Dressing for your body type can be a daunting task, but it’s actually simpler than you might think. There’s no need to hide behind shapeless garments or spend a fortune on a wardrobe overhaul. With a few basic tips and tricks, you can create outfits that flatter your body and make you feel confident and comfortable.
First and foremost, it’s important to know your body shape. This will help you to understand how to accentuate your best features and balance out any areas that you’re not so keen on. There are five main body shapes: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle and inverted triangle. Let’s take a look at each one and the types of outfits that work well:
1. Pear
If you have a pear-shaped body, you’re typically smaller on top and curvier on the bottom. The key to dressing for this body type is to balance out your proportions by adding volume to your upper half. This can be achieved through ruffles, frills, and embellishments on blouses, and coats that widen at the shoulders. Dark wash jeans and pants that fit well on the hips and thighs and flare out at the ankle are also a great choice.
2. Apple
If you’re apple-shaped, you’ll typically carry your weight around your midsection, with slimmer arms and legs. The key to dressing for apple shape is choosing styles that draw attention to your upper half and elongate your legs. Tunic-style tops that flow over the midsection, V-neck tops, and wrap dresses are all great choices. A-line skirts, skinny jeans, and straight-leg pants are also flattering to apple-shaped women.
3. Hourglass
Hourglass-shaped women have a balanced bust and hips with a smaller waist. Emphasize your curves with tailored dresses, fitted blazers that nip in at the waist, and wide-leg pants, which balance out your hips. Wrap dresses or tops that cinch in at the waist are also flattering.
4. Rectangle
If you have a rectangle body shape, your bust, waist, and hips are all roughly the same size. The key to dressing for this body type is to create the illusion of curves. This can be achieved by wearing clothes that add volume to your bust or hips, and defining your waist with a belt. Empire waistlines or dresses with ruffles or pleats, as well as wide-legged pants, all work well for rectangle-shaped women.
5. Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangle shape is typified by broad shoulders and chest area and narrower hips. The key is to steer clear of clothes that add volume to your upper half and choosing outfits that widen the hips. Flutter or bell sleeves, scoop necklines, and V-necklines are all flattering to an inverted triangle shape. Wide-legged pants, A-lyrics, and other flowy skirts help to create balance between top and bottom.
In conclusion, dressing for your body type simply requires a bit of knowledge and understanding of the clothes that work best for you. With these simple tips, you can create outfits that flatter your shape and give you the confidence to take on the world.
