Body Types
Styling proportions to complement different body types can help create a balanced, flattering look. Understanding your body shape and how to enhance or create the appearance of proportion is key to confident dressing. Below are tips for styling proportions for common body types:
1. Hourglass (Defined Waist, Balanced Shoulders and Hips)
Goal: Highlight the waist and maintain balance between the top and bottom halves.
Tops: Wear fitted or wrap tops that accentuate your waistline. V-necks and scoop necks also draw attention to your waist.
Bottoms: High-waisted pants and skirts highlight your waist, while pencil skirts or fitted jeans maintain a sleek line from waist to hips.
Dresses: Look for body-hugging silhouettes like wrap dresses, belted dresses, or fit-and-flare styles to define your waist and show off your curves.
Avoid: Boxy or shapeless clothing that hides your waistline, as it may make you look heavier or less proportioned.
2. Pear (Wider Hips, Smaller Bust and Shoulders)
Goal: Balance the proportions by drawing attention to the upper body.
Tops: Go for bold or detailed tops—boat necks, off-the-shoulder, wide V-necks, and scoop necks help broaden the upper body. Puffy sleeves or embellished tops also create balance.
Bottoms: Opt for darker, streamlined bottoms like straight-leg or bootcut pants. A-line skirts and high-waisted styles elongate the legs and flatter your hips without adding bulk.
Dresses: Fit-and-flare dresses or styles with a defined waist and flowy skirt work well, drawing attention to the waist and away from the hips.
Avoid: Skinny jeans or pants that emphasize the hip area. Stick to simple, clean lines on the bottom half.
3. Apple (Wider Midsection, Narrow Hips, Slimmer Legs)
Goal: Create definition around the waist and draw attention to the legs or neckline.
Tops: Look for tops that draw attention upward, such as V-necks, wrap tops, or empire waistlines. Structured blazers that hit at the hips can add shape.
Bottoms: Wear pants that highlight your legs, such as skinny jeans or straight-leg pants. Mid-rise or high-rise pants can elongate your legs and create balance.
Dresses: A-line or empire waist dresses are ideal as they create a waistline and float away from the midsection. Wrap dresses also flatter by cinching the waist.
Avoid: Avoid overly tight tops around the midsection or anything with too much fabric that adds bulk to the stomach area.
4. Rectangle (Straight, Athletic Shape with Little Waist Definition)
Goal: Create the illusion of curves by defining the waist and adding volume to both the upper and lower body.
Tops: Opt for ruffled or detailed tops that add volume to your chest and shoulders. Belted tops or peplum styles create a waistline.
Bottoms: Flared pants, wide-leg trousers, or skirts with volume (like A-line or pleated styles) help balance your body and give the appearance of curves.
Dresses: Wrap dresses or dresses with ruching at the waist can create an hourglass shape. Fit-and-flare or peplum dresses work to add structure.
Avoid: Boxy or straight styles that don’t add definition to your waist or give shape.
5. Inverted Triangle (Broad Shoulders, Narrow Waist and Hips)
Goal: Balance the upper body with the lower half by adding volume to the hips and emphasizing the waist.
Tops: Go for simple, streamlined tops. V-necks and scoop necks help downplay broad shoulders. Avoid tops with shoulder embellishments or wide necklines that broaden the shoulders.
Bottoms: Flared or wide-leg pants, A-line skirts, and fuller bottoms create balance. Patterns or lighter colors on the bottom half can also draw attention downward.
Dresses: Fit-and-flare or A-line dresses help add volume to the hips and create a balanced silhouette. Wrap dresses also work well to define the waist.
Avoid: Avoid tops that accentuate the shoulders, like halter necks or off-the-shoulder styles.
6. Petite (Shorter Frame, Small Stature)
Goal: Create the illusion of height and lengthen the figure.
Tops: Stick to well-fitted, cropped tops or tuck in longer tops to avoid overwhelming your frame. V-necks or vertical stripes elongate the upper body.
Bottoms: High-waisted pants and skirts lengthen the legs. Avoid wide or overly long pants; instead, opt for tailored, straight, or slim-cut bottoms.
Dresses: Look for dresses that are fitted or have a vertical silhouette, such as sheath or wrap dresses. Mini skirts and above-the-knee styles can also make your legs appear longer.
Avoid: Avoid oversized or bulky styles that swamp your frame. Instead, focus on fitted pieces that maintain proportion.
7. Tall (Longer Legs and Torso)
Goal: Balance your height while emphasizing your long legs or frame without overwhelming proportions.
Tops: Play with oversized or long-line tops and jackets that emphasize your height. You can also try cropped jackets or tops to break up your long torso.
Bottoms: Wide-leg or flared pants, as well as floor-length skirts, look great on taller frames. High-waisted styles can also show off your long legs.
Dresses: Maxi dresses work beautifully on taller frames, while belted or cinched styles can help define your waist.
Avoid: Avoid overly tight or body-hugging pieces if you want to minimize your height. Instead, try more flowing styles.
General Tips for All Body Types:
Balance Fitted with Loose: If one part of your outfit is fitted, balance it out with a looser piece elsewhere (e.g., skinny jeans with a flowy top or a fitted blouse with wide-leg trousers).
Heels for Elongation: Heels can give you extra height and help balance out proportions, especially if you're aiming to lengthen your legs.
Tailoring is Key: Well-fitted clothes will always flatter more than ill-fitting ones. Tailoring items to your exact body shape can make a world of difference in how clothes look and feel on you.
Understanding and dressing for your body type is all about highlighting your best features and creating visual balance. Play around with proportions to achieve a flattering look that suits your style!
Thank you for reading. XOXOX S & S
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the copyrights to these photos.
