People come in all shapes and sizes, and determining what clothing looks best comes with some effort and consideration to bring out their best features. Great clothing choices can go a long way in flattering your body figure, and the latest fashions always feature pieces that can work for your form. However, no two bodies are the same, and what works for one person may not be the right choice for another.
A popular trend these days is to find clothing that shows off your body in the best way as this is a contributor to positive body image and a sense of happiness. To that end, it’s important to identify your body type and the best ways to accentuate it.
Body Type
The five main body type shapes for women are rectangle, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear, and apple. The five category types are slightly different for men and are classified as rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, oval, and inverted triangle.
There are many different types of clothing available out there, with an endless list of options. It’s importnat to note that not every piece will fit every body type. This is why knowing your body type is so important in determining which cuts and styles work best for you.
Buying clothes that fit improperly leads many to spend more money than they usually would on apparel. Once you narrow down your options with clothing that truly helps you look your best before you buy women’s dresses, you will have more confidence in what you wear and also know the best places to find your favorites.
The first step to finding one’s body shape starts by standing in front of a full-length mirror. After an initial inspection, you can determine your particular body type and move on from there.
Dressing for Your Body Shape
The Apple Shape
The apple-shaped body type features a rounded or larger waistline compared to the hip and bust (chest) and may have slight to pronounced love handles, plus thinner arms and legs. Also referred to as an oval-shaped body, this type should create the illusion of curves in women with looser-fitting dresses that highlight the bust, which focuses on the midsection.
Women should lean towards A-line or goddess dresses, with lighter fabrics that don’t cling to the body. Men should wear monotone colored shirts, and pants that give the appearance of a smaller frame as contrasting colors will only center attention on the midsection.
The Pear Shape
The pear shape is defined as narrow shoulders, with a slim waistline and hips that are larger than the bust. Women with this body type should accentuate their slim waists with full skirt dresses, one color palette and fitted darker pants for a winning contrast. Men with pear shapes tend to fare better with mid to high-rise, flared, bootcut pants or a relaxed fit. Darker hues also work well to conceal problem areas and enhance overall appearance.
The Hourglass Shape
With even proportioned shoulders and waistline combined with a thin midsection, the hourglass figure begs for its curves to be appreciated in high-waisted pants and pencil skirts for women as they cling to your body to create a stunning silhouette. Accessories are also an integral part of this style, and there are types of progressive lenses that can be paired with chic casual looks that optimize style without any sacrifices.
Mermaid dresses and other form-fitting gowns are ideal for this body type on women. When applied to men, wearing fitted clothing will emphasize sharp angles of the torso and midsection. Other great style options for men to consider are v-neck t-shirts and straight-leg jeans and trousers.
The Rectangle Shape
This body type features a more straight up and down aesthetic as the shoulders, busts, and hips look more straight, and curves are less noticeable. Women with this body type can opt for knee-length skirts and maxi dresses that will add more dimension to the silhouette, along with full skirts and cinched clothes that provide additional detailing around the hips and bust.
For men, horizontal stripes that add width to the frame and structured tailoring in blazers and jackets are the way to go to emphasize the waist. Layering is also another way for men with rectangular bodies to add bulk to their frames.
If you have an athletic or wedge shape, your shoulder and hip measurements are similar. The goal is often to balance out the top and the bottom.
You can make your legs with a mini-length skirt, or wear fitted pants to create the illusion of a waist. You can also wear skirts with slits to show off your legs.
The Inverted Triangle Body Type
Women with an inverted triangle body type will want to add volume to their lower half—making flared jeans, harem pants, or baggy trousers excellent options to consider. Brighter colors that draw attention to the legs are also another way to play up this body type as the hips are typically narrower and shoulders broader. On men, trousers with more room in the seat and form-fitting jackets are a great way to stand out with this body type.
Dress For You
Ultimately, there are no strict rules when it comes to fashion. It’s important to dress in what makes you happy. Fashion is one of the highest forms of self expression and should allow your creativity to run wild.
0 Comments