How to Dress for Your Body Type
Common Body Types for Women
1. Hourglass Body Type
Characteristics: Balanced shoulders and hips with a defined waist.
Fashion Tips:
Emphasize the Waist: Choose outfits that highlight your waist, such as belts, wrap dresses, and fitted tops.
Fitted Clothing: Tailored pieces that fit snugly to your body shape work best.
V-Necks and Scoop Necks: These necklines draw attention to your upper body without overwhelming your frame.
2. Pear Body Type
Characteristics: Hips are wider than shoulders; defined waist.
Fashion Tips:
Balance Your Silhouette: Opt for tops that add volume to your shoulders, like boat necks or puff sleeves.
A-Line Dresses and Skirts: These create a balanced look by flaring out at the bottom.
Dark Bottoms, Bright Tops: Darker colors minimize the lower body, while brighter tops draw the eye upwards.
3. Apple Body Type
Characteristics: Broader shoulders and bust, with a less defined waist.
Fashion Tips:
Empire Waistlines: These styles flow away from the waist, creating a flattering silhouette.
V-Necks and A-Line Dresses: These designs elongate the body and draw attention away from the midsection.
Structured Jackets: These can provide definition and balance to your figure.
4. Rectangle Body Type
Characteristics: Shoulders, waist, and hips are about the same width.
Fashion Tips:
Create Curves: Use belts and peplum tops to define your waist.
Layering: Layering adds dimension and can create the illusion of curves.
Ruffled or Detailed Tops: These add volume and interest to your upper body.
5. Inverted Triangle Body Type
Characteristics: Shoulders are broader than hips; minimal waist definition.
Fashion Tips:
Balance Your Frame: Wear wide-leg pants or A-line skirts to add volume to your lower half.
V-Necklines and Simple Tops: These styles help narrow the appearance of broad shoulders.
Dark Tops, Light Bottoms: Darker colors on top and lighter on the bottom create a balanced look.
Common Body Types for Men
1. Trapezoid Body Type
Characteristics: Broad shoulders and chest, with a narrow waist and hips.
Fashion Tips:
Fitted Clothing: Opt for tailored shirts and jackets to emphasize your athletic build.
Slim-Fit Pants: These maintain the balance of your overall silhouette.
Layering: Use layers to add dimension and interest without overwhelming your frame.
2. Triangle Body Type
Characteristics: Wider hips and waist, narrower shoulders.
Fashion Tips:
Balance Your Upper Body: Choose structured jackets and blazers to add volume to your shoulders.
Vertical Stripes: These patterns elongate and slim your torso.
Avoid Tight Pants: Opt for straight-leg or slightly tapered pants to balance your lower body.
3. Oval Body Type
Characteristics: Fuller midsection, with broader waist and hips compared to shoulders.
Fashion Tips:
Dark Colors: Use darker colors to create a slimming effect.
V-Necks and Henleys: These necklines elongate the neck and torso.
Structured Outerwear: Jackets with a bit of structure help define your shoulders and add balance.
4. Rectangle Body Type
Characteristics: Balanced shoulders, waist, and hips, with a straight silhouette.
Fashion Tips:
Layering: Adds dimension and breaks up the straight lines of your body.
Fitted Clothing: Choose well-fitted clothes to avoid a boxy look.
Belts: Use belts to create the illusion of a more defined waist.
5. Inverted Triangle Body Type
Characteristics: Broad shoulders and chest, with narrow waist and hips.
Fashion Tips:
Avoid Shoulder Pads: These can make your shoulders look even broader.
Tailored Bottoms: Opt for straight or slim-fit pants to balance your upper and lower body.
V-Necks and Raglan Sleeves: These necklines and sleeve styles soften the broadness of your shoulders.