All cheerleaders — regardless of size, shape or ability to cause permanent damage to your hearing — share one thing in common: they always look adorable.

The perpetual smile and face paint has a lot to do with it, I’m sure, but what I’m really referring to is their uniforms, specifically, the use of colorblock in their uniforms.

Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta were among those designers who wisely incorporated colorblock dresses, skirts, blouses and even bathing suits into their Spring 09 collection. Think of colorblock as body make-up. A well-placed dark stripe that runs along the sides of a dress can turn wide hips into svelte ones; a brightly-colored bustline can make you look more Salma Hayek-like.

First, the masters:

Now the inspired:

Forever 21 Colorblock Top — $8.80

On the mod side: INC International Concepts Color Block Dress — $59.00

Urban Outfitters Colorblock Ruffle Dress — $88.00

The Rogen Dress in Orange Dresses By BB Dakota — $82.00

This Johnny Martin dress accentuates the bust, highlights curves and minimizes hips — $51.75

Vera Wang Colorblock Sweater Dress — $149.00

Two Tone Color Block Dress — $19.99

Lime in the middle and a cool pleated neckline: Sangria Colorblock Dress — $80.00

Calvin Klein Colorblock Dress — $128.00

Tommy Bahama Women’s Mimosa Knit Color Block Dress On Sale — $77.00

The turquoise hearts on the bodice kill me: Rebecca Beeson Heart Print Color Block Dress in Teal — $149.00

Two dresses by Go Jane and Max & Cleo that will do more for your bustline than most miracle bras:

Max & Cleo Strapless Color-blocked Dress On Sale — $110.99

Go Jane Colorblock Ruffle Halter Shift Dress — $22.50

Candy cane stripes:

Forever 21 Knotted Colorblock Dress — $19.80

French Connection Sizzle Stripe Skirt — $98.00

Max & Cleo Strapless Color-blocked Dress On Sale — $110.99

Modcloth.com sangfroid stripes dress — $43.00

From top to bottom:

London Times Colorblock Dress — $80.00

Kensie Silk Shantung Striped Sleeveless Dress — $118.00

Maggy London Ruffle Colorblock Dress — $138.00

Laundry by Shelli Segal Women’s Mockneck Colorblocked Ponté Dress — $127.50

Newport News Tiered Colorblock Dress — $54.00

Brown Color Block Maxi Dresses by Khaki Krew — $92.00

The Fifi Block Dress — $108.00 I stared at this dress for a long while. Then closed the window, reopened the window and kept staring, trying to decide if I’d wear this or not. Hmm..trying not to let the model’s dead eyes influence my decision…The Fifi Block Dress — $108.00

Size Small Ladies: Get your dose of Marc Jacobs. This Jersey Color Block Dress has been marked down from $450.00 to $78.00

Donna Morgan Colorblock Dress — $69.00

Aqua Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Dress with Stripe Details: Exclusively at Bloomingdale’s Sale — $51.00

Daisy Lowe would def wear this: Betsy Johnson Colorblock Dress in Black — $150.00