Fashion is meant to be fun. And while following trends or finding inspiration on your Instagram feed is great, not all outfits will translate across all body types. Well-fitting clothes will always outshine of-the-moment ensembles so it's best to invest in items that are cut to suit your shape.

Your best friend might look fantastic in bodycon dresses, while you might prefer the comfort of an oversized blazer and menswear-inspired pants. This is the key to learning what to wear – embrace what you feel most comfortable in and build your wardrobe accordingly.

Knowing your body type is the first step in understanding your body’s proportions, however these shapes can be a bit of a generalisation. It pays to take out the measuring tape and really get to know your size in order to take advantage of your shape.

If you haven’t heard about the rule of thirds, it's time to listen up. Understanding how to make your proportions work for you, not against you is one of the most important lessons in dressing. It stems from an idea that the ancient Greeks developing, claiming that a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is the most aesthetically pleasing division of spaces.

Dividing your body into thirds and mixing your outfits this way can help your body look longer, taller and even slimmer. Either work with 1/3 of your outfit on top and 2/3 on the bottom, for example tucking a slim-fit top into a pair of wide leg pants or midi skirt. Or play with 2/3 on top and 1/3 on the bottom by choosing a longer line blazer or cardigan to layer over your jeans.

Cutting your body in half can work against you by making you look boxy – no one wants that.

If you have a curvier upper and lower body with a defined waist, don’t be afraid to show it off. Look for wrap dresses, jumpsuits and separates that highlight your figure. Look to fabrics that hug your body or offer structure to maximise your sought-after body shape.

Wider hips and thighs lend themselves perfectly to A-line and maxi dresses that glide over the lower body. You might also want to draw attention to your upper body in order to bring balance to your shape. This could be through the use of colour, pattern or bold silhouettes or tops with statement sleeves or eye-catching necklines. Its best to avoid extremely long or cropped tops and look for styles that hit at the widest part of your hips for a flattering silhouette.

If you’re blessed with an Apple body type, chances are you also have great legs. Consider streamlined tops and blazers, which are tailored to suit your shape, matched with straight-leg pants and jeans as the building blocks of your wardrobe. Pieces that offer waist definition in fabrics that sit close to the body (but do not cling!) like silk, linen and cotton are sure to become fast favourites.

Broad shoulders and smaller hips will look best in items that accentuate the lower body and draw attention away from the top half. This means it's best to avoid wide straps, halter necklines and puffed sleeves. Instead, turn your attention to ruffled or pleated skirts that bring volume to your bottom half.

Bodies with uniform measurements offer the freedom to play with the features you love most. For example, if you prefer to accentuate your lower body, opt for statement pants and skirts. This could be through silhouette or colour and prints. A pair of wide-leg trousers or a printed full skirt would be a winning choice. In order to amp up your upper body, look for embellished necklines or considered sleeve lengths. Softer fabrics can help to loosen up looks for straight body types.