How to find a perfectly figure flattering top plus 20 to buy right now

Finding a figure flattering top is no different than finding a figure flattering dress.  It has to be the right length, the right shape and the right fabric to cover the bits you want it to cover and reveal those you don’t.  Even harder, a seriously good top should work over jeans, smart pants and slim skirts.

There are thousands of tops in prints and colours that would have difficulty flattering anyone, so I tend to play it safe with plains, geometric prints and modern florals.  Avoid those in old fashioned prints and oversized shapes - they're everywhere and they risk making you look frumpy.

Perfect for spring to summer are streamlined tops cut slightly into the shoulder, Boho blouses and simple shapes.  Always check when you're buying a new top that it works front, back and side.  Tops can be immensly flattering and the opposite as well.

Many of these have ruffles or tie necks – this seasons details which will flatter most.  Avoid at all costs, particularly if you’re quite big on top, gathers or pleats just above the bust line – having once a long time ago been asked when my baby was due – when I wasn’t expecting anything – I know that this is one that no matter how much you think will help cover your stomach, may end up doing so in totally the wrong way.