Do you shop with purpose or so haphazardly that when you bring your shopping spoils home you want to return everything you purchased? Knowing your body type and the styles of clothing that most flatter it isn’t about feeling terrible about yourself, it’s about finding clothes that make us feel comfortable, and sexy, in our own skin. Identifying your unique silhouette means you can buy dresses that accentuate your best features while drawing attention away from your less flattering features.

Dress with success in a silhouette that’s perfect for your body with these dress-buying tips:

1. Fit and flare dress
This dress style is ideal for those with a triangle body type (a thin upper body with wider thigh and hips) because it draws attention to a well-defined waist while adding texture and volume to the upper body to create symmetry. A line dress typically have wider or flared skirts and draw the attention upwards with a v-neckline, one or strapless top, bustier top, or embellished top.

2. Shift dress
Also commonly referred to as a sheath silhouette, these are the ideal shape for a petite body. Plus shift dresses are typically shorter in the hemline, which means they elongate and lengthen the legs. So if you feel like your legs and calves are your best feature, the sheath dress is your silhouette. Plus, this style can be worn casually a blazer and flats for errands or work, and dressed up with heels, a belt, and a bold wrap for a night on the town.

3. A-line dress
An a-line silhouette is ideal for long, thin, lean body types because they symmetrically align your upper body with thin hips and a slight lower body. You can also create a faux waist by adding embellishments, texture, and a belt at the waist and hips (i.e., tiers, ruffles, and rushing) while taking the attention away from broad shoulders and a boxy upper body.

4. Maxi dress
Maxi dresses are long with a lot of forgiving material around the lower half of the body. They’re super comfy for running errands or for the workday, before transitioning into a bohemian nighttime look. Plus, the length means you don’t always have to upkeep those shaven legs. Maxi dresses often also create length for petite women, plus you’re bound to find a pattern you like.

5. Midi dress
Wear a fitted midi dress to show off your hourglass figure. With a well-defined waistline, fuller hips and bust, the slim and sleek cut of a midi dress highlights all of these quintessential hourglass features. If you’re looking to accentuate your shape, look no further than pieces like: high-waisted jeans, anything with a wrap waist and flared denim. Why the fitted midi dress? This super streamlined silhouette will hit you in all the right places—and it’s extremely au courant. Skip the minis and the maxis this season (unless that’s your tried & true) and opt for this more forward hemline that will take you from BBQ to backyard wedding in style.