For the longest time, I dressed primarily for my comfort, with no regard for what was appropriate for my body type. Like I said in a previous article, I did not shop for my own clothes, so there was no way I could be conscious of dressing in relation to my body type.
However, I can no longer avoid that oversight. In the last few years, I have had a child and my body has undergone some crazy changes. As part of my desire to rediscover myself, I have had to get reacquainted with my physical changes and dress for my body type. It’s been a very conscious journey, where I make the effort to dress my top-heavy figure in a way that accentuates or downplays the exact features I want.
Everyone has the right to dress exactly as they please. However, I like to think many ladies want to look their best with minimal stress. One easy way to do this is to get clothes that fit your body type. So in this post, I am happily sharing the different body types and how you can best dress for each of them.
Here goes:
Hour Glass
It is commonly referred to as ‘Figure 8’. This figure is one with balanced bust-to-hip measurement, and a well-defined waistline. Shoulders are neither too wide nor too narrow. And they are in alignment with the hips. If this is your body type, you can wear nearly anything. But you do best with clothes that are tightly fitted from your bust to your hips. Form-fitting clothes that show off your waist should make up the bulk of your wardrobe.
Pear/Triangle
This figure carries its bulk below the waist, with very wide hips and a narrow bust and waist line. Shoulders are also narrower than the hips. You can wear figure hugging outfits to flaunt your figure, but tight bottoms and more detailed tops work best for you if you have this body type. Off the shoulder boat-necked tops and dresses, ruffled necklines, and full sleeves should be among your staples to balance out your bottom silhouette. Skinny jeans and loose tops create a balanced look as well, while baggy bottoms are a no-no for your figure.
Apple Body Type
With this body type, you have a fuller top with a full bust line, an undefined waist and narrow hips. The shoulders are wider than the hips but not much wider than the bust or waist. A-line dresses and skirts, V and scooped necklines, and empire waist outfits should be wardrobe staples for you if this is your body shape. Flared pants and jeans should be staples for you as well, as they help to balance out your silhouette. With your heavier bust line, proper bra support is also key.
Athletic/Inverted Triangle
The body has a tapered look from top to bottom with this type. Shoulders are broader than the rest of the body especially the hips. For tops, minimalist styles with V-necklines are your best bet. You can pair them with skinny jeans and pencil skirts. Layered or ruffled skirts and hemlines work beautifully with this body type, creating the illusion of a fuller bottom to balance out the heavier top. If this is your shape, the key is to keep it simple on top and busy at the bottom.
Rectangle/Straight
This body type is one with fairly equal proportions and a straight silhouette. The bust and hips are pretty much the same without a defined waistline. The shoulders are not much narrower or broader than the rest of the body. You can get away with a lot: Tubes, spaghetti straps, tank tops, halter necks, the whole works! You could also explore shorts, minis, A-line and flared skirts. If you have this body type, you can rock most trends.
Most ladies fall into one of these five categories while some women seem to have figures that combine more than one body type. Regardless of what body you are blessed with, the most important thing is to look and feel good in your own skin.