Lean and narrow, straight up and down, the curves on this body are either slight or out of sight. These are the women you’re most likely to see modeling on runways and in magazines. String beans often describe their shape as boyish or athletic, but with the right clothes, it’s easy to soften and round out any edges. Their ruler-shape rules as one of the easiest shapes to shop for!

One of the first steps to unleashing your style is to define your shape!

For starters, being a string bean refers to your shape and proportions – not your weight, height or dress size. You could be a size 12 and still be a string bean.

You’re a string bean beauty if you have:

• a small to medium chest
• an undefined waist
• narrow hips
• minimal curves
• a slender or athletic build

Beans have no predominant curves. Even when they gain weight they generally don’t add curves. String beans tend to carry extra weight around the torso – front and back – while still maintaining trim arms and legs.

You’re in good company! Famous “string bean beauties” include Renée Zellweger, Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Sandra Oh, Calista Flockhart and Audrey Hepburn.

Top Ten Tips: Whether you’re trying to decide what to wear in the morning – or when you’re heading to your favourite Cadillac Fairview shopping centre to update your wardrobe – here are the “do’s and don’ts” for dressing the string bean body type.

1. Do create curves by wearing belted or fitted dresses, jackets and sweaters. Wear blouses and shirts tucked into trousers.
2. Do give the illusion of a bust line with a padded or push-up bra.
3. Do add more overall shape with fitted pencil skirts, flared skirts, flared pants or boot-cut jeans. Make the most of your slim legs with mini skirts and tights.
4. Do wear layers that add architectural interest. Mix up textures and patterns for contrast, to break up the straight lines.
5. Do wear any accessories that add volume or curves to your silhouette. Wear a belt to create the illusion of a waistline.
6. Don’t wear clothes that are too big or too boyish. Always get a proper fit or have your clothes altered by a tailor.
7. Don’t wear head-to-toe monochromatic colour, unless you’re mixing light with heavy textures.
8. Don’t be afraid to mix feminine details in soft tops with harder, more masculine trousers.
9. Don’t wear vertical or pinstripes, as they will make you look even more straight and narrow. (Sorry, this season’s pinstripe suits are not for you.) Add width with pattern and horizontal stripes instead.
10. Don’t wear accessories that echo your ruler-like shape. Long, hanging earrings are out.

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