Body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the perfect body. It comes from embracing the one you have!
There are four basic common body shapes; the Pear, Apple, Rectangle and Hour Glass. Which one are you?
Pear Shape is the most common — if you have large hips and a tiny bust you are considered pear shaped. Also, your shoulders may be narrow in comparison to your hips. The objective is to create balance on the upper-half, enhancing the chest/bust area.
What to Wear:
A-line dresses, wide-leg trousers, textured fabrics, scoop-neck or embellished-neck tops. Keep in mind also that statement necklaces and scarves also create volume upward.
A-line skirts, flared jeans or trousers, preferably medium/dark denim, because it creates the allusion that everything is seemingly proportioned. The key is to keep the bottom at a minimum.
What Not to Wear:
Avoid tight skirts, cargo pants, stripes, funky pockets and clothing that hits right at the hip area.
Inverted Triangle/Apple Shape — this shape has more of an undefined waist, and the bust is considered larger than the hip section, with slimmer arms and legs. The objective is to draw attention away from the mid-section.
What to Wear:
Ruched tops, tunics, V-necks, scoop tops, flowy dresses, or maybe even a shift dress, depending on the occasion. You can even try a low-waist trouser, sometimes that helps hide any stomach bulges. And because your legs are usually your best asset, show off your legs!
What Not to Wear:
Clingy and loose, shapeless clothing.
Rectangle Shape — this is more of an athletic build but particularly curvy. Your shoulders and hip measurements are nearly the same. Showing off your arms, shoulders and back will more than likely be your best body feature!
What to Wear:
Halter styled tops, crew neckline shirts, belted tops, dusters, strapless dresses, jumpsuits, high-waist trousers.
What Not to Wear:
Shapeless or boxy clothing.
Hour Glass — this shape is equally proportioned with your shoulders and hips, being approximately the same width. And the waistline is significantly smaller.
What to Wear:
Tailored or form fitting clothing…notice the word “fitted,” not tight.
Waist defined tops and jackets, crop tops, V-neck tops, wrap dresses, A-line dresses, sheath dresses, pencil skirts, wide leg pants.
What Not to Wear:
Low-rise pants or skirts, horizontal detailing, patterns or prints. These can make you appear wider. Remember the goal is to highlight your curves, while allowing your waist to be the focal point.
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Trends and fashion are forever changing, and so are we as women. Our body shapes often change over time, and that is okay! Learning to mix and match what works best and somedays, what may not work best, only leaves room for other ways and opportunities to truly embrace who we are. So, there you have it, the starting point of understanding the basic guidelines of flattering your body shape.
