How to Dress for Your Body Type?

When it comes to fashion, it’s not as easy as one style fits all. Knowing how to dress for your body type, doesn’t just mean knowing your size, it means knowing how to flatter your figure. Not sure where to start? We are here to help! The first step is to know what your body type is.

Although Bayou’s The Science of Sexy states that there are 48 different types of bodies, we can narrow this down to four major female body types: apple, pear, rectangle and hourglass.

Not sure what your body type is? Take our quiz here.

1. Apple

Women with the apple body type usually have an upper body (shoulders and bust) that is wider than the hips, sometimes with a less defined waistline.

Styling Tips:

– Choose V-Neck dresses which will draw more attention to your bust and elongate your upper body.

– Wear belted gowns that tie at the smallest part of your waist.

– Try on shorter skirts and dresses that show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

– Look for dresses that flow from under your bust, expanding at the waist.

2. Pear

Also known as triangle, pear shaped bodies have narrower shoulders than hips, typically with a smaller bust and waist.

Styling Tips:

– Look for patterns only for your tops as it draws all the attention to this area and helps to accomplish a balanced proportion.

– Go for horizontal stripes on the top half to widen your shoulders and bust.

– Three quarter sleeves will draw attention to your waist.

– Strapless or halter tops are also good options.

3. Rectangle

The main difference between rectangle-shaped figures and other body types is that women with this figure type have similar waist, hip and shoulders widths. A rectangular silhouette usually does not have a defined waistline.

Styling Tips:

– Aim to create more curves that move up and down from the middle area of your body.

– Pick up a dress that exaggerates curves and add a belt when possible to create a waistline.

– Go for ruffles and frills to add texture, volume, dimension and femininity to your figure.

– Choose A-line skirts, skater skirts, and wrap dresses which will create the illusion of a narrower waist.

4. Hourglass

If your bust and hip are approximately the same size, and your waist is strongly defined, then you have strong characteristics of an hourglass shape.

Styling Tips:

– Choose V-Neck and low necklines that draw attention closer to your waist.

– Look for knits and silk blends which gently drape over your natural curves.

– Wrap and fitted style dresses are made to accentuate your waist and contour your hourglass shape.

– Flowing dresses that are banded at the waist are perfect to show your curves.

Use this guide to find the perfect cut dress for your shape if you are struggling to figure out what flatters your shape best. With the right fit and style to suit your shape, you’ll absolutely rock the perfect look for any occasion!