- IN THIS ARTICLE
Susannah Townsend
Learning how to dress for your body type can alleviate the difficulty in pinpointing a fashion style that flatters your individual body shape.
The trick is that everyone has a unique body shape, and clothes can highlight different areas for different people.
But don’t worry! We understand the struggle, so we’ve created the ultimate body shape guide to assist you in dressing for your body type.
By understanding your body proportions, your best features and creating a balanced silhouette, you can dress to perfection regardless of your body shape.
A simple step-wise procedure to determine your body shape:
Stand in front of a full-length mirror wearing minimal clothing, preferably underwear.
Position yourself to where you can properly look at your reflection.
Identify the widest part of your body, typically your hips or shoulders.
Locate your waistline, the narrowest part of your body.
Your hip width, shoulders width, and your torso length provide the required parameters to measure and understand your shape.
Common body shapes and types
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Hourglass: The hips and shoulders are almost the same width for this shape, making your waistline more defined, creating a more hourglass figure.
Pear: People with a pear shaped body type have wider hip width than the shoulder width. This pear body shape also guarantees a well-defined waistline. Narrower shoulders and a natural waist define this shape.
Apple: For the apple body shape, a person’s shoulder and bust are wider than their waist or hips. Additionally, the apple body shape has no well-defined waistline. This can also be known as a round body shape. If you’re looking to learn how to dress for this particular body shape, you can read our guide on how to dress for a round body shape.
Diamond: People with a diamond shape body have small and narrow shoulders, a small bust, wide hips, a prominent midriff, and shapely legs. This body type has a defined waistline.
Straight: With a straight body type, the hips, waist, and shoulders appear to be of the same width. This body type is more of a rectangular body shape.
Now that you have a better understanding of all the body types and how to dress for your body type, keep reading to discover wardrobe essentials specifically tailored for your unique shape!
Body Confidence and Dressing for Your Body Type
Many people struggle with feeling confident with their body when dressing, especially when they don’t understand their body types.
Once you achieve body confidence, your self-esteem and overall well-being improves. You achieve this by dressing to your body shape.
When dressing for your body type, you must know your proportions and type of clothes that will flatter your shape, using flattery to enhance your appearance.
This can include highlighting your best features, such as your waistline or neckline, and minimizing areas you’re self-conscious about.
For example, if you have a pear-shaped body, you can create balance by wearing tops complements your upper section and flowy skirts that skim over your hips.
Remember that confidence comes from within and that there are no “perfect” body types or shapes.
You should embrace your unique features and focus on fashion choices that make you feel good about yourself.
Apple Shape
Women with apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight in their midsection, creating a round body shape. This shape results in a rounded waist, full bust and hips that are narrower in comparison.
The upper half appears bigger, and you appear to have wider shoulders when you wear clothes. Like many body shapes, Apple body type often lacks definition at the waist.
Style Tips
To complement the apple shape, you can emphasize other areas while showing off your beautiful upper body. This style creates the illusion of a well-defined waist.
Go for tops that give more attention to the neckline, such as V-necks, scoop necks, or off-the-shoulder styles.
Opt for straight cut or mom jeans as well as high-waisted pants to create a more defined waist.
Avoid tight clothing and choose looser, flowy styles that skim the body.
Look for tops and dresses with empire waistlines, which sit just under the bust and create the illusion of a defined waist.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Wrap dresses: A wrap dress cinches at the waist, creating the illusion of a defined waistline and providing balance to the silhouette. Most body shapes get a boost from dressing in wrap dresses.
Empire waist tops: An empire waist top sits just under the bust, emphasizing bust measurements, drawing attention away from the midsection and creating the illusion of a defined waist.
A-line skirts: These type of skirts flare out from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette and drawing attention away from the midsection.
Peplum tops: A peplum top features a flared hem at the waist, creating the illusion of a defined waist and balancing the proportions to portray hourglass shapes.
Colors and Patterns
Opt for dark colors: Colors like black, navy, and dark brown can help slim the midsection and create a more balanced look.
Avoid horizontal stripes: Horizontal stripes can make the midsection appear wider, so it’s best to stick with vertical stripes or prints with the same size.
Embrace prints and patterns: Prints and patterns can help distract from the midsection and create a more balanced look for most body shapes. Consider bold prints on top and solid colors on bottom.
Use color blocking to your advantage: Wearing bright or bold colors on top and darker colors on bottom can help balance the upper and lower body.
Examples of celebrities with apple-shaped bodies can be seen here.
Pear Shape
Women with a pear body shape have a smaller upper body and a larger lower body. The lower body gets characterized with full hips, thighs, and a defined waist. These women look perfect in slightly flared pants or skinny jeans.
This body type comes with a triangular silhouette, with the hips being the widest part of the body.
Style Tips
This body structure requires you to balance the proportions while drawing attention to the upper body.
Wear tops accentuating the neckline and upper body, like boat necks, off-the-shoulder styles, or embellished collars.
Choose high-waisted pants to create a balanced silhouette.
Avoid clothing that is too tight around the hips and thighs, and opt for looser styles that glide over your body shape.
Look for tops and dresses with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, which can balance the proportions and divert attention from the hips.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Tops that highlight the upper body: Structured shoulders, bright colors, eye-catching prints, and layered tops can all draw attention to the upper body and de-emphasize the hips.
Fitted clothes to accentuate the waist: Tops and dresses that are fitted around the waist can highlight the pear-shaped body’s defined waistline.
Darker colors on the lower body: Wearing darker colors on the lower body, such as dark trousers or jeans, can help to minimize the appearance of wider hips.
Skirts with a wider shape at the bottom: A-line or bias skirts with a wider shape at the bottom can balance out the hips.
Trousers that minimize the lower body: Plain, flat-fronted, and relaxed fit trousers that fall straight down from the widest part of the hip can help to minimize the lower body.
Dresses that draw attention to the waist: A-line or X-line dresses that draw attention to the waist while concealing the lower body can be a flattering choice for pear-shaped women.
Peplum tops: A peplum top features a flared hem at the waist, creating the illusion of a defined waist and balancing the proportions.
High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants help balance your body shape by creating a flattering silhouette for the pear shaped figure.
Shift dresses: A shift dress falls straight from the neckline to the hem, creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette that flatters the pear shape.
Colors and Patterns
Choose colors and patterns that focus on your upper body rather than your lower body.
Opt for bright, bold, and eye-catching colors on the top half of your outfit, such as a brightly colored blouse or statement necklace.
Go for light and neutral colors on the bottom half of your outfit, such as a beige skirt or white pants.
Avoid bold patterns on the lower body, as they can add bulk to the hips and thighs. Instead, opt for solid colors or small, subtle patterns.
Printed tops with a V-neck line are a great option. These tops create a balanced silhouette.
Hourglass Shape
Hourglass body shape for women has a balanced upper and lower body, with a defined waist that is narrower than the bust and hips. This body type is characterized by curves in all the right places, with a feminine and proportional silhouette.
Style Tips
Embracing the curves and accentuating the waist is important to flatter the hourglass body shape. Some tips include:
Opt for clothing that hugs the waist, such as fitted tops and dresses for a hourglass figure.
Consider wearing belts to cinch the waist and accentuate the curves.
Avoid baggy clothing and opt for form-fitting styles that show off the curves.
When unmasking your hourglass figure, look for clothing that flatters the bust and hips, such as wrap dresses, form-fitting tops, and pants.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Wrap dresses: A wrap dress cinches at the waist, creates the illusion of a defined waistline and providing balance to the silhouette for an hourglass body shape.
Form-fitting tops and pants: Form-fitting tops and pants hug the curves and show off the hourglass shape.
Pencil skirts: A pencil skirt hugs the hips and shows off the curves, creating a flattering silhouette for hourglass shaped women.
Bodycon dresses: A bodycon dress is form-fitting and accentuates the curves, creating a flattering silhouette for hourglass shaped women.
Colors and Patterns
For an hourglass body shape, the focus should be on creating balance and emphasizing the curves.
Solid colors: Solid colors, such as black, red, and navy, can be very flattering for a hourglass body as they create a streamlined silhouette and highlight the curves.
Prints: Hourglass shaped women can also opt for prints proportionate to their body, such as small, delicate prints or larger, bold prints. Avoid prints that are too large or overpowering, as they can disrupt the balance of the silhouette.
Horizontal stripes: These can help create a balanced look and emphasize the curves, but be careful to choose stripes that are not too thick or too wide.
Color blocking: Color blocking can also be very flattering for the hourglass body shape, as it helps to create balance and accentuate the curves. Look for color blocking that emphasizes the waist, such as a fitted top in one color and a skirt in another.
Rectangle Shape
Rectangle body shape in women has a straight, athletic build with little definition at the waist and rib cage. The rib cage defines most of the natural waistline. This body type lacks curves and has a straight silhouette in all the female body shapes, even if you gain weight.
Style Tips
To flatter the rectangle body shape, it’s important to create the illusion of curves and add definition to the waist. The body features require some special attention.
Tops and dresses that cinch at the waist, such as belted tops and dresses, prove perfect for a rectangular body shape since they measure balance and create curves.
Consider wearing A-line skirts and high-waisted pants to create the illusion of curves with the rectangular shape.
Look for tops and dresses with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, which will balance the proportions and create the illusion of curves.
Avoid boxy and shapeless clothing, and opt for form-fitting styles that show off the curves.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Belted tops and dresses: A belted top or dress cinches at the waist, creating the illusion of a defined waistline and adding definition to the silhouette.
A-line skirts: An A-line skirt flares out from the waist, creating the illusion of curves and adding balance to the silhouette.
High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants brings out the curves, creating a flattering silhouette for rectangle shaped women.
Fitted tops and dresses with a flared skirt: A fitted top or dress with a flared skirt balances the proportions and creates the illusion of curves, creating a flattering silhouette for rectangle shaped women.
Colors and Patterns
When it comes to dressing the rectangle body shape, the key is strategically selecting colors and patterns that can augment the semblance of curves while simultaneously creating the impression of a defined midriff.
To compliment your waistline and create the illusion of curves, opt for vibrant, bold colors that capture the eye.
Sporting stripes, particularly horizontal ones, can create the impression of curves and enhance the definition of your midriff.
Look for form-fitting patterns, such as floral prints and polka dots, that highlight your curves and make them pop.
Vertical patterns, such as pinstripes, can elongate your frame and create the illusion of height.
Avoid boxy and ill-fitting clothing, and instead go for styles that incorporate styling elements to accentuate your curves and create a form-fitting silhouette.
Inverted Triangle Shape
On the other hand, the inverted triangle body shape, characterized by a wide upper body, full bust, and narrow lower body, requires a strategic approach to balance the proportions and draw attention away from the less-narrow shoulders.
Style Tips
Choose tops and dresses that divert attention from the shoulders, such as scoop-neck or boat-neck tops.
Wide-leg pants and A-line skirts can balance the proportions and create a harmonious silhouette.
Avoid tops and dresses with exaggerated details on the shoulders, such as ruffles or embellishments for an inverted triangle body. Exaggerated details often accentuate the shoulder width.
Look for tops and dresses with a fitted bodice and flared hem to balance the proportions of your body silhouette. This look draws attention away from the shoulders.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Scoop neck tops: A scoop neck top draws attention away from the shoulders and balances the proportions.
A-line dresses: An A-line dress flares out from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette and drawing attention away from the shoulders.
Wide-leg pants: Wide-leg pants balances your shoulders and bone structure, creating a flattering silhouette for inverted triangle shaped women.
Shift dresses: A shift dress falls straight from the neckline to the hem, creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette that flatters the inverted triangle shape. This look serves best for the broad shoulders.
Colors and Patterns
For inverted triangle-shaped women, choose colors and patterns that balance your broad shoulders.
Opt for dark colors on the top and lighter colors on the bottom to create a balanced look on the lower half.
Choose prints and patterns that focus on your lower body, such as floral or polka dot patterns on skirts or pants.
Avoid bold patterns on the upper body, as they focus too much on the shoulders, giving an impression of a heavier upper body.
Opt for solid colors on the upper body and printed or patterned skirts or pants for this body shape structure. These designs draw attention away from the shoulders and balance the proportions.
If you have a diamond body shape, you may have broader hips than shoulders, a small bust, narrow shoulders, slender limbs, and shapely legs. When selecting dresses and jumpsuits for diamond body types, it’s important to create a proportionate silhouette, add definition to the waist, and balance the body shape with wider legs and flowy fabric. With the right clothing, you can accentuate your best features and look and feel fabulous.
Style Tips
The goal for dressing a diamond-shaped body is to create balance between the upper and lower body. Here are some tips to flatter a diamond-shaped figure:
Emphasize the waist: To create the illusion of an hourglass shape, focus on creating a defined waistline. Opt for clothing that cinches at the waist or create a waistline with a belt. A-line dresses with a fitted bodice and cinched waist can also help accentuate your narrow shoulders and shapely legs for a balanced silhouette.
Balance the upper and lower body: Choose clothing that adds volume to the lower half, such as A-line skirts and flared pants.
Show off your arms and legs: Since diamond-shaped women often have slender arms and legs, show them off by wearing sleeveless tops and dresses or skirts that hit above the knee.
Examples of Flattering Outfits
Fit-and-flare dress: This style of dress cinches at the waist and flares out at the hips, creating a balanced silhouette.
High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants help create a defined waistline and balance out the broader shoulders.
Wrap top: A wrap top creates a defined waistline while drawing attention away from the shoulders.
Structured tops that emphasize your waist, like belted blouses or tops with embellishments around the shoulders. Pair these with skirts that are at least knee length to elongate the body and create a balanced torso.
Dark trousers that fall from the widest part of your hips, like cigarette or flared pants, are a great choice.
A-line, princess-cut, and belted dresses that create balance between the shoulders and hips are perfect for diamond body shapes.
Soft, flowing fabrics enhance the elegance of your silhouette. Opt for low-cut tops and mini or midi-length skirts.
Colors and Patterns
Dark colors: Dark colors, such as black and navy, help create a slimming effect and can balance out the broad shoulders.
Prints and patterns: Bold prints and patterns can add volume to the lower half, creating balance with the upper body.
V-neck tops: V-neck tops draw attention to the center of the body, creating a slimming effect and balancing out the shoulders. Pairing these tops with knee length skirts, such as high-waisted straight or flared skirts, can help elongate the body and create a balanced look.
Monochromatic outfits: Wearing a monochromatic outfit, such as all black or all white, can create a streamlined look that balances out the body.
Conclusion
Learning how to dress for your body type is crucial in accentuating your best features and feeling confident and beautiful while maintaining your body shape.
Understanding your body shape and utilizing the tips and examples in this article can help you create outfits that flatter your figure.
Embrace and celebrate your unique body shape, rather than trying to fit into a mold. Dressing for your figure means embracing and celebrating your unique beauty.
Remember, the key is to dress for your own body type and accentuate your best features.
FAQ
How to dress up according to your body shape?
Identify your body type (apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, or inverted triangle) and choose clothing that flatters your proportions, accentuates your best features, and creates a balanced silhouette. Avoid tight or loose clothing. Opt for styles that hug the waist.
What are the 6 body types?
The 5 body types are apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, inverted triangle, and diamond. Each body type has unique proportions and curves, and it’s important to dress for your body type to flatter your figure.
What are the 3 main body types?
Hourglass, Apple, and Pear shaped bodies, each with unique curves and proportions.
Individuals with different body shapes can wear dresses that fit at the waist but flow gently through the chest and hips to create a proportionate top and bottom.
