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When it comes to fashion, one size does not fit all. Everybody’s body is different and unique. That‘s why knowing and dressing according to your body type is important. It will significantly affect how you feel and look in your outfits.
In today‘s post, we‘ll explore the five different body types: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, and Rectangle.
We’ll provide detailed tips on how to dress to flatter each shape, so you can confidently embrace your body and develop your personal style.
THE PEAR SHAPE
Your body type:
Your body shape is defined by a smaller upper body and a wider lower body. You possess a defined waist and your hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders.
To enhance your body shape you should draw attention to the upper body dragging the focus away from your lower half. Additionally, by emphasizing your waist you‘ll create a sense of proportion leading to a well-balanced silhouette.
Clothing to enhance your body’s beauty:
TOPS:
Here it‘s key to draw attention to the shoulders to create width in the upper body and to generally highlight your upper half.
Specific pieces:
- Boat necklines draw attention to the shoulder and collarbone and therefore make the upper body look broader.
- Other pieces that showcase the shoulders are off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder cuts.
- Tops with statement sleeves, like voluminous or detailed sleeves, catch attention and keeps focus on the upper half.
- V-necklines create the desired effect as well. They make the upper body seem wider and transfer the attention to your face.
BOTTOMS:
To create a balanced proportion you‘ll want to choose pieces that streamline the lower body and don‘t shift focus to the lower half of your body.
Specific pieces:
- A-line skirts gently flare out from the waist drawing the focus away from the hips and creating a balanced silhouette.
- Wide-leg pants add volume to your lower body making it perfect to balance proportions.
- Dark-washed jeans tailored to fit well around your waist and hips without excessive details are another great fit for your body type.
- To highlight your waist and create a longer-looking leg line, high-waisted skirts or pants are the perfect piece. It’s best to avoid low-rise pieces.
DRESSES:
- Fit-and-flare dresses are designed to cinch at the waist and flare out to accentuate your waist.
- Wrap dresses are a great pick as well because they create that hourglass shape.
- Empire waist dresses have a raised waistline that allows the rest to flow over the rest of the body.
ACCESSORIES
The same principle applies to accessories. They should draw attention upward.
- Statement necklaces that catch the eye are a great idea.
- Scarves have a similar effect as necklaces.
- Belts highlight your waist and create definition.
- Blazers or jackets make your shoulders look broader and create balance.
THE APPLE SHAPE
Your body type:
Your body shape is characterized by a fullness around the midsection, with a less defined waistline. Since your legs tend to be slimmer the goal is to draw attention away from the midsection and to your legs and upper body to balance proportions.
Clothing to enhance your body’s beauty:
TOPS:
With tops, it‘s important that the attention is drawn upward. Opt for options like these:
- V-Necklines: They elongate the upper body and draw attention toward the face.
- Empire Waist Tops: These tops cinch just below the bust emphasizing your slimmer upper body.
- Flowy or Draped Tops: They skim over the midsection, creating a flattering silhouette.
- Peplum Tops: Flaring out at the waist they create a more defined waistline.
BOTTOMS:
Choose bottoms that elongate your slim legs and create balance with your upper body. These options are a great fit for that:
- Bootcut or wide-leg pants: lengthens your legs and create a balanced silhouette
- A-line skirts: draw attention away from the midsection by gently flaring out from the waist.
- High-waisted bottoms: create the illusion of a defined waistline.
- Dark-colored bottoms: the dark colors create a slimming effect.
DRESSES:
- Wrap dresses cinch at the waist and create an hourglass shape.
- Shift dresses: they skim over the midsection and highlight your legs.
- Fit-and-flare dresses draw attention away from your midsection to your waist and flare out.
ACCESSORIES:
- Structured jackets add definition to your shoulders and create a tailored look.
- With bold and eye-catching jewelry you draw attention upward.
- Use belts that cinch the waist to create a more hourglass-like shape.
THE HOURGLASS SHAPE
Your body type:
The hourglass body shape is characterized by a well-defined waistline, balanced proportions between the bust and hips, and great curves. The goal is to accentuate your waistline and showcase your curves while maintaining balance throughout your outfit.
Clothing to enhance your body’s beauty:
TOPS:
- Wrap tops cinch the waist and highlight your curves.
- Opt for tops that fit the contours of your body and enhance your waistline such as tailored blouses or fitted tops.
- Because peplum tops flare out at the waist they‘re a great fit for you since they emphasize your curves.
- Sweetheart or scoop necklines accentuate your chest in the best way.
BOTTOMS:
- High-waisted bottoms show off your waist and enhance your curves.
- Pencil skirts create an elegant look while still highlighting your curves.
- Bootcut or flared jeans add volume to the lower half and balance out your hips.
- Midi-skirts are a feminine-looking option to highlight your waist perfectly.
DRESSES:
Dresses that emphasize your waist and curves perfectly are:
- Wrap dresses
- Fit-and-flare dresses
- Bodycon dresses
ACCESSORIES:
- Belts are perfect for you since they focus on cinching your waist.
- Accessorize with jewelry but avoid overwhelming your outfit.
- Waist chains are an alternative to belts and add a bit of sparkle to your outfit.
THE INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE
Your body type:
Your type is characterized by broader shoulders that are wider than your hips creating an athletic-looking silhouette. You‘re also likely to have a well-defined waist and narrower hips. The goal is to soften your broader shoulders, add volume, and draw attention to the lower body to create a visual balance of your proportions.
Clothing to enhance your body’s beauty:
TOPS:
- V-necklines as well as scoop necklines relocate the focus towards the body‘s center and therefore soften the shoulders.
- Wrap tops add volume to the lower body and cinch the waist.
- Off-shoulder or one-shoulder styles draw attention to the collarbones and add a touch of femininity.
- Flowy or ruffled sleeves divert the focus away from the shoulders by adding volume elsewhere.
BOTTOMS:
- A-line skirts create a wider hip area by flaring out from the waist
- Pleated skirts create a more balanced overall look by adding movement and volume to the lower body
- Wide-leg or flared pants add volume as well while also making the leg line look longer.
- By wearing embellished or patterned bottoms it creates the focus on the lower body that we aim for.
DRESSES:
- Empire waist dresses, Fit-and-flare dresses, and Maxi dresses can be very flattering for this body type. The first has a raised waistline and the rest of the dress flows down the body drawing attention to the lower body. The last two ideally define the waistline and create a balanced silhouette.
ACCESSORIES:
- Layered necklaces add focus on the center drawing attention away from the shoulders
- Statement belts enhance your waistline by cinching at your waist highlighting your curves.
- Long, dangling earrings can draw attention toward the face and create a vertical line that complements the inverted triangle shape.
- Wrap-style bracelets or bangles worn around the wrist can create interest and draw attention away from the shoulders.
THE RECTANGLE SHAPE
Your body type:
Your type is characterized by a balanced silhouette. Your bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements. With your type, the goal is to add dimension and create the illusion of curves and enhance your overall shape.
Clothing to enhance your body’s beauty:
TOPS:
- To create the illusion of a defined waist peplum tops are a great fit.
- Ruffled or embellished tops as well as wrap tops are perfect to create the effect of soft curves.
- For adding dimension to your upper body opt for off-shoulder or one-shoulder tops.
BOTTOMS:
- High-waisted bottoms create a defined waist and elongate your legs.
- Pleated skirts and wide-leg pants add volume to your lower body and balance out your proportions to a more hourglass shape.
- A-line skirts add definition to your silhouette and create the appearance of curves.
DRESSES:
- Fit-and-flare dresses cinch at the waist and flare out, creating the illusion of curves and adding dimension to your figure.
- Dresses with belts enhance your waist and add curves to your figure.
- Wrap dresses create a feminine and flattering silhouette by enhancing your waistline and your curves.
- Shift dresses can provide a sleek and sophisticated look while skimming over your body and adding a touch of elegance.
ACCESSORIES:
- Layered necklaces can add depth and create the illusion of a fuller chest.
- Pointed-toe heels or flats can elongate the legs and add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. They help create a more balanced and streamlined appearance.
- Opt for bold and eye-catching earrings to draw attention to your face and add a focal point. Choose styles that suit your personal taste and complement your overall look.
Last Words:
Dressing for your body type is all about understanding your unique shape and using fashion to accentuate your best features.
Remember to embrace your body type, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Also remember to experiment, have fun, and let your personal style shine through. Embrace your beautiful body shape and dress with confidence, knowing that you are highlighting your unique and gorgeous figure.
