Body Proud: Celebrity Style Secrets for Embracing Your Shape

Body Proud: Celebrity Style Secrets for Embracing Your Shape

• Alicia Keys: Use Colorblock to Show off Curves

  The long white panel on Stella McCartney’s “contoured colorblock” dress nips in at the waist and widens at the bust and hips, highlighting Keys’s every curve to create a voluptuous look that’s totally modern. Want to try it for yourself? You’ll find similar sheaths, pencil skirts and tops in stores now.

  Fun fact: McCartney’s universally figure-flattering dress was such a hit, versions have been worn by everyone from Nicole Scherzinger to Kate Winslet, LaLa Anthony, Mel B., Liv Tyler and Jane Fonda!

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Khloe Kardashian: Spotlight Your Legs with a High-Low Hem

  Her sister Kim may be known for her hourglass proportions, but Khloe wins in the tall and leggy department -- and likes to show off her pins in a variety of minidresses, including this sexy high-low style from designer Norma Kamali.

  Tip: You can snag Khloe’s exact dress (in red or black) at shopbop.com for $275.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

   

   

  
  

• Octavia Spencer: White Can Be Slimming

  The Help actress wore a hand-beaded Tadashi Shoji gown to the Oscars, causing sales of the designer’s dresses to spike at stores like Neiman’s and Nordstrom -- and curvy women around the world to consider swapping out their LBDs for something white, cream or ivory.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Queen Latifah: Pipe it Right

  Queen Latifah paved the way for other performers to feel great about their figures, and this strategically seamed dress shows why she’s revered as Hollywood royalty.

  Tip: Look for piping that defines the areas you want to show off most, whether it’s around your neckline or up and down a pencil skirt.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Julie Bowen: Show Off a Smaller Bust

  Larger cup sizes should exercise caution in a dress this sheer and bare, but Bowen’s self-described boyish figure looks utterly sexy in the Zuhair Murad creation.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Kim Kardashian: Peplums Work on Every Body

  Kimmie’s legions of fans study her every fashion move. In this case, the star teaches a master class in how to wear the popular peplum trend if you’re curvy: Instead of choosing a stiff version that could distract from her figure, the soft flounce simply accentuates the positive.

  Tip: Shopping for a peplum top, dress or skirt? Make sure the flounce starts just below the smallest part of your waist.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Demi Lovato: Use Beading to Sculpt Your Torso

  After struggling with her body image for years, Lovato has hit the red carpet with renewed confidence. One of our favorite recent looks: the coral Marchesa gown that Demi wore to the People’s Choice Awards. Its beaded detailing creates the perfect focal point for her hourglass shape.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Jennifer Lopez: Exude Confidence in Flesh Tones

  There’s something innately sexy about wearing about nude colors -- remember Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous “naked” dress? -- so it’s no wonder it’s one of Lopez’s favorite color palettes. Here, she rocks the look head-to-toe for the ultimate self-assured fashion statement.

  Tip: Not ready to commit to full-body nude? Even a scarf in peachy-beige chiffon will play off your skin tone and showcase your sensuality.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

  
  

• Amy Poehler: Take the Plunge

  Halter tops are back, and sexier than ever. Just ask Amy Poehler, who sizzled at the Emmy’s in this beaded Stella McCartney gown, which provided uplift while showcasing the star’s décolletage.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

   

• Mindy Kaling: Define Your Waist

  Funny lady Kaling may joke about wanting to lose a few pounds on The Mindy Project, but on the red carpet she is utterly body-proud. In a look inspired by the 1970s, she accessorized a forest green St. John dress with a gold belt placed at the narrowest part of her torso.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Melissa McCarthy: Wrap it Up

  McCarthy is working on a much-anticipated plus-size fashion line, but in the meantime, the Bridesmaids star favors frocks with structure, shape and flow, like this tiered wrap dress. The surplice crossbody cut defines the bust, cinches in the waist and drapes over hips!

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Christina Aguilera: A Slit Adds Sex Appeal

  Once a super-thin ingénue, Aguilera has come into her own as a woman who embraces her curves. This long black dress was more demure than most of her picks, but the singer still brought the sexy in the form of a thigh-high slit and high-watt platforms.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Hayden Panettiere: Look Taller by Coordinating Head to Toe

  Nashville star Panettiere creates a long, lean body line by choosing heels the same color as her dress. Add a coordinating bag and glowing skin and the petite powerhouse looks inches taller than her 5’ 2” frame.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

• Maria Sharapova: Flatter a Tall Frame with Layers

  Over six feet tall like the tennis ace? Follow her lead and build a layered outfit that has different “dividing lines” up and down the body, like a tucked-in blouse with a longer jacket.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage

   

• Amber Riley: Go with the Flow

  No matter what she wears, the Glee star exudes fresh, youthful confidence. Some of her most flattering looks are flowing, draped gowns cut on the bias -- styles that seem to float over curves while still showing off her shape.

  Photo Credit: Courtesy of iVillage