In order to feel our best, we must know how to properly dress ourselves. With today's numerous styles, it may be difficult to understand how to dress according to our physical stature. Knowing which garments are right for our body shape will allow us to express our style in an optimal way.
To know under which category we fall, we must first learn our body measurements. We do so by measuring the width of our shoulders, waist and hips. Secondly, we visually draw an imaginary line from the widest point of our shoulders to the widest point of our hips. Doing this will enable us to see whether our shoulder-to-hip ratio is aligned or not and will guide us to dress our best for the most flattering look. The aim is to dress ourselves in a way that showcases symmetry and balanced proportions.
In this article you will learn the 5 different body types and how to style yourself appropriately.
1. Apple Shape
This body shape represents women with a fuller torso. Those with this figure will usually have broader shoulders, a larger bust, and carry their weight around their midsection, leaving them with an undefined waistline.
Main focus: Choose clothes that draw attention to your lower body and camouflage your waist area.
DO'S
Wear lightweight fabrics on top. Avoid heavier materials drawing attention to your midsection.
Wear bright colours, fabrics and patterns on your lower body.
Wear a waist-belt, ideally thin and dark, to give the illusion of a more defined waist.
For women with a larger bust, invest in a quality bra to lift and create the desired curvy silhouette.
Wear high-waisted pants and A-line skirts to give the illusion of a more balanced silhouette.
Wear shirts and dresses that have an empire waist.
Wear a structured jacket which will draw attention away from your larger waistline.
DON’TS
Avoid fitted materials on top.
Avoid high necklines that will only make your bust line appear bigger, taking away from your desired balanced silhouette. I.e.: No turtlenecks, halter tops, boat necks, etc. Rather show your decollete which will give you a longer and leaner look.
TIP
Purchase high quality shapewear to help the clothing fall smoothly, give you comfort, and help you achieve the desired hourglass silhouette.
For more information on how to dress for the apple shape body type, click on link below:
2. The Pear Body Shape
Women with this body type are those whose lower body is larger than their upper body. More concretely speaking, those with wider hips, larger bottom, narrow shoulders and smaller bust.
Main Focus: To draw attention to the upper body.
DO'S
Wear shoulder pads to broaden shoulders and create more of a balanced-look given your wider hips.
Showing a little more skin on your decollete area, without needing to showcase cleavage, will draw attention upwards while still remaining elegant. I.e.: wearing tops with a sweetheart neckline, v-neckline, and scoop neckline.
Wear a push-up bra to add more volume in your bust area.
Wear more textured fabrics and larger patterns on top to draw attention upward.
Play down your lower body by wearing darker colors.
DON’TS
Avoid light colours or patterns on your lower body.
Avoid turtlenecks and halter tops as this will only reveal your narrower shoulders.
For more information on the Pear body type, click on link below:
3. The Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass body type is the most balanced of all shapes. Women with this body type are proportionate in their upper and lower body with a slimmer midline.
Main Focus: Showcase your natural silhouette in an elegant manner.
DO'S
Wear outfits that are more fitted around the waist and loose in other areas achieving timeless feminine elegance.
Wear belts which will showcase your cinched-in waist.
All styles look great on this body shape.
DON’TS
Avoid wearing skin-tight clothing which lacks class and leaves no mystery.
Avoid wearing oversized clothing that will hide your naturally balanced silhouette.
For more information on the Hour glass body shape, click the link below:
4. The Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Women with an inverted triangle body shape are broader in the shoulders and narrow in the hips. Alongside the hourglass body shape, the inverted triangle is also a flattering type as most clothing styles will suit you.
Main Focus: Draw attention to your slimmer lower body and away from your broader shoulders. Focus on cinching in your waist will give you a more balanced look, mimicking the hourglass silhouette.
DO'S
In order to draw attention to your slimmer lower body, add volume by wearing light colours and bolder patterns when dressing in pants and skirts.
Wear wrap-tops and dresses that will draw attention to your waist giving you a more even look.
Wear belts and tops with waist-ties that will define your waistline.
Wear darker colours on top.
Wear A-line skirts to create more volume and width in the hip area.
Wear pants or skirts with horizontal stripes to create the illusion that your hips are wider, and thus create a more balanced look.
Wear structured jackets with moderate size collars that will flatter your shoulders but not over-broaden them.
DON’TS
Avoid adding width or bulk to your upper torso. I.e.: shoulder pads, tailored jackets, single breasted blazers, etc.
Avoid wearing horizontal lines on top which will only broaden the look of your shoulders giving the illusion that your hips are smaller than what they actually are.
Avoid tapered skirts or dresses.
For more information on the inverted triangle shape, click on the link below :
5. The Rectangle Body Shape
The Rectangle Body type is characterized by those who have a straight- down silhouette, same proportions from shoulder- waist- hips. Women with this body type have little to no waist curve.
Main Focus: Define waistline to give more of a balanced look.
DO'S
Wear belts and waist wraps to create curves in the midsection.
Add volume on your upper and lower body. I.e.: add colours or patterns in both top and bottom attire.
A solid and quality bra will lift and shape your breasts drawing attention upwards.
Most necklines in tops will work great on helping you mimic the curvier look. Choose the ones that will give you a lean and elongated shape. I.e: v-neck, sweetheart, cowl, turtleneck, boat- neck, etc.
DON’TS
Avoid shapeless garments that will emphasize your straight silhouette.
Avoid wearing square necklines or wide boat-necks which will only add more straight lines.
Avoid skin-tight clothing.
For more information on the Rectangle Shape, click the link below:
Women have the luxury to experiment with numerous styles. As such, understanding how to dress our best for our own unique body shape, will allow us to be more fashionably confident in any setting.
“Fashion is architecture. It is a matter of proportions” - Coco Chanel.
Written by: Miriam de Galembert
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