Filed under: Celebrity Style , Red Carpet
Pear Shape Inspiration: Rihanna
Pear shapes are typically smaller on top and wider through the hips and rear. To look proportional, take a cue from Rihanna, who's known for always dressing the best for her pear shape. The pop princess looked elegant in this strapless gown with a draped panel from her waist through to her thighs. The panel of fabric helped camouflage her wider bottom half and created a more symmetrical look, while the strapless neckline drew the eyes up. Get a similar look and effect with this geometric dress by Karen Millen (karenmillen.com, $129.30).
If you haven't caught on to the 'Glee' phenomenon yet, you should, if only to watch the powerhouse singer that is Amber Riley. She's covered everyone from Jasmine Sullivan to Whitney Houston on the show and gets better and better with each episode. The plus-sized beauty has also been improving her fashion game, stepping up from a minor player to a full on fashionista. We can't wait to see what Amber has in store for next year, but in the mean time, follow her lead with this stylish red carpet look. Perfect for any New Year's Eve gala or fancy fete, this floor length, strapless red gown is great for the plus-sized woman who has major plans. The cinched waist creates an hourglass shape and drapes nicely over a full shape. Monif's C (monifC.com, $235), popular convertible dress offers a more affordable option for you to try.
If you're a skinny mini, look to Ciara for your New Year's Eve style inspiration. The R&B beauty stays thin and trim thanks to all those intense dance moves in her videos, but doesn't have many noticeable curves. If you're like Ciara and want to create some extra shapes, follow her lead and get a cutout dress. Ciara's Jasmine de Milo dress has cutouts along the sides that work to create an hourglass shape, and the body hugging fabric allows her natural shape to shine through. Try a similar look with this Cherry Bomb dress (shopnasty.com, $78)
Ring in the new year celebrating your curvy shape! Stars like Viola Davis do this all the time, like when she strutted the red carpet in this figure flattering little black dress. The Tony Award-winning actress wore a black satin dress that accented her bustline and strong arms, while the ribbon under her rib cage highlighted her small waist. The star was smart to choose an A-line dress that flowed over her bottom half without hugging every single curve. To look sassy and sexy on New Year's Eve like Viola, try an Illusion Tank Dress from White House Black Market (whitehouseblackmarket.com, $168).
If anyone has a year to celebrate, it's Zoe Saldana. The Dominican diva went from working actress to A-List star overnight with her hit movie 'Avatar'. After seeing Zoe on red carpet after red carpet, one thing became clear -- the lovely Latina loves to flaunt her small bust. While many women with a similar shape often look for the latest and greatest push-up bra to amp up their assets, Ms. Saldana works with what she's got and looks great. So great, in fact, that she won a coveted contract with Calvin Klein underwear to model their latest lingerie. If you're looking to embrace your smaller bust like Zoe Saldana did in this fun black dress by Balmain, try this winter white version by French Connection (frenchconnection.com, $82.75), and add your own gold belt.