How to Dress for Your Body Type

• Dress for Your Body Type Tips
  • There are 5 basic body shapes: Apple, pear, hourglass, strawberry and rectangular
  • Determining the type of figure you have will help you to find styles that flatter your shape
  • Avoid clothing that draws attention to your problem areas
•  

Before you head to the mall to shop for a new outfit, taking a moment to learn what styles fit your body best will help you to dress appropriately for your unique body style. There are many different descriptions that may be used to describe specific body shapes, but each has characteristics that are both flattering and challenging to dress. The key to dressing for a particular shape is to create a balance between the disproportioned parts of the body.

Body shapes vary greatly, and because of this you may find that you are in between two shapes. If this is the case, it may be necessary for you to take the relevant tips from each and apply them to your particular shape.

The first step in learning to dress for shape is to determine exactly what type of body you have. To do this, you’ll want to take a few minutes to examine your shape in the mirror and evaluate where you are balanced and where you are not. Look at your waistline, hips and shoulders. Which of these appears larger? Which parts of your body would you like to emphasize and which parts would you rather minimize?

These questions will help you to determine what kind of shape you have.

• Step 1: Which Body Type Do You Have?

The first step in learning how to dress for your body type is to determine what type of figure you have. Each one has challenges that can be addressed simply by following a few fashion tips. You may find that you are in between body types. If this is the case, it may be necessary to examine the aspects of each group you may fall into. If you can identify what places you in each category, you can then use one or more suggestions from each of them.

• 1. Apple or round body shapes typically carry weight around their mid section.
  2. Pear shaped bodies are wider and larger around the hips and thighs and narrows through the mid section and upper body. The pear shape may also be referred to as the diamond shape.
  3. Hourglass body types have a well defined waist and curves on the upper and lower portions of the body.
  4. Strawberry shaped figures are not as common as the others. It is an inverted body type where the shoulders and upper body are wider or larger than the waist.
  5. Rectangular or bodies have neither a defined waist or unbalanced or larger proportions. This is often referred to as the H shape.
• Step 2: Fashions To Flatter Your Body Type

Once you have discovered which body type you have, you can use this information when shopping to purchase clothing that will flatter your figure. By dressing your shape using the suggestions here, you are finding a balance among the challenging elements of your figure and those you wish to emphasize.

• 1. Apple shaped bodies are encouraged to find blouse styles that draw attention away from the bust and mid section and direct it towards the neck and face. This can be achieved by wearing v-neck style and lengthier tops.
  2. Pear types should emphasize their upper body with fitted tops and minimize their lower half by wearing slacks made from flowing fabrics. Tops with bright colors or eye catching characteristics will draw attention away from the hips.
  3. Hourglass shaped women should wear clothing that accentuates the waistline such as pants with a fashionable belt or wrap style dresses. Clothes should fit comfortably and emphasize your curves.
  4. Strawberry figured women will dress opposite of pear figures. Wearing bright colored slacks and skirts will draw the eyes downward, and fuller bottoms will less the appearance of an imbalance.
  5. Rectangular shaped bodies benefit greatly from clothing that provides a waistline. This may include a long jacket with a belt or clothing that cinches at the waist.
• Step 3: What To Avoid Wearing 

Just as each type has fabrics and cuts that will flatter their shape, there are also clothing styles that should be avoided.

• 1. Apple figured women should avoid square shaped skirts or clothing that creates an improper waistline. Avoid pleated slacks and skirts. Tapered jeans will cause your mid section to appear larger. Patterns or bold colored tops are also unflattering and will make your top section appear too bulky.
  2. Pear types are advised to stay away from pants that are too tight, have pockets or have a waistline that draws attention to the largest area around the hips. Patterns, checks and fabrics that are lighter in color should be avoided when buying pants or skirts. This will only bring more attention to your hips and thighs. Avoid any tapered leg jean.
  3. Hourglass shapes are discouraged from wearing baggy clothing that hides the curves associated with this type. Also, pay close attention to the lines in the clothing and avoid those which are straight and will not play to your curves. Avoid clothing that accentuates only one part of the body as this may cause the other half to look either too large or inadequate.
  4. Strawberry or inverted shapes should avoid any clothing that draws attention to the shoulder or upper body structure such as shoulder pads. Avoid thin strapped dresses, these tend to create a broader shoulder.
  5. Rectangular shaped body types should stay away from clothing that causes their mid section to seem elongated. Avoid vertical lines or patterns and tops that seem to “crop” at the waist. Avoid jeans or slacks that are low rise as these make the mid section appear longer.