As a woman, one of the most important things you can do to look and feel confident is to dress for your body shape. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fashion, there are certain clothing styles and cuts that can help accentuate your best features and flatter your figure. In this article, we’ll go over tips and tricks for dressing for each of the five main body shapes: apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle.
Apple Body Shape
If you have an apple body shape, you tend to carry weight around your midsection, with a larger bust and narrower hips. To flatter this shape, opt for clothing that accentuates your waist and elongates your legs. A-line dresses and tops with a V-neckline are particularly flattering for this body shape, as they draw the eye upwards and create a longer, leaner silhouette. Avoid clothing that adds bulk to your midsection, such as baggy tops or high-waisted pants.
Pear Body Shape
If you have a pear body shape, you tend to carry weight around your hips and thighs, with a smaller bust and narrow shoulders. To balance out this shape, opt for clothing that draws attention to your upper body and emphasizes your waist. Fit-and-flare dresses and tops with a ruffled neckline are particularly flattering for this body shape, as they add volume to the bust and create a more hourglass silhouette. Avoid clothing that adds bulk to your lower body, such as wide-leg pants or pencil skirts.
Hourglass Body Shape
If you have an hourglass body shape, you have a balanced bust and hip measurement, with a defined waist. To flatter this shape, opt for clothing that accentuates your curves and emphasizes your waist. Form-fitting dresses and tops that highlight your hourglass shape are particularly flattering for this body shape, as they showcase your natural figure. Avoid clothing that hides your curves, such as baggy clothing or shapeless dresses.
Rectangle Body Shape
If you have a rectangle body shape, you have a similar bust, waist, and hip measurement, with little to no defined waist. To create the illusion of curves, opt for clothing that adds volume to your bust or hips. Belts and cinched waistlines are particularly flattering for this body shape, as they create the illusion of a defined waist. Tops with ruffles or bows and dresses with pleats or full skirts are also great options for adding volume. Avoid clothing that emphasizes your straight lines, such as form-fitting tops or straight-leg pants.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
If you have an inverted triangle body shape, you tend to have broader shoulders and a smaller waist and hips. To balance out this shape, opt for clothing that adds volume to your lower body and draws attention away from your upper body. Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses with a fuller skirt are particularly flattering for this body shape, as they create a more balanced silhouette. Avoid clothing that emphasizes your broad shoulders, such as high-neck tops or shoulder pads.
No matter what your body shape, the most important thing is to wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. These tips and tricks can help you find clothing styles that flatter your figure and enhance your natural features. Remember to experiment with different styles and cuts to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. When you feel good in your clothing, it shows, and that’s the most important thing of all.