How to Dress for your Body Shape
Fortunately, we humans are unique individuals who come in all shapes and sizes. The key to conveying our style through fashion is not simply following the latest trends, but understanding the shape of our own bodies, and complimenting and enhancing it with the appropriate outfit.
So, where do you start from in finding out what your body type is and how to accentuate your best features? There are a few general guidelines for body types. Firstly, look at the table below and try to match your body shape to one of the types shown below.
Apple-shaped bodies’main feature is a bust area 3-4 inches wider than the hips and a less defined waist. If you recognise yourself as apple-shaped, remember these three fashion rules:
- Draw attention away from your waist and shoulders
- Emphasize on your thighs and bottom
- Emphasize on your neck and bust
Your main goal is to visually reduce the upper part of your body by giving definition to the lower body. V-necks are a perfect match for apple-shaped women. Most V-neck tees and dresses normally feature a low cut, so if you are troubled by exposing too much, try an outfit such as our coral knee-length dress. The straight cut of the dress will equalize the bust-waist-hips proportion and will give you a structured look.
Elizabeth Hurley is a great example of an apple body type. Let’s take a look at her staple look to decode the secrets of the apple-shaped body.
Notice the waistline emphasis on the blush dress Liz is wearing here. It creates the illusion of an hourglass figure by capitalising on the deep V-neck top and A-line bottom half.
Some great examples of dresses that are perfect for an apple-shaped body are our Orchard Gown and Alice Bridal Gown. Notice that both these dresses emphasise the waist and have a dropped neckline to create that desired hourglass figure. Try one of these styles put emphasis on your waist. The embroidery along the hemline will add that special touch to your evening gown or bridal gown.
According to recent research, almost half of women (approx. 45%) have a rectangular body shape. In this case, the proportion between bust-waist-hips creates almost a straight line on the side of the body. To get a more feminine figure, follow these tips:
- Avoid the boyish silhouette by emphasizing your waist as much as possible. Use waist belts or wrap tops.
- Unfortunately, you will have to forget about boyfriend jeans, saggy pants and the like.
- Give your silhouette volume with statement accessories. Try layered necklaces and ethnic jewellery with large stones.
Choose tops, dresses and skirts with ruffles and fringes. They will add texture and volume to your figure, creating the feminine curvy silhouette. Check out Kiera Knightley’s style for some inspiration. Layers, riffles, one-shoulder dresses are a must-have in your wardrobe if you have a rectangular body shape.
Great examples of outfits to complement the Rectangular body shape is our Taffeta Skirt and the Gloria Gown. Both of these options cinch in the waist and the voluminous skirts create the illusion of bigger hips.
When you think pear body shape, think Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian! The hips and bottom are significantly larger than the bust; the waist is slim. The three main rules for dressing appropriately for your pear-shaped body type are:
- Draw attention to the upper body with necklaces, scarves, brooches and earrings
- Wear lightweight fabrics such as georgette to avoid adding additional texture and volume to your body
- Black trousers are your best friend
While you might want to hide your luscious hips, most celebs with pear-shaped bodies take full advantage of them. Kim loves fitted dresses and Beyonce wears skinny jeans and leggings on casual days out. Just remember to leave the cargo pants out of your wardrobe.
Try dresses such as our Alison Dress or Zara Dress, these stunning summer dresses skim the hips slimming you making your figure appear to be more hourglass.
If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass-shaped body, you have complete freedom in choosing what to wear. The equal measurements between bust and hips create a perfect feminine silhouette which you can flatter by showing off your curves. Choose dresses and outfits that follow your natural curves without giving away too much. Wear pencil skirts at knee-length, skinny jeans and simple tops with scoop necklines.
Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra has mastered the art of dressing perfectly for her hourglass figure.
You get to have the pick of them all! But our favourite for an hourglass figure has to be the beautiful Dara Gown. The Dara Gown accentuates all the gorgeous contours of your body and cinches in the waist.