Every single body is beautiful, regardless of size, shape, or color. The key to looking your best is accentuating your best features. You can do that by learning how to dress for your body type.
What are the Different Body Types?
Remember, each of these shapes is beautiful. Figuring out which one you have will help you make conscious clothing choices that will flatter your shape.
Straight Shaped
Key features of this body type are:
- You are not particularly curvy
- Hip measurements and shoulder measurements are very similar
- Weight is evenly distributed throughout your body
With a straight shaped body, you will want to keep the volume on either the top or the bottom. If you have a form-fitting top, you can balance it out with oversized pants. The opposite is true, too: a flowy top can be paired very well with skinny jeans or leggings.
Play up and show off what you love about your body, whether it's your shoulders (in a halter top or off-the-shoulder top), your arms (in sleeveless or thinner strapped tops), your legs (in a short hemmed dress, skirt, or shorts), or your collarbone (in a plunging or lower neckline).
Halter tops, racerback styles, and scoop necks are all very flattering for the straight shaped body. For outerwear, bomber jackets, dusters, and peacoats all look stunning on you.
If you want to create the illusion of a more defined waist, you can add a belt at the waistline.
Pear Shaped
Key features of this body type are:
- You have full hips and rear
- Your shoulders are more narrow
- Your waist is wider than your bust
If you have a pear shaped body, you will want to consciously look for pieces that will elongate your body.
With a pear shaped body, you can have a lot of fun with statement pieces that draw attention to the top half of your body. These statement pieces could include bright colors or bold patterns in your tops, wide-brimmed hats, or dramatic jewelry. Go big with your chunky or layered necklaces or oversized earrings. Big statement pieces on the top half of your body will help you look balanced and beautiful.
You will want to even out all the fun on the top with a more subtle and dark color on the bottom. Bootcut, flare, and classic trouser cuts are all elongating and flattering for your body.
Dresses are a great choice. A hem right below the knee can help elongate your frame and slenderize your hips and thighs.
Apple Shaped
Key features of this body type are:
- Your shoulders are broader than your hips
- You do not have a well-defined waistline
- Your hips are not very curvy
Flowy and breezy tunics and tops are very flattering for the apple shape. Anything with a v-neck also flatters this body type. If you do choose to wear a flowy or loose top, pairing it with a more structured or tight pant on the bottom will help balance the outfit and make you look fantastic.
If you want to add a layer to your ensemble, find one that hits the hip or upper thigh.
Sleeve lengths and hem lengths are very open for this body type. Play around with what features of your body you want to show off or downplay, and then find pieces that fit the narrative you want to create.
Hourglass Shaped
Key features of this body type are:
- Your bust and hip measurements are very similar
- Your waistline is very defined
- You are curvy
To dress an hourglass shape, you will want to lean toward pieces that define your waist. Form-fitting clothing celebrates your silhouette. Form-fitting options that will flatter your body include peplum tops, tight jersey knits, and wrap tops. Tailored tops are also a great choice to help you get the right fit that hugs you in all the right places.
Avoid boxy styles of clothing. They do not do your curves justice. On the other hand, wrap dresses and fit and flare dresses play to your body's strengths.
If you do want to wear something more loose-fitting, you can make it more flattering by adding a belt to highlight your waistline.
Make It Your Own
You may find that you don't exactly fit into one of these four shapes. There is nothing wrong with that. Take tips from multiple shapes that seem applicable to you and your own body.
It may take some trial and error to find what looks best on you. That's okay! Just remember that whether you're sporting sorority shirts or a formal ball gown, your body is beautiful how it is.