How To Dress Your Body Type

No one is made exactly the same. Women are born uniquely beautiful with different proportions. With that said, it’s important to know what your body type is so you can dress successfully.

To determine your body’s shape, you must first measure yourself. Shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Remember to use a cloth tape measure for better accuracy—and comfort—during the process. With your measurements in mind, read along with us while we discuss the five basic body types. Once you realize your shape, you won’t have any problems building up a fantastic wardrobe that both complements and completes you. Let’s get you dressed!

Pear Body Type

The pear body type is slim in the upper body (shoulders, bust, and waist) and heavy in the lower body (hips, thighs, and backside). Hence the “pear” description. A beautiful shape that can easily be disguised as an hourglass figure.

Do’s

You want to add volume to your upper half and slim your lower half to create a proportional form. A-line dresses and skirts are great for hiding your wide width. Wide-legged pants will even out your lower body. Any top that draws attention to your upper half will look amazing.

Do-Not’s

Avoid tight-fitting tops that squeeze your bust. Wide skirts that accentuate your hips are only going to make your curvy hips look bigger. Skin-tight pants will accentuate your thick thighs, so try to stay away from them if you don’t like the look it gives you.

Apple Body Type

Apple-shaped women are known as “top heavy.” Wide shoulders and an ample bust. The hips are narrow with lovely long legs sprouting beneath them. The “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” with this figure.

Do’s

You want to draw the eye to either your generous bust or below the waist to define the midriff. Tops and dresses with V-necks are great for elongating your shape. Loose-fitting pants and cowl skirts are excellent for adding volume to your lower half.

Do-Not’s

Do not wear tight-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses. We want to even out your proportions. Tighten your upper and loosen your lower. Avoid any tops that draw attention upward, such as ruffles.

Rectangle Body Type

Rectangle-shaped bodies are exactly like they sound. They are proportional from shoulders to hips. They have wonderful, slender limbs that everyone wishes they had. It’s very difficult for this body type to show off curves, but we know what to do.

Do’s

Anything that breaks up your proportional figure. Such as asymmetrical dresses and skirts. Choose tops that flare at the hips. Grab pants that form to your skin and show off those beautiful legs. Bold designs and colors look great on you.

Do-Not’s

Do not wear anything oversized. You will drown in the material and disappear into a baggy rectangle. Don’t wear anything with bland colors or straight angles, as these will disguise any curve you are trying to display.

Athletic Body Type

Women with athletic body types are muscled and beautiful with a slight midriff bend. A wonderful shape that struggles to show off curves. We need to add some feminine flow to this body type. An easy task for sure.

Do's

Show off your midsection. Wear tight-fitting tops that highlight your shape. Choose skirts that flare to add width to your hips. Display your slender legs. Pick dresses with layers to add volume and flow.

Do-Not’s

Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that disguises your midriff curve. Avoid oversized pieces in general, unless you are adding volume to certain areas that need it.

Hourglass Body Type

Most designers have this body type in mind. It’s the most proportional with a defined waistline. Big bust, slender waist, and wide hips. The definition of womanly curves. With a body like that, it’s easy to over-compensate with the wrong clothing.

Do’s

Keep it simple. Your body is amazing, so show it off! Pick form-fitting pieces that will highlight your natural curves. High-waisted pants will accentuate your slender midriff and well-formed hips. Pencil and mermaid skirts. V-neck tops will emphasize your bust and elongate your figure.

Do-Not’s

Steer clear of oversized clothing that will hide your shape. Since you are great proportionally, avoid adding volume to areas that don’t need it. If you do, it will create the opposite effect and leave you unbalanced.