9 1/2" rise and above, corseting in all the belly jiggles.
Flap pockets, when combined with a mid-rise, will round a flat bottom while flattening a round tummy.
Straight leg and wider leg openings (ice cream cones tend to topple on the catwalk.)
Slouchy boyfriends provide casual chic for feminine girlfriends.
Shoes are the roots from which your entire ensemble blooms. They store riches of fashion nutrients: color, texture, shape. All while cradling the stems of your legs, giving structure and balance to your entire figure.
(Marilyn Monroe in "Clash by Night", photo courtesy of Corbis) 
Denim for a Lower Figure requires sophisticated scrutiny to simultaneously suit the seat, hips, and thighs. In summary look for a lower mid-rise, a generously cut leg, and a flare sufficient to balance the hips.
The bass flare of an Hourglass jean should harmonize with both the tenor timbre of the hips and the soprano strain of the bust. This chorus will allow the dramatic melody of a narrow alto waist to sing. A dark, simple wash with a cleanly flared leg will ensure that the best profile of your figure is punctuated.
Today, this staple holds the category of skirts (and dresses) which from a narrow waist swell to a flared hem. Its obvious name is based on its physical kinship with the letter "A."
Few figures benefit more from the veil of the A-line than the Lower Figure. For best results the interpretation should be dark in hue, simple in pattern, absent in pleating, and dramatic in line from hip to hem.
At the opposite end of the figure spectrum, the Upper Figure benefits from the balancing effect of the A-line silhouette. The flared hem creates symmetry with a broader shoulder and/or bust. The ideal drape sports a bold color, pattern, and/or embellishment. Each component brings attention and proportional volume to a slim second half.
The Linear Figure's A-line skirt should mimic volume. The fabric should be fluid and the embellishments should be curvaceous. A strong high waistband and generous amount of pleating magnify feminine contours.
For optimum Middle Figure flattery focus should be given to a flexible waistband. Rather than stiff and structured, opt for zipper-less pull-on styling that secures the waist without squishing your soft delicious center. Pair with a finished-hem top and avoid tucking at all costs.
The narrowed center of an Hourglass should be tenderly embraced whenever possible. A high, structured waist will appropriately hug the core, while a full, pleated skirt will emphasize indigenous curves, resulting in an intensified silhouette. For additional dramatics, tuck your blouse into your waistline.
