Dressing for your body shape is an important aspect of fashion that can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and what looks great on one person might not be as flattering on another. Understanding your body shape and choosing clothing that complements it can make a world of difference. In this blog, we'll explore how to dress for five common body shapes: pear, hourglass, rectangle, triangle, and round.

1. Pear Shape:

A pear-shaped body typically has wider hips and a smaller bust. To balance your proportions, focus on drawing attention to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half. Here are some tips:

Tops: Opt for tops with details at the neckline, such as boat necks or off-the-shoulder styles. Bright colours, patterns, and statement sleeves can also draw the eye upwards.

Bottoms: A-line skirts and wide-legged pants can help balance your lower half. Dark-coloured bottoms and simple designs work well for this body shape.

Accessories: Statement necklaces and scarves can add a focal point to your upper body.

Do's:

• Emphasize your upper body to balance your proportions. V-neck or scoop neck tops can draw attention to your chest.
• A-line skirts and dresses work wonders, as they skim over your hips and accentuate your waist.
• Dark-coloured bottoms and lighter tops can help create a balanced look.

Don'ts:

• Avoid skinny jeans or pants that can highlight your wider hips and thighs.
• Steer clear of clothing that adds bulk to your lower half, such as cargo pants or pleated skirts.

Goddiva Sequin Mesh V-neck Flared Skirt Midi - Navy

2. Hourglass Shape:

The hourglass shape features a well-defined waist, with hips and bust in proportion. This body shape can pull off a wide range of styles, but here are some tips for accentuating your curves:

Dresses: Opt for wrap dresses, fit-and-flare styles, or bodycon dresses that hug your curves. A belt at the waist can highlight your hourglass figure.

Tops and Bottoms: High-waisted pants and skirts can emphasize your small waist. Fitted tops that follow your natural curves are a great choice.

Accessories: Waist-cinching belts, like a classic leather belt, can enhance your hourglass shape.

Do's:

• Highlight your well-defined waist with fitted styles and belts.
• Wrap dresses and tops can accentuate your curves beautifully.
• Opt for garments that showcase your proportional upper and lower body.

Don'ts:

• Avoid baggy, shapeless clothing that hides your curves.
• Skip clothes that create a boxy silhouette, such as oversized blazers without cinched waists.

Goddiva Satin Pleated Skirt Wrap Midi Dress - Black

3. Rectangle Shape:

A rectangle body shape has a similar width at the bust, waist, and hips, creating a more athletic or boyish appearance. The goal is to create the illusion of curves and definition:

Dresses: Empire waist dresses and dresses with ruffles or peplums can give the appearance of a defined waist.

Tops and Bottoms: Peplum tops, blouses with cinched waists, and high-waisted pants can add curves to your silhouette.

Accessories: Wide belts can create the illusion of a more defined waist.

Do's:

• Create curves with peplum tops and dresses that add volume to your hips.
• Experiment with layering to give the illusion of a more defined waist.
• Choose clothing with embellishments or patterns to add dimension to your figure.

Don'ts:

• Avoid shapeless clothing that conceals your natural lines.
• Stay away from garments that don't create any definition at the waist.

Liquorish Tie Waist Wide Leg Trousers In Pistachio

4. Triangle Shape:

The triangle shape, often called the "pear shape" as well, features wider hips and a narrower upper body. To balance this shape, the focus should be on broadening the shoulders and emphasizing the upper body:

Tops: Off-the-shoulder, boat neck, or V-neck tops can help broaden your shoulders. Light-coloured or patterned tops can also draw the eye upwards.

Bottoms: A-line skirts and pants with a flared leg can balance your hips. Dark-coloured bottoms are a good choice for this body shape.

Accessories: Statement earrings and necklaces can draw attention to your upper body.

Do's:

• Opt for wide-legged pants and A-line skirts to balance out your broader shoulders.
• Highlight your lower half with brighter colours and patterns.
• Experiment with boat neck or off-the-shoulder tops to draw attention downward.

Don'ts:

• Avoid garments with heavy shoulder detailing or padding, as they can exaggerate your upper body.
• Stay away from high-necked tops that emphasize your shoulders.

Liquorish Abstract Print Wrap Top In Pink Orange And Blue

5. Round Shape:

A round body shape is characterized by a fuller midsection and a lack of a well-defined waist. The goal here is to create definition and elongate the body:

Dresses: Wrap dresses, empire waist dresses, and fit-and-flare styles can provide a flattering silhouette.

Tops and Bottoms: Peplum tops, tops with ruching, and high-waisted bottoms can help create the illusion of a smaller waist.

Accessories: Long necklaces and scarves can elongate your appearance.

Do's:

• Embrace wrap dresses and tops that create an attractive V-neckline.
• Choose empire waist dresses that flow over your midsection.
• Opt for clothes with vertical lines or patterns to create a lengthening effect.

Don'ts:

• Avoid overly tight and clingy fabrics that highlight every curve.
• Skip shapeless and baggy clothing that can make you look bigger than you are.

Goddiva Wrap Style Sequin Midi Dress - Emerald

Remember, these are just guidelines, and fashion is all about self-expression. Embrace your unique body shape and wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. It's also important to try on various styles and experiment to discover what works best for you. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel good in what you wear, as confidence is the best accessory anyone can wear.

Written By: Lauren Khan