As fashion trends come and go, it can be difficult to know which looks are most flattering for your body shape! Whether you prefer classic silhouettes, structured lines, or more bohemian vibes, there is an outfit combination for every figure. And with the right pieces, any look can be adapted to reflect your own unique style. Read on to learn about dressing for your body shape and get stylish outfit ideas to flatter every curve.
1. Look Fabulous and Feel Confident: Dressing for Your Body Shape
We all come in different shapes and sizes and there is no universal garment that looks good on everyone. Learning what works best for your body type can help you zero in on fashion choices that will showcase your individual style and make you look and feel good about yourself.
Take the Guesswork Out of Shopping: Knowing your body shape can save you time and money – you’ll be able to choose the clothing items that work with your body rather than against it. To determine what shape you are:
- Stand in front of the mirror in your underwear, or in something form-fitting that does not hide any of your curves.
- Evaluate your top and bottom silhouettes and look for any of the classic body shapes.
These are Apple, Hourglass, Pear, Ruler and Inverted Triangle body shapes. It’s possible to have a combination of shapes rather than falling into one category, or to be unique and defy traditional classification.
Choose Clothing That Accents Your Figure: Many basic wardrobe essentials of course look great on everyone, but some fashionable styling choices will be more flattering when tailored to the individual. Structure your clothing so that it creates the illusion of length, balance, and proportion to the body.
- Focus the eye towards the areas accentuating your most attractive features to draw attention away from problem spots.
- If you are top heavy, opt for lighter colors and prints at the top and contrast with a darker color at the bottom.
- If you are bottom heavy, wear dark pants with a brighter top to draw eyes up.
You should find the combination of clothes and accessories that brings out your best features and personalizes the look. Combining them correctly will help you create a look that is stylish, unique, and most importantly makes you feel good about yourself.
2. Shifting Perspectives: Flattering Outfit Choices for Every Figure
When it comes to flattering our figures, the right outfit can make a huge difference. It can make us feel more confident and empowered which is why finding the right options for your body type is key.
If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your curves, go for wrap-style dresses as they help cinch the waist and highlight all the best bits. Choose dresses with built-in or belted waists and opt for lively colors and patterns. A shift dress can also look striking when paired with cute ankle boots. On the same note, if you’re more of an hourglass shape you’ll look gorgeous in wrap-style dresses and wrap tops so don’t shy away from these flattering silhouettes.
Similarly, if you’re wanting to slim down your thighs and hips try wearing a tailored pant or skirt. Roomy palazzo pants can help create an elegant look and folding up the hem of your jeans a little can help give you a more flattering figure.
For those with an apple shape, find tops that skim over your body without clinging too tightly. Choose V-neck styles as this draws attention away from your midsection whereas round or scoop neck tops draw attention to the mid-section. If you’re looking to emphasize your bust, wrap-front tops are a great way to do this. Bold colors, streaked patterns, and vertical stripes can also help.
Every body type has its own unique qualities and choosing the right clothing can make all the difference in helping you feel your best. So take some time to figure out what styles and silhouettes flatter your figure and work it out from there!
3. Shape Matters: 7 Body Types and the Clothes That Compliment Them
Everyone’s body type is unique, so it’s important to discover the shapes that make you look and feel like your best self. To help you out, here’s a look at seven body types – from a classic hourglass shape to an apple figure – and the types of clothes that enhance them.
1. The Apple Figure
The apple shape has linear body proportions; the waist isn’t well-defined compared to the shoulders and hips. This body type often holds their weight in the middle area. To bring balance to the figure, try a dress that cinches in at the waist, or a blouse with a bit of ruching in the middle. Jeans or skirts in a boot-cut style will help balance out the hips. And empire-waist tops look great too.
2. The Rectangle Frame
Rectangle-shaped body types are often described as straight up and down. To create an illusion of curves, try an A-line skirt to bring attention to the waist. Bold, dark-coloured bottoms, like bootcut jeans will also do the trick. To emphasize the bust, blouses with ruffles, or tops with a bit of draping in the front are a perfect pick.
3. The Hourglass Figure
The hourglass body shape is defined by a small waist that curves in and out gently at the hips and the bust. To show off that figure, opt for tops and dresses with waistband details, or wrap styles. As for bottoms, hip-hugging jeans or form-fitting skirts will accentuate the hips.
4. The Pear Figure
The pear shape has a smaller upper body and thicker lower body. To draw attention up top, try a bright top in a form-fitting style. As for the bottom, go for a flared skirt or jeans, or even a tunic-style dress. Make sure dark colours are worn on the bottom to slim down the area.
5. The Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangles have broad shoulders and a narrow waist. To create balance, choose scoop neck tops or raglan-style tees to draw the attention down. Boot-cut jeans, skirts with a pleat at the waist, or even a maxi skirt in an A-line silhouette will also help in balancing the shape.
6. The Diamond Frame
If your hips are significantly wider than your bust and shoulders, then you have a diamond frame. To complement this shape, blouses with ruffles and playful draping at the bust are a great pick. Skirts with a pleated waist and boot-cut jeans will also do the trick. Make sure to choose blouses and tops that are not too tight, so the focus stays on your beautiful curves.
7. The Oval Frame
The oval shape is characterized by an undefined waistline. To flaunt this frame, try tops with ruching at the waist and trousers that are wide and straight cut. Empire-waist dresses look great too, as do A-line dresses and skirts that taper in towards the waist. And, of course, the classic black dress looks amazing on this type as well.
4. Style Suggestions for Apple-Shaped Women
Structured Pieces
When it comes to apple-shaped figures, it’s all about creating the illusion of balance. A waist-cinching wrap dress or a tailored peplum top is a great way to add curves and accentuate the waist. Keep hemlines at knee- or midi-length to streamline your overall silhouette. Structured skirts and trousers will also draw attention away from your mid-section.
Layering
For ladies with apple-shapes, layering can be an effective styling technique. You can use a layering of a blazer or cardigan over your structured pieces to hide the tummy and create a flattering silhouette. Mid-weight fabrics work best as they don’t cling to your mid-section, while a blazer or shirt lends the allusion of a defined waist.
Colors and Prints
Apple-shaped figures look great in darker tones, such as black, navy and dark grey. Deep jewel-tones are also a flattering choice, adding a touch of glamour to your wardrobe. Colorblocking and graphic prints also make for a great way to create an interesting and distraction-free look.
Accessorising
When it comes to dressing a apple-shapes, it’s all about smart accessorising. Scarves and statement necklaces are great for adding some subtle definition to your upper-half. Earrings, bracelets, hat and a nice pair of heels will also help draw attention away from the tummy.
Shoes
When looking for the right shoes, keep hemlines in mind – pointed, strappy or peep-toes will work wonderfully with midi-length fabrics and cropped trousers. Heeled court shoes or wedges will lend an air of sophistication to any outfit. Balance is always key when it comes to creating flattering outfits for apple-shapes.
5. Finding Success with Hourglass-Shaped Women
Hourglass-shaped women have always been the epitome of beauty and femininity. And over the years, the fashion industry has finally begun to embrace the curvy and curvaceous silhouette. So if you are an hourglass-shaped woman, you have a plethora of choices available to you when it comes to fashion.
1. Create a Flattering Silhouette
The key to finding success as an hourglass-shaped woman is to create a flattering silhouette. The trick here is to define the waist and to emphasize your curves. The right pieces can help to create the perfect look and make you feel confident and beautiful. Try a waist-defining dress or wrap top, belted midi skirts, and tailored trousers. Avoid anything that is overly tight or loose, as this will only draw attention away from your beautiful and natural curves.
2. Accessorize Appropriately
Accessories are the perfect way to complete any look, and they can also have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of your outfit. As an hourglass-shaped woman, you should focus on statement jewelry and bold prints to highlight and accentuate your curves. Some great pieces to look out for include hoop earrings, bold necklaces, and chunky bracelets. You should also opt for scarves and other items that will add texture to your look.
3. Dress Up or Dress Down
No matter the occasion, there is always an appropriate way to dress for it. Whether you are dressing for the office or a night out on the town, you should always choose pieces that will accentuate your body shape and flatter your curves. For formal occasions, try fitted pencil skirts and tailored blazers, while a pair of dark-wash jeans and a slouchy blouse will be perfect for casual outings.
4. Know What To Avoid
- Bulky; oversized clothing
- Boxy, shapeless pieces
- Very high necklines
- Super-tight clothing
- Vertical, straight-cut clothing
As an hourglass-shaped woman, there are certain pieces that you should avoid in order to maintain your shapely curves. Bulky, oversized clothing, boxy, shapeless pieces, and very high necklines should all be avoided at all costs. Super-tight clothing and vertical, straight-cut clothing can make you appear straight up and down and will not flatter your figure.
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to dressing for your body shape. Wear what you feel confident in and what flatters you best. Whether you’re an hourglass figure or a pear shape, you can look fashionable and stylish. Make sure you experiment with different silhouettes and colours to find the perfect look for you!
