Finding the perfect outfit can sometimes feel like an impossible task. 

Women feel differently in their bodies from year to year, season to season, and even day to day. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by your wardrobe.

With so many styles, cuts, and trends, how do you know what will look best on you? 

The key to dressing well is understanding your body type and choosing pieces that flatter your unique shape. 

We want you to feel confident in your body and style regardless of what body season you’re in! 

This comprehensive guide will help you identify your closest body type and offer easy to follow advice on how to dress while highlighting your unique features.

Identifying Different Body Types

The first step in dressing for your body type is to identify which category you fall into. 

No, there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to body shape, and we don’t want to stuff you in a box, but the guidelines below will help you get a clearer view on what clothing flatters you best. 

Understanding that every body is unique, there tends to be five main body types that most women fit into:

1. Apple (Inverted Triangle): You have broader shoulders and bust compared to your hips.
2. Pear (Triangle): Your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust.
3. Rectangle (Athletic): Your shoulders, waist, and hips are relatively equal in width.
4. Hourglass: You have a well-defined waist with shoulders and hips that are similar in width.
5. Oval (Round): Your waist is larger than your bust and hips.

Flattering Styles for Each Body Type

Once you’ve found the body type that is the closest to yours, the next step is to find styles that flatter your figure and make you feel confident. 

Remember, these styles shouldn’t be used as hard rules. If you’re a pear shape, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear the types of clothes that look best on apple shaped bodies. 

SImply use these tips as a rule of thumb to guide your shopping.

Apple (Inverted Triangle)

• Tops: Look for V-necks and wrap tops that draw attention away from your shoulders. Peplum tops and empire waistlines are also flattering.
• Bottoms: Choose wide-leg pants or A-line skirts that balance your proportions. High-waisted styles can help define your waist.
• Dresses: Wrap dresses and fit-and-flare styles are great choices. Avoid anything too tight around the bust.

Pear (Triangle)

• Tops: Go for tops with detailing around the shoulders and bust to draw the eye upwards. Off-the-shoulder and boat neck tops work well.
• Bottoms: Opt for darker colors on the bottom and avoid overly tight styles. A-line skirts and straight-leg pants are ideal.
• Dresses: Fit-and-flare dresses that cinch at the waist and flare out over the hips are perfect for this body type.

Rectangle (Athletic)

• Tops: Choose tops that create the illusion of curves, such as ruffled or peplum tops. Belted tops are also great for defining your waist.
• Bottoms: Skinny jeans and pants with some flare can add curves. Skirts with ruffles or pleats can also enhance your shape.
• Dresses: Look for dresses that create the illusion of a defined waist, like belted or fit-and-flare styles.

Hourglass

• Tops: Emphasize your waist with fitted tops and belts. V-necks and scoop necks are particularly flattering.
• Bottoms: High-waisted pants and skirts that follow your natural curves are ideal. Avoid overly baggy styles.
• Dresses: Bodycon and wrap dresses highlight your waist and curves beautifully.

Oval (Round)

• Tops: Look for tops that elongate your figure, such as V-necks and tunics. Empire waistlines can also be very flattering.
• Bottoms: Straight-leg and bootcut pants can balance your proportions. A-line skirts are also a good choice.
• Dresses: Dresses with empire waists and A-line silhouettes are great. Avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dressing for Your Shape

No matter your body type, there are some common do’s and don’ts that can help you look and feel your best.

Do’s

1. Do Emphasize Your Best Features: Identify what you love most about your body and highlight it. This could be your legs, waist, shoulders, neckline, etc.
2. Do Wear Clothes That Fit: Poor-fitting clothes can make you look larger or smaller than you are. Tailoring can be a great investment for those pieces you really love that will last a long time.
3. Do Experiment with Colors and Patterns: Don’t be afraid to play with different colors and patterns. Make it fun! Just be mindful of where you place them to balance your proportions.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Wear Oversized Clothes to Hide: While it might seem like a good idea to hide your body in oversized clothing if you’re feeling self-conscious, it usually has the opposite effect of how you’d like to be seen.
2. Don’t Ignore Your Personal Style: Just because a style is recommended for your body type doesn’t mean you have to wear it if it doesn’t fit your personal taste. Stay true to the looks, feel, and styles that make you feel confident! 
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules: Fashion rules are guidelines, not hard and fast laws. If you love something and feel confident in it, go for it! We’re only here to help you find what works for you, not to tell you what you can and can’t do.

Real-Life Examples and Styling Tips

To bring these concepts to life, let’s look at some real-life examples and styling tips for each body type.

Apple (Inverted Triangle)

Example: Broad shoulders and a fuller bust. You thrive when wearing V-neck tops and detailed blouses. Pair these with wide-leg, flowy trousers to balance out the wider midsection. This combination draws attention to your waist and balances proportions.

Styling Tip: Add a long necklace or pendant to further elongate your torso and draw attention to your collarbone area. Avoid crew neck t-shirts and blouses.

Pear (Triangle)

Example: Bright and bold prints on your torso are great for you. Embellishments help draw the eye upwards. Pants should be mid or high-waisted to hug in the waist. Choosing relaxed fit jeans and trousers fall straight down from hips minimizing the widest part.

Styling Tip: A statement necklace and wider necklines can also help draw attention to your upper body.

Rectangle (Athletic)

Example: Shirts with pleating, pockets, and defined waist area with ¾ length sleeves. Create the illusion of a waist with belted tops. A flared pant adds volume and curves to the lower body.

Styling Tip: Layering with jackets or cardigans can also create depth and interest in your outfit.

Hourglass

Example: Grab fitted t-shirts and light weight fabrics that will highlight your curves. Pair these with wide-legged and loose-fitting bottoms that go straight to the floor.

Styling Tip: Choosing sweetheart necklines subtly show off your bust, but if that’s not your thing, avoid a high neckline altogether and go for a more rounded look.

Oval (Round)

Example: 

Lengthen your frame with different garment lengths and create vertical lines. Trousers that balance out the voluminous areas are key. Try boot cut, wide, or palazzo bottoms to create curves in the hip area.

Styling Tip: Long cardigans or blazers can also help create a streamlined look.

Conclusion

Dressing for your body type is all about understanding your unique shape and choosing styles that enhance your best features.

By following these tips and experimenting with different looks, you can create a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish every day. 

Remember, fashion is about expressing yourself, so have fun with it and wear what makes you feel good!