Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Power Dressing for a Long Torso Question: I have had difficulty finding clothes that would fit my body proportion, as my torso is long compared to my legs. Any advice on what clothes would fit my body type? thanks! Sherryn Answer: What you describe is one of the most common body types among women. You have a lower hip line. The rule of thumb for creating the illusion of perfect proportion is to not accent any body areas where you are short in your overall proportion. In your case, that’s the leg area. With that, Capri or cropped pants will not flatter you as they create a horizontal line across the calf area. In your leisure time when wearing shorts, wear mid-thigh styles instead of knee-length ones to make your legs appear longer. (Keep in mind that Capri pants, cropped pants, and shorts are not appropriate for business environments, in most cases.) You probably have difficulty finding pants that fit you well. The fashion lines of Jones of New York and sometimes Dana Buchman offer pants well suited for your body type, as generally they are cut with longer strides. In most cases, whether you’re buying skirts or pants, alterations are necessary for your waist area and perhaps your hem length. Generally, garments are too big on you in the waist when they fit you’re hips, correct? Always expect alterations to achieve a perfect fit and a comfortable fit. Body-suit blouses and one-piece swimsuits may also create comfort problems for you as would anything that’s made for a regular length torso. With that all said, what does work for you? You can wear styles that are considered more of a more feminine silhouette. A-line skirts, sarong-style skirts, wrap skirts, wide-legged pants (which are worn longer), long below-the-hip-length jackets, shorter jackets that come just below the waist. Avoid those that end in the middle of your buttocks. Wide belts look best on those with your body type. Pants or skirts with interesting waistbands or adornment in that area would look terrific on you, as it would make your legs appear longer and your waist appear shorter. Draw attention upward to your face with a stylish haircut, tastefully applied makeup, and great-looking jewelry. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Tips for overweight dressing Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'