Look Fabulous And Feel Great By Learning And Loving Your Bodyshape

Have you ever struggled shopping for clothes that flatter your figure? You want to look your best but have a difficult time choosing outfits that maximize your assets.

Learning and loving your bodyshape is the key to elevating your personal style. There are five main bodyshapes used to describe the proportions of someone’s shoulders, bust, waist, and hips.

Not everyone fits into one bodyshape and it is not uncommon to be a combination of two. This is perfectly normal as we’re all a little bit different, which makes us unique. Consider this a starting point for getting to know and love your bodyshape.

Knowing your bodyshape and how to dress is a game-changer. Shopping for clothing to compliment your shape becomes easy once you understand what styles work with your shape.

Read on to learn about the five main bodyshapes, along with my stylist tips for dressing each shape.

The Triangle (Or Pear)

When your hips are wider than your bust or shoulders, your main bodyshape is the triangle, or pear shape. Visually the upper half of your body looks smaller than the lower half of your body.

Stylist Tips for the Triangle

• Dress to accentuate your upper body and minimize your lower body.
• Wear dark colors on your lower body.
• Wear volume, color, and prints on your upper body.
• Use shoulder details to add width across your shoulders (shoulder pads, puff shoulders, off the shoulder).
• Use statement necklaces to draw attention to your upper body.
• Choose flared or A-line skirts and dresses.

The Inverted Triangle

When your shoulders and/or bust are wider than your hips, your main bodyshape is the inverted triangle. Visually your upper body is wider than your lower body.

Stylist Tips for the Inverted Triangle

• Dress to accentuate your lower body and minimize your upper body.
• Wear dark colors on your upper body.
• Wear volume, color, and prints on your lower body.
• Balance out broad shoulders with softly draped tops.
• Avoid shoulder building details (puff sleeves, structured shoulders, shoulder pads).
• Play up your legs with flattering skirts.

The Rectangle

When your shoulders, bust, and hips are around the same size with no defined waistline, your main bodyshape is the rectangle. Visually you have a boxy silhouette with minimal curves.

Stylist Tips for the Rectangle

• Wear jackets that are fitted and highlight a waist.
• Choose waist-defining dress styles such as fit and flare, belted, or waist cutouts.
• Tuck your shirts in to accentuate your waist with a waist-defining belt.
• Create the appearance of curves by wearing form-fitting skinny jeans and pencil skirts.
• Play with volume on your upper and lower body to give the illusion of a tinier waist.

The Round (Or Apple)

When your waist is larger than your bust, hips, and shoulders, your main bodyshape is the round or apple. Visually your weight is at your midsection.

Stylist Tips for the Round (or Apple)

• Use V necklines, scoop necklines, and shoulder details to accentuate your upper body.
• Wear a statement necklace to draw the eye up towards your face.
• Choose tops that accentuate your bustline and flow over your midsection.
• Wear longer jackets that end at your hipline.
• Look for structured fabrics to create a smooth silhouette.
• Wear high-waisted jeans to smooth out your midsection and create waist definition.

The Hourglass

When your hips are even with your shoulders or bust, and your waist is well-defined, your main bodyshape is the hourglass. Visually your upper and lower body appear balanced with noticeable curves. 

Stylist Tips for the Hourglass

• Use V necklines or deep scoop necklines to accentuate your upper body.
• Wear flowing tops that are banded at the waist.
• Avoid outfits with excessive draping or oversized silhouettes.
• Choose dresses with waist-defining styles such as fit and flare, and wrap dresses.
• Wear jackets that nip in at the waist and flare at the hip
• Choose high-waisted jeans to accentuate your curves while defining your waist.

Embracing Your Bodyshape

‘Stop trying to fix your body. It was never broken.’ — Eve Ensler

When you release body shame and reach for body positivity, amazing things happen! I hope that this review of the five main bodyshapes has helped you see that everyone can look and feel fabulous by choosing styles that flatter their individual proportions.

By learning and loving your personal bodyshape, you create a nurturing relationship with your body that supports your wellbeing.

Ready To Discover Your Bodyshape?

If you’re keen on discovering your bodyshape, contact us to book your bodyshape analysis.