HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

Whoever told you style can’t be learnt was definitely wearing bad shoes or went to some fancy schmancy college that told them so. Style, just like any other subject is a matter of studying and finding the trend and size that suits you and your body.

 

As the infamous Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is architecture; it is a matter of proportions.”

 

We couldn’t agree more and to find styles that suit you, you need to first know your body shape:

 

 

 

1. TRIANGLE SHAPED BODY: This shape can range from short to tall or petite to large women. Triangle body types are categorized by a wider waist and smaller shoulders. Triangle body types also generally have a full lower half of their body.

 

How to dress a triangle shaped body: 

 

Dresses : Wear dresses which break your body in the middle. Belting your dress is the key. If your bottom is much larger than your top half, shop for dresses with top heavy detailing like embroidery, lace, frills,collars etc.

 

Skirts : Separates are your best friends. Wear darker skirts to make your lower half seem slimmer and pair with white, nude, beige, pastel or any other light coloured top.

 

Tops : Steer clear from spaghetti or tank tops. Find shirts/t shirts with sleeve detailing. Raglan or batwing sleeves work well for this body type.

 

Jeans/Pants : Skinny is good. Wear fitted jeans or pants with looser tops, sports coats and high heels to balance out your body.

 

2. INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPED BODY: Inverted triangle body types have a large upper half of the body and a slim lower half. They are characterized by large busts, large shoulders, wider, undefined waists, small hips and thin legs.

 

 

How to dress an inverted triangle shaped body: 

 

Dresses : Wear dresses which flow easily from your top half to your lower half. Flared and A- line dresses work well. Stay away from empire lines as they will only accentuate your bust. Maxi dresses work well for this body type – make sure they are fitted on the top and flaring at the hem.

 

Skirts : Wear lighted coloured skirts to make your hips look fuller. Don’t wear fitted skirts (unless you plan on adding padding!)

 

Tops : Wear darker tops than bottoms. Blacks and deep hues work well.

 

Jeans/Pants : Skinny straight fit is the best look for this body type. Wear comfortable jeans in light shades – pastel coloured jeans are very ‘in’ right now!

 

3. RECTANGLE SHAPED BODY: This body type is usually devoid of any curves. Straight and brick like, the rectangular body needs to be accentuated at the bust, wait and hips to create an illusion of curves.

 

 

How to dress a rectangular shaped body: 

 

Dresses : Look for items that are tailored at the waist. The dress should nip in at the waist to create the illusion that it’s your figure that has the waist. The cut of the outfit should also emphasize the bust line – an empire waist will make the bust look larger and therefore the figure curvier. Belt your dresses to add emphasis to your waist.

Skirts : Wear waisted pleated skirts (1960′s style) that can be belted at the waist to create an imaginary waist line. Skirt lengths can vary between thigh to knee length.

 

Tops : Wear tops that emphasize the bust. Empire lines work well for this body type. Choose brighter colors at the bust line to break up your figure and make your bust look larger.

 

Jeans/Pants : Boot cut or flared jeans can add definition to your hips. For instant curvaceousness, wear high waist jeans.

 

4. HOUR GLASS SHAPED BODY: This body type is the perfect 60′s shape that makes men go “yum” and women turn green. Voluptuous can be delicious when styled right.

 

 

How to dress an hourglass shaped body: 

 

Dresses : You look great in solid coloured dresses. Show off your curves in fitted bandage dress(Herve Leger style.) Wear heels.

Skirts : Mini skirts can look good on you but stick by the finger rule – your skirt shouldn’t be shorter than 5 fingers above your knees. Wear skirts that fit on the waist to highlight your smallest part.

 

Tops : Choose tops that define your small waist. Wrap tops, tie waist tops or belted tops work well for this body type. If you’ve got it flaunt it – wear scoop and V necks to highlight your assets.

 

Jeans/Pants : Skinny jeans are your BFFs. Wear navy blue or black skinny jeans. In the mood for something bolder? Slip into a pair of hot pants to make heads turn.

 

5. DIAMOND SHAPED BODY: Diamond body shapes are the opposite of an hourglass figure. Your wider at the waist in comparison to your hips and shoulders.

 

 

How to dress a diamond shaped body: 

 

Dresses : Wear dresses that are loose on the shoulders and flared at the bottom but fitted at the waist. A – line dresses with raglan or bat wing sleeves are great. Wear wrap dresses to create the illusion of a small waist.

Skirts : Flared, pleated and A- line skirts work well for this body type. Knee-length pencil skirts add the impression of an hourglass curve, while showing off your legs.

 

Tops : Choose tops with heavy detailing around the shoulders. Gathered sleeves are a great option for this body type. Wear t shirts with light padding to add definition and structure to your shoulders. Square necklines elongate your shoulders. Further elongate your midriff with empire cut tops. Make sure to pick out tops that end at the widest part of your hips.

Jeans/Pants : Wear navy blue or black jeans and pants that start at the waist (this helps tuck in any extra bulge) and end at the ankles. This will elongate your torso, making you look taller and thinner. Wear heels for extra confidence.

 

5. ROUND SHAPED BODY: Also referred to as an apple- shaped body, this body type may seemingly be the toughest shape to dress. You usually have a generous bust, a large middle, a full back, narrow hips and great legs. You need to elongate you torso and make the waist seem slimmer.

 

 

How to dress a round shaped body: 

 

Dresses : A- line dresses work best on round shaped women. The accentuate your shoulders and hide your middle (so, you only show off your great legs and slender arms.) Belt your dress at the smallest part of your waist to create the illusion of a curve. Wearing heels will elongate your body and make you seem taller thus balancing out your weight.

 

Skirts : When wearing separates, you must remember to wear monochromatic shades. Wear a black skirt with a black top and a thin metallic or coloured belt to create an hourglass effect. Invest in a great shaper to look even better in skirts and dresses.

 

Tops : Show off your neckline and collar bones with scoop and V necklines. Wrap tops with deep necks work well for this body type. Choose tops in vertical stripes and steer clear from jersey (the fabric sticks to your body) and opt for satin, crepe or cotton instead. Don’t tuck your shirts into your pants.

Jeans/Pants : Jeans and pants are your best friends. Wear dark colours in shades of blue, black and grey with tops in similar shades. This will elongate your body and make you seem taller and slimmer. Wear straight cut jeans that start at the waist and end below your ankles.

 

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