How to Fake an Hourglass Figure

Fresh off yet another successfulFashion Week, supermodel and host of The Thread, Jessica Stam is back in the studio and helping ladies of all shapes and sizes achieve those feminine hourglass curves that any fan of Marilyn Monroe has lusted after.

Pear-shaped ladies - Draw attention upwards with a draped, boatneck top to off-set your bottom half, while opting for a skirt that skims your body and camouflages larger hips. Emphasize your natural waistline with a structured, dark-colored belt. If you want to go with a pants option, try flared jeans that even out your lines with a curve-accentuating jacket.

Tall and thin women - You have a straight-up-and-down figure, and lord knows you can handle a tight dress. Test drive a form-fitting dress with dark side panels and a lighter center panel to fake a more contoured shape. You can also try a cropped jacket with shoulder pads over a v-neck top and a pleated, A-line mini skirt.

Apple-shaped gals - Peplums are you friend! They bring in your waist and hide a tummy--try a peplum dress with a hemline that hits right above the knee and an empire waist for that curvacious look. If pants are you game, pair cinched, high-waisted, wide-legged pants with a v-neck top in a dark, solid color to minimize the waist and bust.

Petite chicas - High-waisted skinny jeans under a top that's been belted just above the waist makes legs look long and lean while enhancing your beloved shape. Try out a corset-inspired top to really draw attention to your upper half. Or, you can always rock a fit-and-flare dress with detailing at the top--it hits at the natural waist while adding visual interested towards your top half, making you look taller than you are!