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FeaturesMarch 16, 2016

New York Fashion Week is behind us, and the world is buzzing with the words "trendy," "groundbreaking," "ready to wear" and so on. For most of us regular folks, these words do not mean much. We generally care about what looks good on our figure, how much it costs and whether the color goes with our skin tone. Whether pear-shaped, top heavy, slim and trim or boxy, certain looks can flatter and transform your look for the better...

Sheila Mckinley
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New York Fashion Week is behind us, and the world is buzzing with the words "trendy," "groundbreaking," "ready to wear" and so on. For most of us regular folks, these words do not mean much. We generally care about what looks good on our figure, how much it costs and whether the color goes with our skin tone. Whether pear-shaped, top heavy, slim and trim or boxy, certain looks can flatter and transform your look for the better.

For this edition of "Buy the River," I picked some of the most popular trends and paired them with stylish frocks from a few of our local boutiques' Instagram pages. These looks showcase flattering looks for common and sometimes difficult-to-dress body types.

The pear

The pear shape is when the lower body is considerably wider than the upper body.

Fashion tip: Accentuate your waist and arms. Wear clothes that minimize your hips.

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Laurie Everett at @vintagevavoom has amazing party dresses that are perfect to showcase a snatched waist and arms, like this gold lame number that wowed me when I came across it on the "gram."

The rectangle

The rectangle or, as some like to call, it the "boyish" shape -- there is nothing boyish about this figure at all. This woman has proportions that are even from shoulders, waist and hips. She is usually slender with an athletic shape.

Fashion tip: Show off those long, slender arms and legs. Accentuate your best assets!

Emily Hoehne of Stash in downtown Cape Girardeau has cute rompers to match with cozy cardigans in the cold weather, and strappy sandals once summer hits. Find the looks on Instagram at @stash_it.

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The hourglass

Think Beyonce or Kate Winslet. This shape has curves for days. The top and bottom halves are proportional and the waist is cinched.

Fashion tip: Most styles are flattering on this shape. The key is not to overdo it by showing off too much. Too much of this good thing may not be appropriate in every setting.

Stephanie Bird at @thestephaniemichelle has the inside scoop to all high fashion for the curvy girl. This cropped vest with skinny jeans is perfect for showing off a Coke bottle figure.

The cone

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The inverted cone shape is top-heavy, with a broad chest and shoulders and narrow waist and hips.

Fashion tip: Wear tops that downplay your broadness up top and accentuate your fabulous legs.

Check out Bridgett Kielhofner at @philanthropycape for hot new styles like cute minidresses that hang right along the thighs.

Cool find:

The Indie House is Laurie Everett's new venture for "all things Bohemian." Visit this one-stop shop housing Free Spirit Studio, Sloan+Themis, Brickwood Boutique, Everett's own Mother Earth and more. Stop in and tell them you heard about it here. Remember to "Buy the River" and support our local businesses!

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