3 Easy Steps for Dressing for Your Body Type

2. Look in the mirror: Stand in front of a full-length mirror in well-fitting undergarments. Examine your body from different angles to assess your proportions and determine which of the body shapes in the chart above best matches your own.

3. Consider your clothing preferences: Notice which clothing styles and silhouettes you tend to gravitate towards. If certain types of clothing consistently fit you well and make you feel confident, it can provide clues to your body shape.

Dressing for an Apple-Shaped Body

Apple-shaped bodies are characterized by a larger bust, waist, and abdomen, with relatively slimmer arms and legs. To dress for this body type, it’s important to create a balanced and flattering silhouette that minimizes the midsection while accentuating the bust and lower body.

Tips for Dressing an Apple-Shaped Body

1. Choose Tops that Emphasize the Bust

Look for tops with V-necks, scoop necks, or empire waists that draw attention to the neckline and bust. Avoid tops that are too tight or clingy, as they can emphasize the abdomen.

2. Use A-Line Skirts and Dresses

A-line skirts and dresses flare out from the waist, creating a flattering A-shape that balances the wider midsection. Choose skirts and dresses with a higher waistline to elongate the legs. Avoid skirts and dresses that are too short or tight, as they can make the abdomen appear larger. Here’s a table of recommended fabrics and patterns:

3. Wear Wide-Leg Pants

Wide-leg pants create a flattering contrast to the wider midsection by providing balance and volume in the lower body. Choose pants with a higher waistline and avoid pants that are too tight or baggy.

4. Use Accessories to Draw Attention to the Neckline

Necklaces, scarves, and statement earrings can draw attention to the neckline and away from the abdomen. Choose accessories that are long and delicate, rather than chunky or bulky.

Styling an Hourglass Figure

An hourglass figure is characterized by a defined waist with curves in both the bust and hips. When dressing an hourglass figure, the goal is to accentuate the waist and create a balanced silhouette. Here are some tips to help you achieve a flattering look:

1. Choose fitted tops

Fitted tops will help to define your waist and create a more balanced look. Look for tops that are tailored to your body and that have a fitted waistline. Avoid tops that are too loose or too tight, as they will not flatter your figure.

2. Wear high-waisted bottoms

High-waisted bottoms will help to create the illusion of a longer waist and will also help to accentuate your curves. Look for high-waisted bottoms that are fitted through the hips and that flare out slightly at the hem. Avoid low-waisted bottoms, as they will not flatter your figure.

3. Experiment with different necklines

Choose necklines that complement your face shape and personal style. Experiment with different necklines to find the ones that look best on you.

Flattering Outfits for Pear-Shaped Bodies

Pear-shaped bodies are characterized by a wider lower body than upper body, with a defined waist. To flatter this body type, focus on creating balance and highlighting your assets.

1. Emphasize the Waist

• Choose fitted tops that cinch in at the waist, creating a defined silhouette.
• Wear belts and sashes to accentuate your waist and draw attention to the narrowest part of your body.
• Avoid loose or oversized tops that can hide your waist.

2. Balance the Bottoms

• Opt for A-line or flared skirts that widen from the waist down, creating a more proportionate look.
• Wear straight-leg or bootcut pants to balance the wider hips and thighs.
• Avoid skinny jeans or leggings, which can emphasize the difference between your upper and lower body.

3. Create Vertical Lines

• Wear tops with vertical stripes or patterns to visually elongate your figure.
• Choose long cardigans or jackets that fall past your hips, creating a leaner look.
• Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns, as they can widen your hips and thighs.

4. Patterns and Embellishments

• Draw attention to your upper body with bold prints or embellishments on tops and jackets.
• Use smaller patterns or solid colors on bottoms to minimize the visual weight on your lower body.
• Consider using ruffles, pleats, or gathers at the neckline or shoulders to add volume to your upper body and create a more balanced silhouette.

Enhance Your Rectangle Body Type

The rectangle body type is characterized by a straight, up-and-down silhouette with minimal waist definition. To flatter this body type, it’s important to create the illusion of curves and balance out the proportions.

Here are some styling tips for enhancing your rectangle body type:

Use Tailoring to Create Shape

Tailoring is essential for creating curves in a rectangle body. Fitted dresses, tops, and skirts can help to define your waist and create a more hourglass shape.

Emphasize Waistlines

Belts, cinched waistbands, and ruched tops can help to create the illusion of a waist. Choose belts in a contrasting color to accentuate the waistline.

Wear Flared or A-Line Skirts

Flared or A-line skirts add volume to the hips, creating a balanced silhouette. They can be paired with fitted tops to create a flattering hourglass shape.

Choose Tops with Volume

Tops with gathered or ruffled sleeves, peplums, or ruched details can add volume to the upper body, creating a more curvy appearance. Pair them with slim-fitting bottoms to balance the proportions.

Play with Necklines

V-necks, scoop necks, and square necklines can help to elongate the neck and draw attention to the bustline. Avoid turtlenecks or high necklines that can make the body look boxier.

Dressing Smartly for Inverted Triangle Shapes

The inverted triangle body shape, also known as the pyramid shape, is characterized by a wider upper body and narrow hips. To dress smartly for this body type, the goal is to balance the shoulders and create the illusion of a wider bottom. Here are some tips:

1. Emphasize the Waist

Define the waist by wearing cinched or fitted tops that create a smaller waistline.

2. Choose Wider Necklines

Opt for tops with wider necklines, such as boat necks or scoop necks, to draw attention to the décolletage and widen the bust area.

3. Avoid Shoulder Pads

Avoid tops with shoulder pads or exaggerated sleeves, as they can further emphasize the width of the shoulders.

4. Wear A-Line Skirts and Wide-Leg Pants

Choose skirts that flare out from the waist, such as A-line skirts or pleated skirts. Wear wide-leg pants to create the illusion of wider hips.

5. Add Volume to the Bottom

Add volume to the bottom half by wearing skirts with ruffles, pleats, or embellishments. This will help balance the wider shoulders.

6. Utilize Accessories to Draw Attention Downward

Accessorize with belts, scarves, or necklaces that draw attention to the waist or hips. Choose bold colors or patterns for these accessories to create a focal point and visually balance the silhouette.

Dressing for a Diamond-Shaped Body

Shoulders

Diamond-shaped bodies tend to have narrower shoulders than hips, so it’s important to choose tops that emphasize the shoulders and create a more balanced silhouette. Puffed sleeves, ruffles, and shoulder pads can all help to add volume and width to the shoulders.

Neckline

V-necks, scoop necks, and boat necks are all flattering on diamond-shaped bodies because they draw the eye up and down, making the neck and shoulders appear more elongated. Avoid high necklines, as these can make the shoulders look even narrower.

Tops

Look for tops that fit closely at the waist and flare out at the hips. This will help to create a more hourglass-like silhouette. Avoid tops that are too loose or too tight, as these can both make the diamond shape more pronounced.

Bottoms

When it comes to bottoms, A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and bootcut jeans are all good choices for diamond-shaped bodies. These styles help to balance out the hips and give the illusion of a more curvaceous figure.

Dresses

Empire waist dresses and wrap dresses are both excellent choices for diamond-shaped bodies. These styles cinch in at the waist, creating a more defined silhouette, and the flared skirts help to balance out the hips.

Jackets

Structured jackets can help to balance out the shoulders on diamond-shaped bodies. Look for jackets with shoulder pads and nipped-in waists. Avoid jackets that are too boxy or too loose, as these can make the body look even more angular.

Accessories

Statement necklaces and earrings can help to draw attention to the upper body and create the illusion of a wider neckline. Avoid chunky belts and other accessories that can add bulk to the hips.

Clothing Choices for Triangle-Shaped Figures

Top Styles

* Off-the-shoulder necklines create the illusion of a broader upper body.
* Square necklines widen the shoulders to balance out wider hips.
* V-necks elongate the neck and draw the eye upward.

Bottom Styles

* A-line and flared skirts add volume to the lower half, creating a balanced silhouette.
* Wide-leg pants and culottes minimize the hips while emphasizing the waist.
* Avoid skinny jeans and leggings, as they accentuate the wider bottom.

Fabrics

* Soft, flowy fabrics like silk and chiffon drape elegantly over the body, creating a flattering shape.
* Avoid bulky fabrics like velvet or corduroy, as they can add unwanted volume.

Prints and Patterns

* Choose patterns that focus on the upper body, such as horizontal stripes or eye-catching necklines.
* Avoid large prints or busy patterns on the bottom, as they can overwhelm the figure.

Accessories

* Scarves or necklaces with a bold design can draw attention to the upper body.
* Belts worn around the waist can create a defined waistline, balancing out the hips.
* Avoid oversized jewelry, as it can make the shoulders appear broader.

Layering

* Layer thin tops over A-line skirts or wide-leg pants to add volume to the upper body.
* Use cardigans or jackets with structured shoulders to create the illusion of a wider upper body.

Shapes and Silhouettes

* Opt for A-line, empire waist, or wrap dresses that emphasize the waist and flow away from the hips.
* Avoid body-hugging dresses that draw attention to the wider bottom.
* Choose tops with puff sleeves or shoulder pads to add width to the upper body.
* Avoid crop tops and shirts that end at the waist, as they can accentuate the hips.

Tips for Styling an Athletic Body Type

Athletic body types are characterized by a muscular, toned physique with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and lean limbs. While you may be tempted to embrace loose clothing to hide your muscularity, this can actually make you look bulky. Instead, opt for clothes that fit close to the body and accentuate your shape.

Here are some specific tips for dressing an athletic body type:

3. Wear tailored clothing.

Tailored clothing is designed to fit your body perfectly, which will help to highlight your muscular physique. If you can, invest in a few key pieces like a well-fitting suit, dress, or blazer.

4. Choose clothing made from stretchy fabrics.

Stretchy fabrics will move with you and won’t restrict your movement. This is important for athletic body types who need to be able to move freely.

5. Avoid clothing that is too tight.

While you want to wear clothing that fits close to your body, you don’t want to wear anything that is too tight. This can make you look uncomfortable and restrict your movement.

6. Choose fabrics that will help you stay comfortable in all seasons.

Athletic body types tend to run warm, so you’ll want to choose fabrics that will help you stay cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold.

7. Be open to experimenting with different styles.

There’s no one “right” way to dress an athletic body type. Experiment with different styles and find what you feel most comfortable in.

8. Don’t be afraid to show off your body.

Athletic body types are often seen as attractive, so don’t be afraid to show off your physique. However, you don’t want to go overboard with cleavage or skin-tight clothing.

9. Decide which feature you want to emphasize.

Remember that you can mix and match these tips to create a style that is unique to you.

Fashion Advice for Petite and Plus-Size Figures

Petite Figures

Embrace vertical lines to elongate your silhouette: Opt for high-waisted skirts and pants that create the illusion of longer legs. Choose midi or maxi dresses to avoid overwhelming your frame and highlight your best features.

Add waist definition: Define your shape by wearing belts or cinching in garments at the waist. Fitted tops and skirts can accentuate your curves while balancing your proportions.

Avoid overly baggy or oversized clothing: Loose-fitting attire can make you appear smaller and less defined. Instead, opt for garments that fit your body and show off your curves.

Plus-Size Figures

Choose clothing that complements your body shape: Empire waist dresses and A-line skirts are universally flattering as they create a balanced and elegant silhouette.

Experiment with prints and colors: Don’t be afraid to incorporate patterns and bold hues into your wardrobe. Statement necklaces and scarves can add a touch of glamour and draw attention to your upper body.

Accessorize with confidence: Accessories can elevate your look and enhance your natural curves. Scarves and shawls can add length and dimension, while chunky necklaces and earrings draw attention to your face and de-emphasize your body size.

How To Dress For My Body Type

When it comes to dressing for your body type, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, consider your overall shape. Are you pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass-shaped, or rectangular-shaped? Once you know your body shape, you can start to choose clothes that flatter your figure.

If you’re pear-shaped, you have a wider bottom than your top. To balance out your figure, wear clothes that emphasize your top half and downplay your bottom half. For example, you might wear a fitted top with a flared skirt or a pair of skinny jeans with a loose-fitting tunic.

If you’re apple-shaped, you have a wider middle than your top or bottom. To create a more balanced look, wear clothes that emphasize your neckline and legs. For example, you might wear a V-neck top with a pair of wide-leg pants or a dress that cinches at the waist.

If you’re hourglass-shaped, you have a well-defined waist and curves in all the right places. To show off your figure, wear clothes that accentuate your waist. For example, you might wear a fitted dress or a pair of high-waisted jeans with a tucked-in top.

If you’re rectangular-shaped, you have a straight figure with minimal curves. To create the illusion of curves, wear clothes that add volume to your top and bottom. For example, you might wear a ruffled top with a pair of flared pants or a dress with a cinched waist and a full skirt.

People Also Ask

How do I dress for my body type if I am overweight?

If you are overweight, there are a few things you can do to dress for your body type. First, choose clothes that are comfortable and flattering. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose. Second, focus on creating a balanced look. Wear clothes that emphasize your waist and downplay your hips and thighs. For example, you might wear a fitted top with a pair of wide-leg pants or a dress that cinches at the waist.

How do I dress for my body type if I am tall?

If you are tall, there are a few things you can do to dress for your body type. First, choose clothes that are the right length. Avoid clothes that are too short or too long. Second, focus on creating a balanced look. Wear clothes that emphasize your height and downplay your width. For example, you might wear a long dress with a belt at the waist or a pair of high-waisted pants with a tucked-in top.

How do I dress for my body type if I am petite?

If you are petite, there are a few things you can do to dress for your body type. First, choose clothes that are the right size. Avoid clothes that are too big or too small. Second, focus on creating a balanced look. Wear clothes that emphasize your height and downplay your width. For example, you might wear a short dress with a pair of heels or a pair of high-waisted pants with a tucked-in top.