Understanding and Dressing for your Body Shape (for the ladies)

Why is it important? 

Understanding your body shape is the first step to choosing the right clothes that complement your body. As Shakespeare famously wrote, "The garment maketh the man."

A good-fitting outfit enhances your silhouette and gives you poise and confidence.

Use this simple flowchart to get a basic understanding of your body shape. 

Looking in the mirror and using this flowchart is a good start in getting a basic understanding of your body shape.

However, for a more accurate measurement and in-depth advice on what to wear to complement your figure, reach out to me via the form below.

Now that you have an idea of what your body shape is, let’s take a closer look at the type of clothing that best suits your figure. The important thing to remember is, every shape is unique. It’s not about trying to conform to a particular “ideal”. Rather, the key is in achieving symmetry and a balanced, proportionate look.

Ready?

Let’s dive in.

Triangle

Characteristics: Your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust, and your waist is nicely defined.  

Your goal: Add structure and dimension to your top half by drawing the eye upwards. You can do this by highlighting the smallest part of your waist. 

Look for: A-line skirts that fall below the knee or empire line dresses. When buying trousers, opt for simple styles without embellishments or loud prints.

Avoid: Baggy, oversized garments or clothing that add bulk to your hips.

Inverted triangle

Characteristics: Similar to swimmers’ body shape, your shoulders are wider than your hips and you have a subtle waist.

Things to remember: The aim is to create definition and add width to the hips, as well as to draw attention to the centre line of your body.

Look for: Deep V-neck tops accentuate your sexy shoulders, while flowing fabrics like chiffon add the appearance of curves. Look for trousers with wide legs, embellishments or prints.

Avoid: Double breasted jackets, shoulder pads and high necklines.  

That’s right, I’m an inverted triangle!

Rectangle

Characteristics: Your bust, waist and hips have similar measurements, and you have straight shoulders and a flat bottom. Your best asset are your long, lovely legs.

Things to remember: The aim is to create a more defined waist as hips and shoulders are already well proportioned.

Look for: To create a waistline, you can try wrap dresses, tops with diagonal lines as well as tailored jackets and shirts. You can also create more curves by wearing low-waisted trousers that hug the bottom, biased cut skirts or curved/rounded accessories. 

Avoid: Clothing that are too tight as it emphasises a lack of curves. Other styles to steer clear of are shapeless clothing that hang straight with no definition. Examples include boxy dresses and straight cut trousers/skirts.

Round

Characteristics: You are curvaceous with rounded sloping shoulders, weight around tummy and a generous bust. Your shoulders and hips are proportionate, and you have shapely legs.  

Things to remember: The aim is to enhance the waist while raising the shoulder line and elongating your figure.

Look for: Well-fitting clothes such as wrap or empire line dresses help complement your curves. Medium rise trousers with a wide waistband offer great support for your tummy, as do jeans with a little extra stretch. Tops with an open, V-neckline play down the bustline and help elongate your figure.  

Avoid: Any garments that add excess volume such as pants with side pockets or pleats, peplum skirts or tops with capped sleeves. When shopping for footwear, avoid shoes with straps that cut across your ankle.

Hourglass

Characteristics: You have a clearly defined waist, and your shoulders and hips are of similar width.  Your upper body is proportionate in length to your legs, and you have a rounded bottom.

Things to remember: The aim is to maintain the balance and accentuate your feminine curves.

Look for: Medium waisted trousers, pencil skirts and figure-hugging dresses. To further emphasise your waist, look for tailored shirts or suits, as well as belted tops and dresses.

Avoid: Loose, shapeless clothing that hides your figure.

            Although this guide is a good starting point to understanding your body shape, it’s important to remember that there are other factors – such as your height – to consider.

After all, there are also no fixed rules when it comes to fashion. For example, if your body shape is an inverted triangle, it does not mean you can’t wear skinny jeans. Or, if your body shape is round, it does not mean loose-fitting tops are off-limits. Understanding your body shape is also about learning how to accessorise and pair clothing items so you can create a look that is balanced in proportion. It’s also important to choose clothing that best suits your style personality. 

Need more help on how to dress for your body shape? Drop me a line here!