East Hampton - Shopping can be tedious enough as it is - but throw in July in the Hamptons and you're really doomed. While you can plan your shopping time around when you anticipate town to be manageable, the process is still a nightmare if you don't know what you're looking for or - even worse - what looks good on your body type. Those 16-year-old sales girls who insist the skinny leg white jeans and cropped floral tank make you look five years younger can sometimes be a bit untrustworthy, and it can have us running for the door more confused than when we walked in.

Accentuate your waist when possible - either with a belt or by dressing in two contrasting colors on the top and bottom.

With that said, here are a few basic rules that will hopefully make the process a bit easier for you. Trust me, once you know the basics for how to dress for your body type and realize that what you wear can create an illusion of how you want your body to appear, you will realize shopping can be enjoyable (and then of course I'll be out of business, but that's beside the point).

The first step might be the scariest, but it's also the most important: measuring yourself. Take off those baggy clothes you've been hiding behind since you ate two donuts at Dreesen's or had baby number three. Grab a tape measure, pen, and piece of paper - and start measuring. Measure right around the center of your bust, the skinniest part of your waist, the widest area of your hips. Step on a scale and write the number down. These measurements are critical for when you choose your size in the store. Next, look at yourself in the mirror and, after you're done deciding everything you love about yourself, study your body and figure out your proportions. Are your shoulders wider than your hips? Does your stomach have a little extra pouch? Does your lower half seem to weigh you down? Are you curvy all over? Or perhaps you don't have much curve at all?

Now that you've had an honest conversation with yourself, there is one more rule you need to follow. Shop for exactly what you saw in the mirror. Don't pick out clothes for when you lose 10 pounds, or what you might look like in 10 months or even 10 days. Dress for the person you saw, critiqued and adored.

Here are a few guidelines to ensure you're showing off all your best assets:

A Little Extra On Top
 • Dresses with an empire waist are flattering on this body type and will support the bust.
 • Flowey, loose dresses that can make your body look bigger than it is, so stick with structured pieces.
 • Choose a narrow lapel on a blazer to draw less attention to the chest.
 • Opt for darker colors on top, lighter colors on bottom.
 • Always accentuate your waist when possible - either with a belt or by dressing in two contrasting colors on the top and bottom (see image from Celine spring 2010 collection).
 • Avoid skinny jeans since they may throw off your proportions.
 • A-line or pencil skirts are great options for you.

A Little Extra On The Bottom
 • V-necks and other tops with exposed necklines draw attention upward.
 • Opt for lighter colors on top, darker colors on bottom .
 • Always accentuate your waist when possible - either with a belt or by dressing in two contracting colors on the top and bottom.
 • Look for detailing around the neckline (see image from Dolce and Gabbana fall 2010 collection).
 • A-line skirts in darker colors will keep your lower half looking slimmer.
 • When wearing pants, pinstripes can make the legs appear thinner and longer.
 • Heels, heels, heels - pointed toe and peep toe tend to elongate the legs so stick with these when possible.

Look for detailing around the neckline

A Little Extra In The Middle
 • Empire waist dresses will accentuate the narrowest part of your waist and draw the eye upward.
 • Try wearing a structured short jacket with a narrow sleeve paired with dark pants and heels.
 • Stripes and patterns can be your best friend or worst enemy. Look for patterns that draw the eye inward (think upside down or right side up V shapes), as opposed to polka dots or horizontal stripes since they can make the body appear wider.
 • Trousers with a crease can give the illusion of longer, thinner legs.
 • For tops, keep the length to just above the hip.

A Little Extra All Around
 • A wrap dress works for almost all body types, but is particularly flattering for curvy woman. A must have piece.
 • V-necks and other tops with exposed necklines draw attention to your face and neck.
 • Show off your hourglass figure by emphasizing your waist and embracing your curves. Don't try to hide them behind baggy clothes.
 • Single button blazers create an hourglass shape by drawing in the waistline.
 • If you're more comfortable in basic black (since it is universally slimming) then play up your accessories. Try a black shift dress or pant suit with a pair of bright heels, sparkly earrings and small bag or clutch. A broach also works since it draws the eye upward.
 • Avoid too many ruffles or extra fabrics.
 • Choose skirts that have a slight flare below the knee .

Just Little All Around
 • Patterns can create the illusion of a curvier body, so feel free to play up the prints.
 • Chunkier accessories usually look good on smaller flames since they add dimension.
 • Blousier tops and dresses can also create more of an hourglass figure.
 • Cuffed pants look great on narrower bodies since they add weight to the body shape.
 • Layering is key – think vests and blazers.
 • Voluminous skirts add dimension.
 • Heavier belts emphasize a waist.

"Dress Your Best" by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London is a must-have for anyone looking for a detailed analysis on how to dress for their body. That, or a personal shopper of course.