷 Spring: Lunch date

🎯 The formula: chambray shirt worn open + white tee + white straight leg jeans + white sneakers​

The tee and jeans make one long column, and the open shirt adds two vertical lines on top.

☀️ Summer: Wine tasting

🎯 The formula: wrap dress + flat sandals + raffia bag​

A true wrap lets you decide where it ties, and the V neckline does the rest.

🔎 Search for: V neck top, wrap top, duster cardigan, empire waist dress, faux wrap dress, pull on straight leg pants, Ponte pants.

Hourglass (defined waist)

Sound familiar?

• Loose, boxy tops and dresses make you look bigger than you are.
• Jeans that fit your hips and thighs leave a gap at the back of your waist.

I'm in this group, so I'll keep it simple: your waist is the whole point.

Your job: show off your curves without drowning them in fabric. Highlight your waist! It's your superpower.

✅ Look for: wrap tops and fitted tees, high waisted everything, fit and flare or bias cut skirts and dresses, belts, tucks and jackets that hit at the waist. Pencil skirts work too.

💡 Jeans that gap at the back of your waist? Try Spanx jeans. I love them so much!

❌ Skip: boxy tops and shift dresses that hide your waist, and low rise anything.

🍂 Fall: Sightseeing in a new city

🎯 The formula: cashmere crewneck, tucked in + Ponte cropped wide leg pants + short trench, belted + sock booties​

Every piece in this outfit is on my repeat list this fall 😅 Belt the trench and your waist stays visible, even under a layer. It comes with a tie belt you can take off.

❄️ Winter: Holiday party

🎯 The formula: black fitted turtleneck, tucked in + leopard silk midi skirt + sheer black tights + black heeled booties + a black wool coat, belted

The skirt is bias cut, so it follows your waist and then flows. I have it in size S, and the hidden elastic waistband makes it super comfortable. It comes in leopard and 15 other colors.

🌷 Spring: Patio lunch

🎯 The formula: white fitted tee, tucked in + high rise wide leg jeans + my leather belt + camel block heels​

A tuck plus a belt. That one move gives you more waist than any specific cut ever will.

☀️ Summer: Sunset dinner by the beach

🎯 The formula: polka dot silk slip dress + slides + a cashmere wrap for when it gets chilly

Bias cut again, so it follows your waist without squeezing it. This one works for summer, spring and fall! (heads up, the dot prints are low on stock right now) Want more coverage? Here's the sleeveless version.

🔎 Search for: wrap top, fitted tee, high waisted jeans, bias cut midi skirt, fit and flare dress, belted trench.

Rectangle (balanced, less waist definition)

Sound familiar?

• Straight dresses just hang on you, and your waist disappears.
• Loose sweaters make you feel frumpy, but tight tops feel too young.

Your job: create curves and define your waist. You get to build a waist, which is fun.

✅ Look for: peplum, ruffles and wrap styles, tie waists and belts, paper bag and barrel pants, wide leg pants with a fitted top, flowy skirts and dresses with a built in waist (a tie, a belt, smocking or a wrap).

💡 Want an easy waist? The Spanx tie waist jumpsuit builds one for you.

❌ Skip: column shapes with no waist detail.

🎨 Color: mix textures and play with proportions! Bold prints are great for you too.

🍂 Fall: Weekend getaway

🎯 The formula: fitted mock neck sweater, tucked in + barrel jeans + brown belt + loafers + a suede jacket worn open

The curve of the leg creates the shape for you. And knit, denim and suede together give you that texture mix.

❄️ Winter: Holiday lunch with friends

🎯 The formula: peplum top in a rich color + slim black pants + pointed flats + statement earrings + a long camel coat, worn open

The peplum flares out at your hips, so your waist shows up right above it.

🌷 Spring: Garden party

🎯 The formula: wrap dress in a happy color + denim jacket + white sneakers​

The diagonal wrap line carves out a waist all by itself.

☀️ Summer: Day trip to a beach town

🎯 The formula: fitted tank, tucked into a linen midi skirt + skinny belt + platform sandals + raffia crossbody​

Fitted on top, full on the bottom, belted in the middle. That's how you build a waist from scratch.

🔎 Search for: peplum top, wrap dress, tie waist dress, belted dress, smocked waist dress, barrel jeans, paper bag pants.

Inverted triangle (shoulders wider than hips)

Sound familiar?

• It fits your shoulders but swallows your bottom half. Or it fits your hips and pulls across your shoulders.
• Puff sleeves make you feel like a football player.

Your job: keep it simple on top and have fun with your bottom pieces. Volume below balances your shoulders.

✅ Look for: V, scoop and cowl necklines, dolman and raglan sleeves, simple tops. A line and pleated skirts, wide leg pants, prints and bold details on the bottom. Halter and V neck dresses with a fuller skirt.

💡 Spanx wide leg pants are another easy way to add volume down low.

❌ Skip: puff sleeves, flutter sleeves, ruffled necklines and anything that adds width at the shoulder.

🎨 Color: solid and neutral colors on top, color and prints on the bottom.

🍂 Fall: Book club night

🎯 The formula: black scoop neck sweater with raglan sleeves + leather A line midi skirt + knee high boots​

A raglan sleeve has no seam on top of your shoulder, so your shoulder line softens. The skirt adds volume and texture down low.

❄️ Winter: Holiday party

🎯 The formula: black V neck sweater + printed wide leg pants + heeled booties + a charcoal coat​

A print pulls the eye down, and the V neck narrows things up top.

🌷 Spring: Al fresco lunch

🎯 The formula: white scoop neck tee, tucked in + abstract print midi skirt + espadrilles​

All the print sits down low, so that's where the eye goes. See the difference? Pears wear the color on top. You wear it on the bottom.

☀️ Summer: Evening stroll on vacation

🎯 The formula: black scoop neck tank + wide leg linen pants in a print or a bright color + flat sandals​

The color and the wide leg both add a little weight down low, so everything evens out on its own.

🔎 Search for: V neck top, scoop neck tee, raglan sweater, pleated midi skirt, printed wide leg pants, full skirt midi dress.

Want to go deeper? This summer I wrote a whole email series for each piece by body shape: tops, pants, dresses and skirts.

Now open the bag...

Remember the bag of clothes you took out from your closet last week? It's time to open it.

Take each piece out and ask yourself one question:

Does this piece do my shape's job?

• Yes: it goes back in your closet (as long as it passes your other tests too).
• No: it's time to let it go for good.

Then do the same with the pieces you kept. If something in your closet fights your shape, you'll see it now.

And listen, I know this sounds like a lot of work. That's why a good stylist charges thousands of dollars for this! These emails are the do it yourself version.

But it is 100% worth it. Knowing how to get dressed and creating a functional closet is a skill. And you can learn it if you want to.

It will help you shop better (you'll save money once you stop shopping for the wrong things!), dress with confidence and most importantly, change the way you show up to your world. A confident woman is UNSTOPPABLE!

✅ Your travel friendly closet, in 5 tests

Every piece in your closet now has to pass these:

1. It passes your non-negotiables.
2. It works with at least 3 things you own.
3. It's one of your YES colors.
4. You actually wear it (it's not staying because of love, hope, guilt or fear).
5. It does your shape's job.

Of course, your personal style still plays a part. But once you know your colors and your shape, you're off to a great start.

That's a travel friendly closet: a closet where the clothes you own can go straight into a suitcase, so packing is just picking.

⭐️ You did it! 5 Thursdays, 5 pieces of the puzzle.

Hit reply and tell me: Which of the 5 steps was the hardest for you? Did you try the steps? If not, what got in the way?

Tell me everything. Send me photos if you want! Plus, your replies truly help me shape future emails.

Thanks so much for being here! ♥️

XO,

Aimara

🙏 I'll be honest with you. It's getting harder and harder for a small business like mine to compete with all the AI content out there. I'm doing my best, but it's not easy.

My blog is one of the main ways I keep my packing tips and outfit ideas free (I don't even have ads on my blog so you have a better experience without annoying pop-ups).

And there's one small thing you can do that truly helps me: choose Ways of Style as one of your Preferred Sources on Google.

If you're signed in to Google, here's how:

1. Tap here.
2. Check the box next to Ways of Style.
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This tells Google you want to see Ways of Style when it's relevant to your search, including in AI Overviews and AI Mode. You'll still see everything else, and you can change it anytime.

You've been here for every email, every trip and every packing list, and I'm so grateful. There's so much more coming!