It's all happened to us at some time or another. We see an outfit in the store window. It's beautiful. It's in our size. And it's on sale! But when we eagerly try it on in the fitting room it doesn't look half as flattering as it did on the hanger or in our minds. Why does this happen? There can be multiple reasons, but one fact I have discovered in my ongoing war with fashion is this: not all articles of clothing suit my body type.

Now this does not mean I should not buy the outfits I like nor should I kill myself trying to make myself fit into them and this goes for anyone else, male or female. There are ways in which we can wear what we like, but also adjust our outfits to accent the greatest strengths of our appearance rather than change ourselves to become what we think the fashion industry wants us to become.

I have been both overweight and underweight in my attempts to accept myself and, in the end, I have come to find it is easier to simply add a belt or a vest to my outfit rather go home and try to lose fifteen pounds in a week and then return to the store once I feel more confident. Fashion seems to be the ultimate "frenemy." While it may seem to be working against us at times, there are so many ways to make it work for us and here are four creative ways to make it do just that.

1. Accent your best physical features

While we tell ourselves and our friends that we are beautiful in our own unique way, we never take the time to discover, let alone accent, what makes our appearance unique. In my case, I have a broad bust, but narrow hips and waist. When shopping, I have learned to accent my waistline simply by adding a belt to the dress I like or looking for dresses that come with belts. This is an easy technique if you know what to look for and know what you want to accent on yourself.

For instance, if you have sparkling blue eyes look for colors that will bring that out more such as aquamarine or sky blue tops. The greatest part about catering to your personal appearance is that you are not trying to become more beautiful, you are simply exposing the beauty that is already there.

2. Shop for your size

I know this seems a little obvious, but it needs to be said. So often we feel tempted to push ourselves to either lose weight or gain weight to fit into a certain size. Whether you still need to shop in the children's section for certain items or find yourself holding a hanger with two Xs on it, do not fall for the lie that the label on the clothing matches your self-worth. The point is to accent the beauty you already possess and your size is one of them. Remember, make fashion work for you and not the other way around. In other words, go with what fits.

3. Accessorize Tastefully

Accessories are merely another form of self-expression. Whether you like scarves, jewelry, watches, or hats, they can go a long way in saying something about who you are. It is important, however, to not be overly excessive with accessories. Similar to behavior, too many accessories may attract the wrong kind of attention. For example, you do not want to wear too much jewelry to the point you look like a walking chandelier.

A long heart-shaped necklace with matching earrings or charm bracelet will make you sparkle and not blind anyone you come into contact with. Or, a hand knitted scarf to compliment your checkered winter coat will keep you cozy and yet looking cool. While remaining creative with your accessories, always remember to be tasteful and complimentary with what you are already wearing.

4. Make your physical flaws work for you

We tend to memorize the parts of ourselves that are less than impressive. However, even these flaws can be dressed up as quirks and exposed as part of what makes us special. For example, I have wild curly brown hair and I have hated it for as long as I can remember. I have straightened my hair since I was nine years old in order to tame my mane. However, on the days I don't have time or simply don't care enough I unleash my curls and decorate them with a bow, braid, or headband so that I don't look like Medusa's long-lost Gorgon sister. I was surprised to discover (get this): I received more compliments when my hair was curly than when it was straight. So you never know, what you hate about yourself may be what sets you apart from everyone else.

Whether you are fashion-phobic or currently waging war against the industry, consider a truce: make fashion work for you rather than against you. Accent your more attractive qualities through accessories or by simply wearing what fits. Dress up the parts you feel ashamed of and embrace the quirks that make you who you are. If this article has done nothing more than add a prance to your step or inspired you to go shopping, then my work here is done.