Have you ever struggled with not knowing what kind of clothes looks best on you? That feeling of going shopping with your friends, and not being able to find an outfit that draws out your best features? All of us have had this struggle. Four main body types will give you a guide on what looks best on you! Even though there is not a universal definition for body shapes there is terminology that can help you determine which category your body type falls into. We’ll look at the rectangle/banana shape, then the hourglass shape, pear shape, and apple shape
First, rectangle/banana shape is one of the most common shapes in women. This shape is the easiest shape to dress as well. Rectangle shapes tend to be pretty slim, their shoulders, hips, and waist, are almost the same size. If you are a rectangle shape you are more likely to gain weight in the stomach region. If you are a rectangle shape it is wise to draw attention to the areas on your body that you like. So you if you have a pretty face you would try to wear clothing that have a great neckline, or color that compliments your complexion. Like we said before, banana figures tend to gain weight in their mid-section. One thing you can do to hide this is to wear an open jacket or sweater. This will make your waist look narrower, and thus giving you more shape. A good first step to your wardrobe is to invest in good undergarments. Make sure your bra gives you lots of support, which will make your waist look more defined. Secondly wear shirts that end at the midsection of the hips, this will give the illusion of a smaller waist. Try not to wear tops that are too tight. Semi-fitted clothing is the best, tops that are too tight make the body look straighter, and gives less definition. Draw attention to the upper half of the body. Pleats, ruffles and bows will add detail, and draw attention to your breasts and shoulders which can take away the attention from the waist. Avoid all detail around the waist, like pockets, patterns, and horizontal strips. These features will less define your waist. One of my personal favorites for rectangular body shapes is the peplum tops and dresses. This top can be very flattering. It makes the waistline look smaller and highlights your hips giving more of a curvy appeal. When looking for dresses you can always go the safe route and buy empire waist dresses. These have always worked for me. They are both comfy and classy. When it comes to pants or jeans rectangle/banana shapes can wear any style. If you have a shorter waist it is best to wear mid to low rise pants. When you have a longer waist its best to wear high waisted pants. Same for skirts, you can wear short skirts, long skirts, pencil skirts, anything that you like, this is one of the blessings of having a rectangle/banana shape. (What’s Your Shape-Body Shape?)
Hourglass figures have a well proportionate upper body, and lower body. Their shoulders and hips are almost the same size. Hourglass figures tend to gain weight all over their body especially in their hips and chest. The hourglass shape is considered to be the most feminine body figure, and the most sought after body shape by women, but it can also be one of the hardest figures to dress. The key to dressing this body shape is to enhance the small waist, and show off curves. Since hourglass shapes have fuller breasts it is crucial that you get fitted for the correct size bra. Also wearing the correct neckline will help enhance curves. Stay away from turtlenecks, this will just make breasts look saggy. The perfect neckline is the V-shaped. It looks sophisticated and accentuates curves. All tops and jackets should reach below the hips and fitted tops are great to wear. Loose tops are also great if paired with a stylish belt! Skirts and dresses can be very flattering on this shape, just make sure that the dress is fitted at the waist otherwise hourglass figures can appear bigger than they really are. Wrap dresses and skirts look the best on this body shape. Also high waisted skirts or dresses can be very flattering and can accentuate curves. Hourglass figures look great in pants, but have trouble finding the right size. When choosing pants go for wide-legged and loose fitted that go straight to the floor. Stay away from belts on the hips, and big flashy pockets. If the hips or thighs are bigger, try to wear darker colored pants, which creates a slimmer illusion. (Reed, Stephanie)
Pear shaped figures have a larger lower body and a smaller upper body. The shoulders are narrower than the hips, this figure tends to gain more weight below the waist. When choosing a top, go for bright colors and patterns. Choose shirts that end right before the hips, this will draw attention to the tiny upper half of the body, and letting the lower half appear to be more narrow. For pants, the best style is plain flare jeans, or dark boot cut jeans. Avoid big pockets and designs on your butt and thighs. This will draw to much attention to areas that aren’t as flattering. When shopping for a dress, empire waist will always look great on this body type. Pencil skirts and miniskirts should be avoided due to making the pear shape individual look heavier. (Jedinak, Michaela)
Apple shaped figures have wider shoulders than hips, making them bigger on the top half of their body, and smaller on the bottom half. This body shape tends to gain weight above the waist, so apple shapes have larger breasts and midsections. When dressing an apple shape always try to take the attention away from the midsection, since this is where apple shapes will tend to gain weight. When choosing a top to wear, try a shirt that will emphasize your breasts. This will take attention away from the midsection, and show off the best features. V-necks, plunging necklines, scoop, and strapless shirts will help elongate the upper body, making one appear taller, and slimmer. Apple shapes shirts shouldn’t be too tight, baggy or have a boxy effect. Shirts should fall lower than your hip bones. Add a tie at the waist of a shirt or dress to add definition. There is a variety of dresses that can flatter the apple shape. A-line dresses are probably going to be the first choice because they draw attention away from the midsection. Dresses that are all one consistent color also help draw attention away from the midsection. Also wearing an open jacket that is nipped at the waist will add a great touch to any dress. Draw attention to your legs by wearing pants that have pockets in the back. This will create definition for your flatter bottom, and will balance out the waist. Wear pants that are denim, trouser cut, flared, or boot cut. Don’t downplay the legs by wearing too tight of fabrics. (What Your Shape-Body Shape?)
Thank you for reading this article, hopefully reading this taught you something new about your body shape. Now when you go shopping with your friends you won’t have to struggle with what looks good on you. You can now know for sure what to buy and know that it’s the best fit for you!
Clothing that best fits your body type, and style.
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