Let us look away from size for a brief moment, and look at shapes. When you think about body types, don’t focus on height and weight, focus on shape. A slender gal can have the same body shape as a curvy gal, just as a short woman can have the same body shape as her taller friend. And when talking about body shapes, two words come to mind; balance and proportion. Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best.
These are the keys to flattering your figure, whether you’re a size 2 or a 22, get absolutely comfortable in your body and get to know your curves. Find the best way to create harmony from head to toe with stylish symmetry, and you can achieve this by first knowing the different body types, figuring out your own body, and understanding the dos and don’ts of your body type.
Every woman and her body is unique, nevertheless, body shapes are generally narrowed down to a few categories: hourglass, pear, wedge and rectangle. You might fall into one category, or you might be a blend of two or more categories.
Hourglass body shape
While the womanly hourglass figure is considered the ideal silhouette, there are still dos and don’ts when it comes to clothing options. Those blessed with an hourglass shape are naturally balanced, meaning the width of your shoulders and hips is the same and your waist goes in, giving you automatic curves.
Therefore, you want to make sure to emphasize your proportionate figure, rather than getting lost in a loose dress. Beware of blouses that billow in the midsection and those that flare from the bust line with volume. Try to avoid anything that hides your waist and crops at the hips, your widest point. Highlight your curves by cinching yourself in with a belt, and focus on tailored pieces that show off your slim waist.
Fashion is all about dressing your body. If you know your body shape — and every woman should — then you will be able to find clothes that fit and flatter.
Pear or triangle body shape
Those who tend to be petite on top and bigger on the bottom are typically considered to have a triangle shape. Since women with a triangle figure have small shoulders and curvaceous hips, the idea is to pull the focus up and add interest to the top half by highlighting your more slender upper body.
Take advantage of trends like bold shoulders and statement necklaces, or use detailed and colorful tops to draw up the eye. Then keep it sleek on the bottom by opting for dark pants or skirts and simple shoes.
Inverted triangle or wedge body shape
This refers to women who are the opposite of the triangle body type; the inverted-triangle silhouette tend to have broad shoulders and narrow hips, so it’s important to find clothing that helps elongate the torso. Try leaving a scarf unwrapped or accessorizing with a long necklace or low-slung belt to create a vertical eye-line.
Remember, drop waists are flattering, so avoid high-waist jeans, skirts and pants. Items like corsets, halter tops and padded shoulders are generally a no, but you should take advantage of fun footwear trends and show off your legs with skirts and skinny pants.
Rectangle body shape
Someone who is straight all the way through from top to bottom is typically considered to have a rectangle body type, and will want to create curves and define her waistline. Many females with a rectangle shape complain of a boyish figure, but there are plenty of ways to play up your womanly assets.
Wrap tops and dresses, bias cuts, ruffles and draping can all help create the illusion of a bigger bust and hips in comparison to your waistline. Jackets or blazers that have darts at the waist and V-neck tops are other ways to curve out your silhouette as well. Just be sure to avoid square-neck or fitted tops, mid-rise pants and wide-leg or loose trousers, as all of these will create a boxy image rather than a curvy one!