How To Dress For Your Body Shape - An Inclusive Fashion Guide

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Fashion they say is a way of expression, it is a way of communicating which tells a story about the one wearing it. Sometimes it may be challenging to find clothes that fit as well as flatter our body type. 

Dressing up according to our body type is quite important because it can make us feel confident, pretty, and comfortable in our skin. All of us have a very unique body type, and knowing how to dress according to them, can help us accentuate and showcase our best features and create a balanced silhouette. In this article, I will try to enhance some knowledge about different body types and their styling.

Pear Shape Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

A pear-shaped body has a small, slim upper body, wide hips, and thighs along with a well-defined waist. To balance out the body proportions and enhance we should try highlighting the upper body by adding volume to the shoulders and minimizing the attention from the lower body. A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and bootcut jeans can help to create a streamlined look. 

For tops, we should choose items with details like ruffles or ruched sleeves to draw attention to the upper body. Off-shoulder, boat necks, Cowl necks, and V-neck tops can also help create a flattering look. Tight-fitting clothes like pencil and fishtail skirts, low waisted jeans should be avoided because they accentuate the hips and thighs.

Hourglass Shape Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

An hourglass shape has a well-defined waist, with hips and bust that are almost similar in size. For this body type, we try to accentuate the waist and show off the curves. Bodycon dresses, wrap dresses, and high-waisted pants can help in achieving a balanced look. 

Tops with a fitted/cinched waist or peplum details can also help highlight the curves. Baggy clothes should be avoided because they would hide the waist and make the body look shapeless.

Apple Shape Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

An apple-shaped body has a larger upper body and a small-slim lower body. For this body type, we try to create the illusion of a smaller waist to balance out the proportions. A-line dresses and skirts, bootcut pants, and flared jeans can help to create a balanced look. 

V-neck or scoop-neck tops that can elongate the torso and create a more proportionate silhouette are preferable. Too tight or too baggy emphasize the larger upper body and shouldn’t be worn.

Rectangle Shape Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

A rectangle-shaped body has a straight and narrow frame, with hips and busts of similar size. Due to the lack of shape, we try to create the illusion of curves and add volume to the body. Peplum tops, ruched dresses, and belted jackets can help create a more defined waistline. 

A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and bootcut jeans can also add volume to the lower body. Avoid clothes that are too tight or shapeless, as they can make the body look boxy.

Inverted Triangle Shape Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

An inverted triangle-shaped body is defined by broad shoulders and a small lower body. Here, we want to create the illusion of a balanced silhouette by highlighting the lower body. A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and bootcut jeans can help attach more volume to the lower body. 

Tops with a V-neck or scoop neck can create a more proportionate look. Off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder tops can also help create a balanced silhouette. Avoid clothes that have too much detailing on the upper body, as they can accentuate the broader shoulders.

Petite Body Type

Source - the concept wardrobe

A petite body type has a smaller frame, with a height of 5'4" or below. The goal is to create the illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette. High-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts can help elongate the legs. Crop tops, cinched waist tops, or tops that end at the waistline can also create the illusion of a longer torso. Avoid clothes that are too baggy or have too much fabric, as they can overwhelm the petite frame and make one look shapeless.

Understanding our body shape is the first step in finding the right clothes that flatter our figure. Fashion should be fun and personal and make us feel comfortable and confident in our skin.

Written By - Sanya