This is directed to a personalized avatar providing a true representation of the user's body, such that the avatar provides a substantially accurate graphical representation of the user's body. The avatar can be defined using any suitable approach, including by providing measurements of the user's body or extracting measurements from photographs of the user. The user can direct an electronic device to apply selected articles of clothing, accessories, or other items to the user's avatar to preview the appearance of the items on the user. In some embodiments, an electronic device can recommend different clothing items or other objects based on the user's body type.