HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

As promised earlier in my previous blog, here’s the breakdown of the female body types, how to determine what yours is and how to dress accordingly.

A body type is determined by the measurement between the shoulders, waist and hips. Some have one of these wider than the rest, some have two of them wider than one and some are proportional.

To dress better, you need to know your body type and your best features. Find out what accentuates them, what works for you and what doesn’t.

There are dozens of body shapes but I’m not going to talk about them all (Maybe in a continuation blog post). Instead, I’ll cover only 5 since most of us fall under one of these categories or are a combination of two. Stick around to get to know what yours is if you don’t already know.

1. THE PEAR

Just like the fruit, the widest part of your body is at your hips. This simply means your upper body measurements are smaller compared to your lower body measurements. That is the shoulders and waist.

If you are pear-shaped then you will want to balance out and look proportional. That can be achieved by dressing in items that are patterned, printed, bright colored tops, maybe some with ruffles, off-the-shoulder tops.

Pair either of these with darker colored bottoms, A-line skirts, boot-cut pants. In essence, draw attention towards your upper body and away from your lower body. This will work so well for you.

Celebrity examples: Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jenifer Lopez

2. RECTANGLES/STRAIGHT

Like our dearly beloved Cameron Diaz, this means that you have a similar width throughout your body from your shoulders to your hips. You will find that you have little or no waist definition. Your bust, waist and hips are similar and equally measured resulting in your silhouette being pretty straight.

If you fall under this category then you probably want to deceive the eye by creating some curves or the illusion of them. Get some dimension by trying out items like Parham pants, trumpet skirts, gathered waist tops and dresses, try out trousers and peplum tops, jackets that aren’t boxy and especially those that have cinched in waists are also great for you.

All these, and more, items create the illusion that you’re well structured with curves and all. Mostly, the skinny and tall ladies fall under this category as well, though not all.

Celebrity examples: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Gwen Stefani

3. THE INVERTED TRIANGLE

This one is the exact opposite of the pear. If you’re an inverted triangle then your upper body is broader and wider than your lower body. You have broad shoulders and for some, probably a bigger bust too and a slightly defined waistline.

If that’s the case then you will need to dress to exaggerate your lower body. That means A-line skirts, fit-and-flare dresses, patterned and large printed bottoms, V-neck and peplum tops. Avoid boxy blazers and tops that enhance your broad shoulders.

Dress in items that draw the attention away from your upper body. Such items will enhance your lower body and help balance your upper body as well. You can also try showing some skin by wearing shorts, short dresses and skirts, or mini-skirts and dresses if that’s your taste.

Celebrity examples: Myself hehe, my friend Bellah (in the photo above), Dolly Parton, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell

4. THE APPLE

Apple-shaped ladies have more of a beautiful round silhouette with a full bust, waist, and upper back. They also carry most of their weight around their torso upwards.

If you’re an apple body shape then you want to dress to camouflage your waistline. So in this case you will go for items that run from the top all the way to the bottom. Steer clear of form-fitting tops, bodycon and belted dresses and tops, boxy blazers and blouses.

Try flowy outfits, A-line dresses and skirts, straight-line dresses, tunics, try skirts with a hanky hem, unstructured clothing that falls on a simple straight line from the top to your bottom will work best for you. open-chest kimonos, trousers and pants with a slightly wider hem will work perfectly for you. Wear dresses with a high front slit, that’s like the perfect distraction from your upper body.

Wear platform shoes, peep-toe heels and wedges, calf-length boots, ballet flats, clogs, and strappy sandals. All of these will let you show off your legs and create a fuller bottom. Avoid kitten heels, buckle boots, Uggs, or any type of shoes that will make your feet look too big. 

Celebrity examples: Adele, Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan

5. THE HOURGLASS

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Last but not least we have the hourglass. You’re the type whose body weight is evenly distributed between your hips and shoulders. You can literally draw a straight line from your shoulders to your hips, with a small, cinched and pretty defined waistline.

If you’re this body type, like my beautiful friend Sally, then you should focus more on enhancing your curves and silhouette instead of hiding them. You should avoid bulkier, heavier and oversized outfits. These work against you.

Instead, wear more fitted outfits, anything that’s well structured, belted dresses, high waisted pants and pencil skirts. Boot cut & straight-leg pants, skirts that will show off your great legs. Skinny jeans and pants paired with a balanced top. Cargos or flap pocket jeans paired with a balanced top.

Note: Hourglasses should dress to create a feminine silhouette.

Celebrity examples: Tyra Banks, Sophia Vergara, Jordin Sparks, Beyonce

BOTTOMLINE: At the end of the day, these aren’t rules but just tips to improve your style and make you a better person. There’s no harm in learning new things, right. It doesn’t really matter what body type you are, all that matters is your confidence, I keep insisting on that. As long as that’s intact, then believe me you’re already halfway there.

You see, as depicted in Proverbs 12:15, good advice comes to benefit me and make me better in my way of living. So, I hope this advice has the same effect on you.

Be sure to let me know under which body type you are, what you learned about your body and how you’re going to implement it in your own style. I can’t wait to hear from you.

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I post every Mondays and Thursdays, stay tuned for more of this good stuff.

Thanks and God bless you.