Are there times you find it challenging to find clothing that fits well and flatters your figure? Fret not! With the right styling tips, you can enhance your body shape and feel confident in any outfit. In this blog post, we will share some valuable styling tips for every body type that will help you embrace your unique shape.
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Triangle Body (aka Pear Shape)
The pear shape body is one of the most common body types among women, characterized by narrow shoulders and waist, and wider hips and thighs.
If you have a pear-shaped body, then you may sometimes find it challenging to find clothing that fits well and flatters your figure; for example, pants fit well around the waist but not so much in the thigh area or vice versa! While this body type can be difficult to dress because it often requires more volume in the bust and hip area to balance out the lower half, all you have to do is strike a balance between your narrow shoulders and wide hips.
Here are some styling tips to help you make the most of your pear-shaped body:
1. Highlight Your Upper Body
To highlight your best features, try wearing clothes that bring attention upwards to the upper body and away from any trouble spots - such as v-necks, cowl necks, and tops with off-shoulder or puffy sleeves. If you love to add accessories to your outfit, statement necklaces or scarves can also help to draw attention to your upper body and add a stylish touch to your outfit.
2. Opt for A-Line Silhouettes
Instead of straight-cut silhouettes such as pencil skirts, A-line silhouettes are perfect for pear shape bodies as they highlight the waist and flare out at the hips, creating a balanced look. You can also experiment with different fabrics and textures to add visual interest to your outfit. Avoid tight-fitting skirts or pants that may emphasize your hips and thighs, and instead, go for flowing and flared bottoms.
3. Opt for Darker Bottoms
When it comes to choosing bottoms, opting for dark-colored bottoms can help create a slimming effect on your hips and thighs. Dark colors such as black, brown, and charcoal grey are ideal for pear shape bodies as they can make the lower half of your body appear more streamlined!
4. Opt for Flared or Wide-Leg Pants
Flared or wide-leg pants can balance out your hips and thighs, creating a long and lean look! Avoid skinny or tight-fitting pants that can make your lower body look disproportionate.
5. Pay Attention to Necklines
Necklines can make a big difference in how your upper body looks. V-neck or scoop neck tops can elongate your neck and create a flattering neckline while avoiding high necklines or turtlenecks that can make your upper body look boxy.
6. Pay Attention to Undergarments
The right undergarments can make a significant difference in how your clothing fits and flatters your pear shape body. Consider investing in well-fitted bras that lift and support your bust to enhance your upper body or shapewear such as high-waisted briefs that will help to create the illusion of a slim lower body.
Here's a bonus pro tip for our folks with a pear-shaped body: Easily balance out your fuller bottom half by wearing tops in bright colors to draw the eyes up!
Inverted Triangle Body (aka Apple Shape)
If you have an apple-shaped body, you may notice that you have a fuller bust and midsection, with slimmer arms and legs.
Styling an apple shape body can be challenging, but with the right tips and tricks, you can enhance your figure and feel confident in any outfit! The main feature of this body type is proportion, so it's important to wear clothes that complement each other and balance out your figure.
Here are some styling tips to help you make the most of your apple-shaped body:
1. Emphasize Your Best Features
While apple shape bodies may have a fuller midsection, it's essential to focus on your best features and draw attention away from your tummy. If you have toned arms or legs, consider showcasing them with breezy A-line silhouettes, volume-increasing skirts, and dresses with details such as ruffles, bows, or embellishments. If you love to accessorize, you can also wear statement jewelry or scarves to draw attention to your upper body and away from your midsection.
2. Play with Lengths
The length of your clothing can also make a difference in how your apple shape body looks! For bottoms, choose styles that are straight or slightly flared, such as wide-leg pants, to balance out your figure. Avoid tight-fitting bottoms, such as skinny jeans or pencil skirts, that can emphasize the midsection.
3. Consider Shapewear
Shapewear can be a game-changer for apple shape bodies. Invest in well-fitted shapewear, such as high-waisted briefs or shaping camisoles, that can help smooth out your midsection and create a more streamlined look. Shapewear can be worn under almost anything! From dresses, and skirts, to pants, it can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your clothing
4. Adds Visual Interest to Your Outfit
Look for garments with interesting details, such as pleats, ruffles, or embellishments, that can create texture and depth to your look. These elements can draw attention to different parts of your body, creating a more balanced and visually appealing appearance. For example, a structured dress with pleats at the waist can create the illusion of curves, adding visual interest and dimension to your figure.
5. Choose V-Necks or Scoop Necks
V-neck or scoop neck tops can create a longer and leaner neckline, drawing attention upwards and away from the midsection. Avoid high necklines or boat necks that can make the upper body appear boxy.
6. Opt for Flowy Tops
Since apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight in the midsection, it's important to choose tops that provide room and flow over the tummy area. Look for tops with empire waists, babydoll styles, or peplum designs that can create a flattering silhouette. Avoid tight-fitting tops that can emphasize the midsection.
Here's a pro tip for our folks with an apple-shaped body: Create some volume on your lower half so your hips look shapely! Emphasize your bust with tops or dresses from under your bust.
Rectangle Body (aka Athletic Shape)
As a rectangle body shape, you have a fairly straight body silhouette with minimal curves at the waist, bust, and hips. If you have a rectangle body shape, you may often find yourself searching for ways to create curves and add some dimension to your figure.
Here are some styling tips to help you make the most of your rectangle-shaped body:
1. Create Curves with Layers
Since rectangle body shapes tend to have straighter lines, creating curves can help add visual interest and shape to your figure. One effective way to do this is by layering your clothing. For example, wearing a blouse with a ruffled or textured neckline can draw attention to your bust and create the illusion of curves. Adding a cardigan or a cropped jacket can create horizontal lines that break up the straightness of your body and add dimension.
2. Opt for Fitted Clothing
While loose and flowy clothing may be comfortable, it can sometimes make rectangle body shapes appear boxy. Instead, choose clothing that fits you well and accentuates your natural shape. Look for tops and dresses that have darts, seams, or pleats that create shape and definition. A fitted blazer or a tailored shirt can also help create a more polished and put-together look.
3. Play with Different Necklines
Necklines can play a significant role in enhancing your body shape. Experiment with different necklines to see which ones flatter your figure the most. For example, a V-neckline can create the illusion of a longer torso and draw attention to your bust, while a scoop neckline can add curves to your bust and create a softer look. Avoid high necklines that can make your upper body look boxy.
4. Add Belts for Waist Definition
Rectangle body shapes often lack a defined waistline, but you can create one with the help of a belt. Adding a belt to your outfit can instantly cinch your waist and create the illusion of curves. Opt for belts in contrasting colors or patterns to create a focal point and draw attention to your waist. You can wear a belt over a dress, a tunic, or a blouse to add definition and create a more hourglass-like shape.
5. Play with Colors and Patterns
Colors and patterns can also help create visual interest and add dimension to your figure. Experiment with different colors and patterns to see what flatters your body shape the most. For example, wearing a darker color on your bottom half and a lighter color on your top half can create the illusion of a more defined waist. Similarly, wearing patterns such as stripes, checks, or polka dots can add visual interest and create curves.
Here's a pro tip for our folks with inverted triangle body: Your arms and legs are your assets. So, focus on enhancing them! Keep the volume on top OR at the bottom. To play up your bust, choose strapless and/or plunging necklines.
Hourglass Body
The hourglass shape is characterized by a full bust and hips, with a narrow waist. If you have an hourglass body shape, you are blessed with curves in all the right places! Your bust and hips are well-balanced, and you have a defined waistline. Nevertheless, you can always enhance the look of your figure by highlighting its main features.
Here are some styling tips to help you make the most of your hourglass-shaped body:
1. Emphasize Your Waist
One of the key features of an hourglass body shape is the defined waistline. To enhance this feature, make sure to highlight your waist in your outfits. Opt for clothing that cinches in at the waist or add a belt to create a focal point and draw attention to your curves. Dresses with wrap-style or fit-and-flare silhouettes are particularly flattering for hourglass figures as they accentuate the waist and create an hourglass shape.
2. Opt for Fitted Clothing
Since you have a well-proportioned bust and hips, fitted clothing can be your best friend. Look for clothing that hugs your curves and accentuates your waistline. Avoid loose or boxy clothing that can hide your figure and make you appear shapeless. Instead, go for tops, dresses, and skirts that highlight your curves and show off your hourglass shape.
3. Balance Your Upper and Lower Body
Hourglass body shapes are characterized by well-balanced busts and hips. To maintain this balance, make sure to choose clothing that flatters both your upper and lower body. For example, if you're wearing a fitted top, pair it with a skirt or pants that are equally flattering. Avoid wearing loose tops with tight bottoms or vice versa, as it can disrupt the balance of your figure.
4. Play with Silhouettes
While fitted clothing is generally flattering for hourglass body shapes, don't be afraid to experiment with different silhouettes to add variety to your wardrobe. A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and wrap dresses can all be great options for showcasing your curves. Avoid shapeless or oversized clothing that can hide your figure and make you appear less curvy.
5. Play with Colors and Patterns
Colors and patterns can also enhance your hourglass shape. Dark colors, especially at the waistline, can create a slimming effect and emphasize your curves. You can also experiment with patterns such as stripes, florals, or polka dots to add visual interest to your outfits. Just make sure to choose patterns that are proportionate to your body size to avoid overwhelming your figure.
6. V-Necks and Scoop Necks
Necklines can play a significant role in enhancing your hourglass shape. V-neck and scoop-neck tops and dresses can complement your bust while creating a balanced look. They draw attention to your décolletage and create a vertical line that elongates your torso, giving the illusion of a longer and leaner body.
Here's a pro tip for our folks with an hourglass body: Define your waist further by accentuating it with belts. Choose clothes that will show off your naturally curvy silhouette.