The Guide: Dress for your body shape
How many times have you walked out of the change room or shopped online, only to find the item of clothing looks nothing it did on the model or how you imagined it would? Trust us, you are not alone! The key is knowing and embracing your body shape and choosing outfits that highlight your best assets.
There are many different body shapes and many of us don’t just fall into one category. While we all have our own insecurities, it’s okay to flaunt what you’ve got and knowing your best assets is key to dressing for your body shape.
This simple guide will help you discover what style outfit and clothing garments will best flaunt your favourite features.
Apple
Apple shaped figure refers to having a heavier upper body in comparison to the lower part of your body. Usually broad shoulders, bigger bust and larger middle.
How to dress for apple body shape
The key is to draw detail away from the waist and draw attention to your strengths, keeping detail to the top and lower thirds of your body.
Keep clothing straight or slightly fitted. Wear printed dresses or patterned jackets that add a layer to shift the focus from your middle. Monochrome looks, dark colours, full or 3/4th sleeves dresses, and flowy tops will help. Keep details above the bust line and below your hips, so a deep v neckline or flared bottoms would work wonders to create balance. Avoid wearing anything that draws attention to your middle such as belts or shirts with gathered material at the waist.
Hourglass
Hourglass body shape is proportionate between your top and bottom half with a well-defined waistline.
How to dress for hourglass body shape
Since this figure has a well-defined waist line, wear clothing that flaunts the lovely figure. Body hugging clothing or belts that show off your waist are perfect. Wearing a v neck or sweetheart neck line helps flaunt your upper body. Hourglass frames look fabulous in wrap-around dresses, skater dresses, and pencil skirts with a side slit. Avoid wearing straight shaped clothing that hides your waist.
Pear
Pear shaped figure is where you have a smaller chest but wider hips and larger bottom.
How to dress for a pear body shape
To best dress for the pear figure, wear outfits that highlight your smaller features in your upper body. The key is to create balance and add definition, this can be achieved through an A-line dress or skirt with a ruffled top or cap sleeve. Crop tops, sweetheart, V or scoop necks will balance your bottom out. Avoid tight bottoms that draw more attention to this area.
Rectangle
The rectangle body shape is balanced between the shoulders and hips but with little definition and shape.
How to dress for a rectangle figure
Your arms and legs are your best asset so be sure to show them off, don’t be afraid to go sleeveless or strapless. Wear items that add volume to your lower and upper half to create the illusion of shape, such as a ruffled or layered top. Don’t go for straight dresses as will not add definition and make you look more rectangle than you already are.
Triangle
The triangle body shape is generally the most athletic looking body type with broad shoulders and fuller bust with slim waist and legs.
How to dress for a triangle body shape
The best thing for a triangle figure is to add definition to your hips and thereby to focus on creating a balance. Straight-cut jeans and dresses that naturally have an inverted v-look to them will suit the triangle shape. V-neck lines work well and create an illusion of narrow shoulders, so this should be the go-to neckline. Avoid tops or dresses that enhance your top half and shoulders as this will create a slightly disproportionate look.
But most importantly, have a bit of fun with it! Grab a friend and try on a few different outfits to see what style you like best, and you might just be surprised by how much you love your new look when you try something a little different.
We’ve got a great team in-store here at Orchard Lane that is always happy to assist and suggest an outfit that suits your body type and your personal style.
