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Dressing for your body type should always take priority over fashion trends. Understanding your shape and proportions can make all the difference in how you feel about yourself and your outfit choices.
Embrace your curvy proportions and bring focus to your cinched waistline with shirts and dresses that hug the body. For apple-shaped bodies, choose a-line and princess cuts to accentuate your hips and narrow waistline.
Pear Shape
Women with a pear body shape tend to carry more weight on their hips and lower half than their shoulders or bust. Creating a balance between the two areas is key, and you can do this with dresses that feature volume at the top and skirts that skim over the wider hips. When it comes to pants, avoid skinny silhouettes that cinch at the waist. A Sabrina or queen anne neckline will help flatter your bust, as well as a padded bra.
When it comes to bottoms, choose skirt styles that are wide at the hips and have a light gathering or pleating. This will create visual balance and elongate your legs and hips. Fit and flare styles that nip in at the waist and then skim over the hips are also ideal. Sleeve details like puffy sleeves or ascot necklines will also broaden your shoulders and create a great look.
Apple Shape
People with an apple body shape have wider shoulders than hips and a heavier stomach area. This is why they need to add curves in their lower half and balance their frame with more volume.
A peplum dress can be a great option for this body type as it can add the illusion of waist definition while hiding a heavier tummy area. A low neckline will also flatter and narrow broad shoulders.
Skirts with draping and ruching can also be incredibly flattering on this body shape, as they can help disguise lumps or bumps. This Karen Kane faux wrap skirt is a perfect example as it has flattering ruching in the front that will draw attention to the bust area rather than the belly. Adding a belt or waist tie can also be effective for this body type as it will create the illusion of a slimmer waistline. This Karen Kane tuxedo belt is a great choice as it has a slim satin bow that is both stylish and comfortable to wear.
Straight Shape
If your hips and shoulders are roughly the same width, you have a straight body shape. You may worry about looking bottom-heavy, so it’s important to balance your figure with a top half that draws attention up to your bust and shoulders. A v-shaped neckline and structured shoulder-enhancing blouses are ideal. Wear long cardigans and duster coats to add length to your torso, as well.
You’ll also want to avoid pants that narrow your waist, as this can make you appear squarish. You can still flatter your legs, however, by wearing flared pants or knee-length skirts.
The defining characteristics of your body type are inherited. However, lifestyle choices like diet and exercise can have a big impact on your silhouette. Understanding and embracing your body shape can be an essential first step toward self-love. With a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be able to dress your body with confidence and style! — Written by @Kalee_Hennessy and edited by @artfulcitystyle.
Hourglass Shape
If you have a bust that is nearly the same size as your hips and waistline, you have an hourglass shape. To confirm this body type, divide your bust measurement by your hip measurement – the ratio should be around 1 to 1.
You need to create balance with the curves of your upper and lower half by emphasizing your waistline while balancing out your bust and hips. Dresses and tops that accentuate the waist are ideal, as well as nipped and belted styles that create a flattering silhouette and define your natural curves.
Avoid anything that adds extra bulk around the shoulders, such as wide or round necklines, and avoid oversized sleeves. Trousers for this body type should be narrow in the leg and slightly tapered or boot-cut; avoiding low-waisted styles that would widen your hips. Look for skirts that go straight down to the knee or midi lengths as opposed to long styles that will make you appear shorter and heavier.
Conclusion
Women with a pear body shape tend to carry more weight on their hips and lower half than their shoulders or bust. People with an apple body shape have wider shoulders than hips and a heavier stomach area. If your hips and shoulders are roughly the same width, you have a straight body shape.
