How to Dress for Your Body Shape

Clothes are more than just pieces of fabric. The right styles can do wonders for a girl’s confidence. Ensure you look and feel your best by dressing for your shape with the help of this simple guide.

1. Triangle shape

The triangle shape or “pear shape” means you carry the majority of your weight in the lower part of your body (i.e., your hips, bum and thighs). This can be a very feminine and attractive shape when dressed right. Your smaller chest, slim waist and curvaceous hips suit a variety styles.

Dos

•  A-line skirts that fall above the knee
•  Wearing heels for making your bottom half appear longer and leaner
•  Belts to accentuate your slim waist and give you more of an hourglass shape
•  “Push-up” bra to balance your bosom with your lower half if you want
•  Eye-catching earrings and necklaces to draw the attention up

Don’ts

•  Skinny jeans, but boot-cut can be great.
•  Overly clingy skirts or made of a flimsy fabric such as silk. These can make hips appear unnecessarily large.

2. Inverted triangle shape

If you have a wide back and shoulders, you are likely considered an inverted triangle shape. Chances are you have an average waist and slimmer hips, so many styles look great on you. You just have to keep an eye on what tops you wear to ensure your upper half doesn’t take on a masculine appearance.

Dos

•  V-neck shirts focus toward your decolletage and chest and away from your shoulders.
•  Wraparound dresses made of soft fabrics such as jersey can help slim your waist and create a unified, feminine look.
•  Voluminous skirts or flare out at the bottom can add dimension to your lower half. Just make sure to cinch them at the waist to complete the hourglass look.
•  Bright colors and prints on your lower half  can make it seem more dominant and balance out your upper body.
•  Tops with a centre focus, such as embellishments at the chest or ruffles around the collar, draw the eye toward the centre and away from dominant shoulders.

Don’ts

•  Stiff, boxy shoulder line, such as wide jackets or high-necked dresses. These can make your top half look extra wide.
•  Polo necks and heavy sweaters. They can make you look top heavy and add bulk where you don’t want it.
•  A good fitting bra to carry your weight up top. Don’t wear a too tight one as it may wind up creating the appearance of back fat. Visit a lingerie store, and get fitted to ensure you’re wearing one that fits.

3. Rectangular shape

A rectangular shape means you’re more or less the same size all through your chest, waist and hips. It can also be termed “boyish” or “athletic.” Typically rectangular shapes have slim legs, long torsos and small chests, and fat is distributed evenly along the body. By picking clothes that emphasize your slim qualities in the right areas and create curves in others, you can achieve the perfect figure.

Dos

•  Short skirts and shorts when appropriate as with a rectangular shape, you likely have great legs to show off
•  Cinching dresses or shirts with a thin belt in a contrasting color. It plays up your lean figure and create the illusion of a more defined waist.
•  Good push-up bra to create a curvier top half.
•  Skinny jeans and leggings. It’s just created for your type!
•  Shirts, skirts and dresses with fun prints  and textures as it add dimension to your look regardless of your shape.

Don’ts

•  Plunging necklines. It can make your chest appear even smaller. Go for empire waist shirts that shape perfectly around your chest and make it look more curvaceous.
•  Overly baggy, as this will leave you looking shapeless. Cinch baggy clothing at the waist, or have it tailored to fit you better

4. Rounded shape

Typically women with rounded shapes have waists that are wider than their hips and chests. These are often accompanied by voluptuous breasts and shapely legs. So achieving the womanly figure you’re going for is all about creating a more defined waist, which can be done easily enough with the right pieces!

Dos

•  Tailored jackets and coats that nip in at the waist.
•  A-line skirts. They make hips look curvier, which can create the illusion of a narrower waist.
•  Thick belts are great for cinching and giving the appearance of a tinier waist.
•  Good corset. A corset can shave inches off your waist.
•  Wraparound tops that aren’t too clingy can break up your torso, thereby giving more of an hourglass shape.
•  Empire waist tops cinch in under the chest and fall straight down, drawing attention toward your chest and away from your waist.

Don’ts

•  Wide-leg jeans. The flare can make you look thicker in the legs and therefore appear top and bottom heavy. Choose straight or boot-cut jeans to give your legs a longer, leaner appearance. Also try a dark wash, as the deeper hue adds a slimming effect.
•  Mid-rise or even high-rise jeans to avoid the dreaded “muffin top,” and give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette.
•  Tops that are too short or clingy. They can ride up. Instead, ook for shirts that are flowy or are long in the torso.
•  Shirts with polo necks aren’t the best choice, as they can make you look top heavy. V-necks are a much better option.

5. Hourglass shape

Hourglass figures are probably the most coveted of the bunch. The shape features a full chest, small waist and rounded hips. But as with all body types, the wrong clothes can detract from your lovely shape.

Dos

•  Opt for sweetheart necklines, as they flatter your bust.
•  Wear cropped jackets that nip in at the waist and emphasize your already small midsection.
•  Go for pencil skirts, as they will emphasize your narrow waist and curvaceous hips. Tuck in your shirt to really let your shape shine.
•  You are fortunate to be able to wear a variety of pant styles. The straight look of boot-cut jeans is great for a night out, while wide-legged trousers are great for work.

Don’ts

•  Avoid clothing that is overly tight, as this could pull in awkward ways and make your curves look unnatural or oversized. Go for pieces that are ruched, as this will emphasize and even out your sexy curves without making them seem over the top.
•  Don’t be tempted to hide your curves under baggy clothes. You have the figure, so flaunt it!

From voluptuous vixen to lean machine, we’re all different, and we all suit different clothes. Don’t let yourself feel limited by numbers or forced into certain popular fads. Have fun dressing for your unique shape and what makes you feel good.

Keep in mind, though, that these categories are just guidelines. Very few people fit into just one body type, and shapes can change with time. So check which body type or combination you are and dress to show off!

Source: www.sheknows.com