How to dress according to your body shape

Prince Johanzen Bigornia·2 August 2024·1 my reading time

Fashion is an art form that allows us to express ourselves, but the key to truly mastering this art lies in understanding our unique body shapes. Dressing for your body shape isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about knowing what works for you and using that knowledge to highlight your natural beauty. Whether you’re petite, plus-size, curvy or athletic, there are styling tips to help you look and feel your very best. In this blog, we explore how to dress for different body types and offer practical advice on choosing the right clothes and accessories to highlight your best features.

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Show off your best features: Tips on what to wear if you have an hourglass figure

The hourglass shape

Embrace your curves

The hourglass figure is characterised by a well-defined waist, with the bust and hips in the same proportion. This body type is often regarded as the most balanced and curvaceous, making it a classic symbol of femininity.

1. Accentuate the waist

The key to dressing an hourglass figure is to emphasise the waist. Dresses with belts, close-fittingpeaksand high-waisted skirts are your best friends. Go for clothes that accentuate your mid-section, such as wrap dresses or tops with a fitted waist.

2. Choose the right fabrics

Choose fabrics that drape well and skim your curves without being too tight. Stretch fabrics such as jersey and spandex blends can be very flattering. Avoid fabrics that are too stiff, as these can create a boxy silhouette.

3. Balanced proportions

As the hourglass figure is naturally balanced, you should aim to maintain these proportions. Avoid clothes that are too baggy, as they will hide your curves. Instead, opt for tailored clothes that fit well around the bust, waist and hips.

4. Highlight your best features

If you want to emphasise your bust, you might want to consider tops withV-neckor a round neckline. For the hips, you could try pencil skirts or close-fittingjeans, which flatters your curves. Remember that the aim is to flatter, not exaggerate, your natural silhouette.

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Flattering styles for a fuller mid-section: Dressing for the apple shape

The apple shape

Create a balanced look

The apple-shaped figure is characterised by a fuller midsection with narrower hips and legs. This body type can benefit from clothing that elongates the upper body and draws attention away from the waist.

1. Focus on the neckline

Choose tops withV-neck, round-neck or off-the-shoulder styles to create a lengthening effect on your upper body. These necklines draw the eye upwards and balance out the fuller midsection.

2. Structured jackets

A well-fittingblazeror a structured jacket can work wonders for an apple-shaped figure. Look for styles that are slightly fitted at the waist to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Avoid double-breasted styles, which can make your mid-section look wider.

3. Play around with proportions

Select A-linedressesand skirts that flare out from the waist. These styles can help balance your silhouette by adding volume to your lower half. If you pair close-fitting tops with wider-leg trousers or flared jeans, this can also create a more proportionate look.

4. Show off your legs

As apple-shaped figures often have lovely legs, don’t be afraid to show them off! Choose skirts anddresses, which fall just above the knee, and choose close-fitting trousers that flatter your legs. High heels can also make your legs look longer and enhance your overall silhouette.

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Balancing proportions: Dressing tips for the pear shape

The pear shape

Highlight your upper body

The pear-shaped figure has wider hips and thighs, with a narrower waist and shoulders. The aim here is to emphasise the upper body whilst creating balance in the lower half of the body.

1. Highlight your shoulders

TopsTops with wide necklines, boat necklines or off-the-shoulder styles can make your shoulders look broader and create balance. Look for tops with embellishments, ruffles or bold patterns to draw the eye upwards.

2. Measure your waist

A defined waist is key for pear-shaped figures. Dresses with a belt, high-waisted trousers and fit-and-flare styles can emphasise your slim waist and create an hourglass effect. Avoid low-waisted trousers, which can make your hips look wider.

3. A-line and flared bottoms

A-line skirts and dresses that fall below the hips are ideal. These styles give your hips room without adding extra volume. Flared or bootcut trousers can also balance out wider hips and create a more proportionate look.

4. Choose the right fabrics

When it comes to bottoms, opt for darker colours and heavier fabrics that can balance out your silhouette. Avoid fabrics that are too tight-fitting, as these can emphasise your hips and thighs. Instead, go for structured fabrics that provide a flattering fit.

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Show off your figure: Fashion advice for athletic figures

The athletic figure

Create curves and softness

Athletic body types are typically more straight up and down, with fewer curves. The aim is to create the illusion of curves and add softness to your frame.

1. Add volume to your upper body

TopsStyles featuring ruffles, embellishments or bold prints can add volume to your upper body. Look for styles that add width to your shoulders and bust, such as boat necklines, off-the-shoulder tops and puff sleeves.

2. Measure your waist

Creating a defined waist is key to adding curves to an athletic figure. Belted tops, wrap dresses and high-waisted trousers can help create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Peplum tops and jackets with cinched waists are also great options.

3. Choose flattering bottoms

To create curves, choose bottoms that add volume to your hips. A-line skirts, flaredtrousersand trousers with pleats can emphasise your lower body. Avoid trousers that are too tight-fitting, as these can emphasise a straight silhouette.

4. Play around with textures and layers

Incorporate textures and layers into your outfits to add depth and interest. If you wear a fittedblazerWorn over a ruffled top, or by pairing a textured skirt with a simple blouse, you can create a more dynamic look. Experiment with different fabrics and patterns to find out what works best for you.