Dressing for your Body Shape
Style advice for your body shape by Zayboonisha Mia
Women come in all different shapes and sizes and the key to dressing successfully is determining your body type. No woman is made alike and there are many different body shapes. Don’t hate yourself for your small bust or fat thighs, being too tall or too short, check out these tips to help you look and feel spectacular!
Womens’ bodies can be broken down into 5 different shapes. Determine what category you fall into and then follow these simple guidelines to ensure that you accentuate and flaunt the best parts of your figure.
Apple body shape
- Broad hips and waist
- Fuller midsection
- Slender arms and legs
Bring out your best: Empire lines, longer length tops flatter your figure. Lower necklines draw the eyes upwards.
Avoid: Short boxy jackets & pleated/tiered skirts.
Pear body shape
- Narrow waist
- Smaller bust
- Shapely bottom half
Bring out your best: Balance out your curvy bottom half with bold bright tops or tops with large collars, lapels or sleeves.
Avoid: Tube, pencil and fishtail skirts, especially tight-fitting ones will only emphasise your hips and behind.
Strawberry body shape
- Broad shoulders
- Top heavy
- Narrow hips and legs
Bring out your best: Fuller skirts and wide leg trousers balances out your body shape. Use bright colours on your bottom half. Choose fashion for a bigger bust like V-necks and wrap tops.
Avoid: Shoulder pads and tapering trousers. Steer clear of puff sleeves, epaulettes and halter necks.
Hourglass body shape
- Curvy
- Well defined waist
- Proportionate
Bring out your best: Wrap dresses, waist-cinching belts and flared or wide leg jeans.
Avoid: Shapeless baggy jumpers will hide your waist.
Rectangle body shape
- Undefined waist
- Smaller bust
- Lacking curves
Bring out your best: A structured coat that cinches in with a belt will make you look curvier. If you have a small bust you can get away with high-necked tops.
Avoid: Low rise jeans and trousers can make your torso look too long.
