Highlighting your strengths and hiding your weaknesses: that is the secret to every look! But to do so, you must first understand what your body shape is.
Being short or tall, slim or curvy, does not determine your body type; the proportions between parts of the body do. In fact, every physique can be traced back to several basic shapes: apple (or oval), hourglass, pear (or triangle), rectangle, and inverted triangle.
By reading our guide, you will learn the characteristics of each body shape and receive tips regarding garments and combinations to focus on to highlight your best features and hide the weaker ones, with looks that are perfect for you.
1. Apple-shaped physique (or oval)
You fall into the apple-shaped (or oval) figure category if you have a more voluminous and fuller upper body compared to the lower body.
Women with this body type are characterized by fairly broad shoulders, a wide chest, and often an abundant bust. The hips, on the other hand, are slightly narrower, with slim, slender, and lean legs.
This combination creates a visual imbalance between the upper and lower sections of the body, with the upper parts appearing heavier compared to the rest of the body.
The best clothes for an apple-shaped body
Your goal should be to minimize the upper section of your body to achieve a balanced and harmonious figure. Choosing V-neck tops or shirts and blouses with deep necklines can be the solution to slim down the torso, enhance the décolletage, and divert attention from the hips. Extra-long blazers and cardigans worn open are also ideal for highlighting vertical lines that elongate the figure.
One of the strengths of an apple-shaped physique is the legs. Show them off with dresses and skirts that are short or knee-length for an extremely feminine look.
Empire-waist dresses—those cut tight under the bust and flowing over the lower part—are also perfect for hiding a rounded waist.
A style tip: wear a dress that highlights your legs and pair it with accessories like necklaces and earrings to emphasize your look.
2. Body shape: hourglass physique
The hourglass-shaped body is very balanced: the shoulders are the same width as the hips, while the waist is slim and well-defined. Everything is proportional, so you just need to highlight your strengths.
The best clothes for an hourglass-shaped body?
The ideal dress for you follows the curves of the body, bringing out its sinuosity. Wear tops, t-shirts, and shirts tucked into high-waisted jeans or midi skirts to highlight your waist.
But you can also opt for fitted dresses and sheath dresses that showcase your proportions. Not afraid to dare? Then choose wrap dresses and crossover styles with a V-neck, perfect for enhancing your décolletage.
Palazzo pants, along with flare jeans, are also well-suited for an hourglass physique.
A style tip: fitted jackets with a belt are ideal for highlighting your waist.
3. Body shape: pear-shaped physique
The pear-shaped body is characterized by soft hips, full legs, and full glutes; the shoulders and chest, meanwhile, are narrow. Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez are just two famous champions of this body type with undeniably sensual curves.
How to dress for a pear-shaped body?
The advantage of this body type is that with the right look, you can create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Your shoulders are narrow and your hips are wide: all you have to do is find a balance by enhancing the upper part and the slim waist. However, you can also choose to wear clothes that emphasize the lower part of your body.
The best clothes for a pear-shaped body?
You can't go without full skirts and circle skirts, with a super fluid line, paired with V-neck shirts and tops. Focus on a voluminous and chic look with appliqués and decorations, so the eyes will be on the fantastic embellishments on your bust, leaving your hips and curves in the background.
High-waisted skinny jeans and skirts paired with shirts, tops, and extra-long shirts tucked into the belt are ideal for highlighting your strengths.
A style tip: clothes with patterned or ruffled tops are perfect because they add definition to your upper body.
4. Rectangle-shaped physique
The rectangle-shaped body is usually devoid of prominent curves. The figure is "straight," with a chest and hips that are narrow and in line with the waist.
The best clothes for a rectangle-shaped body?
The goal for the rectangle body shape can be to optically create the illusion of a more defined waist with bell-shaped dresses that add movement and volume.
The perfect dresses for you are those that add definition to your figure, such as skirts that create volume on the hips with tiers and ruffles. Deep necklines will highlight your upper body, and rounded lines, sleeveless tops, and shoulder straps will also help enhance your curves.
A style tip: to break up the verticality of your figure, focus on patterns and distinctive fabrics.
5. Body shape: inverted triangle physique
The inverted triangle physique is the type of silhouette where the shoulders are wider and more prominent than the hips, but the waist is well-defined. With this body shape, you should maximize your arms and shoulders. The inverted triangle physique is very common among women who play sports.
The perfect clothes for the inverted triangle physique
Remember to add definition to your hips for greater balance. Opt for neutral and dark colors for the upper part of the body and be more creative and bold with colors and patterns on the lower part.
T-shirts and tops with a V-neck—with a straight and not-too-tight cut—are ideal for balancing the volume of the upper body, just as straight-cut jeans and dresses that naturally have an upside-down V look will suit your body.
Style tip: many women love their broad shoulders and want to highlight them. In this case, choose padded jackets, horizontal stripes, and light colors for the upper part of your body.
The most important tip
Knowing your body type could help you enhance your beauty and always have an impeccable look, but don't forget that you should always feel free to wear what you like best and what makes you feel good.
Technology and tailoring techniques have made great strides, and today there are clothes perfect for all body types. All you have to do is choose the right fit to always feel comfortable when wearing them.