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Trends can change fast and sometimes it’s difficult to find great pieces that genuinely suit your body shape. Let’s be clear, there are no specific rules when it comes to dressing for your body shape, however, there are some tips that you might find useful.
Before we get started, please remember that your body is perfect as it is and you do not need to lose weight or change yourself in order to feel better about yourself. Knowing your body shape only helps you to choose clothes that will look perfect on you.
The science behind body shapes
The female body is mostly based on genetics and skeletal structures. Your body shape can be somewhat adjusted by exercise and your hormone levels, but your skeletal structure, muscle distribution, and predisposed fat pre-defines the shape of your body. It’s better to work with your body shape and not against it.
There are five body types:
- Round/ apple
- Pear/ triangle
- Inverted triangle
- Rectangular/ athletic
- Hourglass
OUTFIT DETAILS
SHOP THIS EXACT LOOK
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Pants
Tops
Shoes
Style tips to follow for each body shape
If you have an inverted triangle body shape, avoid necklines like Bardot, big straps, halter-neck tops, big shawl collars, and larger patterns on your top half. Opt for items that accentuate your bottom half like a-line skirts or wide-leg trousers.
For a rectangular body shape, buy the same size in tops and bottoms. Creating the illusion of a waist will help with your rectangular body shape. Belts, high-waisted pants, and belted jackets are great options. Avoid too straight jackets paired with straight trousers.
Regular triangle or pear-shaped body shape is identified by a wider lower half, so you might have a wider lower half and thighs and a narrower top half. You should draw attention to your upper half. Choose prints, brighter colors, or layers for your top half. Sweetheart necklines will help give you the illusion of broadened shoulders.
An hourglass shape is defined by an equal size in shoulders and hips with a well-defined waist. Avoid shapeless or baggy clothes as it will make you look lumpy, and look for pants with angled pockets.
If you have a round or apple body shape, keep your tops and jackets more streamlined and simple. Aim for well-fitted, tailored tops and jackets that are not skin tight.
I hope this post gave a little insight into how to dress for your body. At the end of the day, remember that your body is perfect and beautiful as it is and these are only a few guidelines, not strict rules. Most importantly, rules are meant to be broken. It’s important to wear whatever makes you feel happy!
