If you are someone who struggles with finding the right clothes to wear because of your body type, you are not alone. It can be challenging to know what style suits your body type and what doesn't. In this article, we will provide you with a guide on how to dress for your body shape, so you can feel confident and stylish in your clothes.
Table of Contents
- Description
- How to Dress for Your Body Shape
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Dressing for Your Body Shape
- FAQs
- Hair Care Tips for Your Body Shape
Description
Before we dive into how to dress for your body shape, let's discuss the different body shapes that exist. There are five main body shapes:
- Hourglass
- Pear
- Apple
- Rectangle
- Inverted Triangle
Each body shape has its unique characteristics and requires different styles to flatter them. In this guide, we will go over the best styles for each body shape.
How to Dress for Your Body Shape
The key to dressing for your body shape is to emphasize your best features and downplay your less desirable ones. This can be achieved by selecting clothes that create balance and proportion in your silhouette.
The best way to determine your body shape is to measure your bust, waist, and hip circumference. Once you have your measurements, you can compare them to the measurements of the different body shapes to determine which one you are.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dress for each body shape:
Hourglass
The hourglass body shape is characterized by a well-defined waistline, with the bust and hips being roughly the same size. To dress for this body shape, try the following:
- Emphasize your waist with belts or fitted clothing
- Wear clothing that hugs your curves, but not too tightly
- Choose clothes that have a V-neckline to elongate your neck and draw attention to your face
- Wear skirts and dresses that hit at or below the knee to show off your curves
Pear
The pear body shape is characterized by a smaller bust, defined waistline, and larger hips and thighs. To dress for this body shape, try the following:
- Emphasize your waist with belts or fitted clothing
- Wear clothing that flares out at the hips, like A-line skirts or wide-leg pants
- Choose tops that draw attention to your upper body, like off-the-shoulder or boatneck styles
- Avoid clothing that highlights your hips and thighs, like skinny jeans or pencil skirts
Apple
The apple body shape is characterized by a larger bust, undefined waistline, and smaller hips. To dress for this body shape, try the following:
- Emphasize your legs with skirts or dresses that hit at or above the knee
- Wear clothing that creates the illusion of a waist, like wrap dresses or tops that cinch at the waist
- Avoid clothing that emphasizes your midsection, like high-waisted pants or crop tops
- Choose tops that draw attention to your upper body, like V-neck or scoop neck styles
Rectangle
The rectangle body shape is characterized by a straight up-and-down silhouette, with little definition at the waist. To dress for this body shape, try the following:
- Create the illusion of curves with ruching, pleating, or gathering at the waist
- Wear clothing that creates the illusion of a waist, like wrap dresses or tops that cinch at the waist
- Choose clothing that adds volume to your bust and hips, like padded bras or peplum tops
- Avoid clothing that emphasizes your straight silhouette, like boxy or shapeless clothing
Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by a larger bust, broader shoulders, and smaller hips. To dress for this body shape, try the following:
- Create balance by wearing clothing that adds volume to your lower body, like A-line skirts or wide-leg pants
- Avoid clothing that emphasizes your upper body, like boatneck or off-the-shoulder styles
- Choose clothing that elongates your neckline, like V-neck or scoop neck styles
- Avoid clothing that adds volume to your upper body, like padded bras or ruffled tops
Tips for Dressing for Your Body Shape
Here are some additional tips for dressing for your body shape:
- Invest in a good tailor to alter clothing to fit your body perfectly
- Don't be afraid to try different styles and experiment with your look
- Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose
- Choose clothing that is comfortable and makes you feel confident
- Accessorize with jewelry, scarves, and belts to add interest to your outfit
FAQs
Q: Can I wear patterns if I have a larger body shape?
A: Yes! You can absolutely wear patterns if you have a larger body shape. Just make sure to choose patterns that are proportionate to your body size and that don't overwhelm your frame.
Q: What kind of shoes should I wear if I have a pear-shaped body?
A: If you have a pear-shaped body, try wearing shoes that elongate your legs, like nude heels or ankle boots. Avoid shoes that draw attention to your hips and thighs, like ankle straps or chunky heels.
Hair Care Tips for Your Body Shape
Your hair can also play a role in flattering your body shape. Here are some hair care tips for each body shape:
- Hourglass: Try a side-swept hairstyle to balance out your curves
- Pear: Experiment with updos to draw attention to your upper body
- Apple: Try a layered haircut to create the illusion of a defined waist
- Rectangle: Experiment with volume to add curves to your silhouette
- Inverted Triangle: Try a bob haircut to balance out your upper body
By following these tips and guidelines, you can confidently choose the right style that suits your body type. Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.