I've been posting my daily outfits for the past year or so on my blog Fitting It All In. It's slightly strange for me-taking a picture of myself each morning and showing the online world what I'm wearing-but it seems that lots of girls enjoy the fashion inspiration. I'm no fashionista, but I do try to look nice and have fun with clothes.

One thing that has been very important in my self-confidence and clothing choices is understanding my body type. For about 20 of my nearly 25 years of existence I had no idea that I was short-waisted. The straps on tank tops were often too long on me and dresses didn't hit me in the right spot, but I just assumed that the item was made strangely. When I found out I needed to be buying petites a whole new world opened up!

It's the same with my small chest and little bit of stomach. One of my best friends is large on top with a long torso and the flattest stomach ever and I've come to accept that we will never be able to share clothes. Neither one of us has a "better" body. We're just different. Learning your body type and learning what looks best on it can make a huge difference in how you feel when you get dressed every day.

Each of you will have to figure out, understand, and be comfortable with your own body type. And throughout life and along your own weight loss journey, your body type will evolve. And understanding and embracing your type can help you get confidence with your body and look great too, no matter your size!

(Read about Clare's own weight loss journey here.)

What works for me won't necessarily work for you, but here's what I've learned along the way:

1. I'm short-waisted but have incredibly long legs. I don't like wearing high waisted skirts or pants because it makes me look disproportionate. Baby doll and A-line style tops show off my waist while still giving my torso some length.



2. Petite tops. Shirts that finally fit me correctly! Loft, Banana Republic, and J.Crew all have great petite sections. Serious life changer.

3. Interest at the neckline. Since I'm small on top, having some sort of ruffle or necklace adds volume and interest to something otherwise, well, uninteresting ;)



4. Belts. Really tight dresses don't look too great on me, so buying something a little looser but using a belt to give it a waist is a good trick.



5. Trying dresses on before I buy. My long legs mean that lots of dresses are downright vulgar on me. I wish I could order things online and have them fit, but that's a little risky. Instead I try them on in-store and make sure they are appropriate.

Not every fashion trend is going to be right for me, but I'd rather be confident and comfortable than look like a picture in the latest Vogue. I encourage you to accept your body type and find some styles that make you look and feel great. You deserve to feel fabulous every day!