Fashion trends are ever-changing and may come and go in a blink of an eye. Just like how a printed face mask has become a must have fashion trend this 2020. One can argue that dressing up for every occasion is hard, and we have a more difficult task at hand that many fail to realize. What is it? It is that everyone has a different body type, and what may look great on you may not work for somebody else.
Some brands and companies claim that they found the holy grail fashion for every girl out there. They call them one-size-fits-all clothes, and there are those who believe in this type of marketing. However, we can agree that finding the perfect size and types of clothes for your body type is still the best way to go. But how can one go about finding their actual body type? Depending on your shape, one can find the right pieces to create an ensemble that will look chic and flattering.
Here are some of the different body types and how to dress according to your shape.
The Apple Shape
If you’re one of those women with shoulders that are wider than their hips, or you have a little definition when it comes to their waist and hips and has a bottom that is relatively flat, then you most likely have an apple-shaped body type. Wearing clothes that flaunt your chest area and legs are the most flattering for Apple-shaped ladies. For tops, wear darker colors and minimize styling on the area above the waist.
Shy away from tailored jackets and especially tops with shoulder pads. It will minimize the chances of your shoulder looking broader than usual. A-line skirts work best on your bottoms as well as straight-cut pants. Simple, light-colored and constructive-shaped bottoms are your best bet when it comes to styling. Wear items that generally slim down your shoulders and focus on your beautiful legs.
The Figure 8 Body Shape
If you’re one who puts on weight proportionally, have hips and shoulders of proportionate sizes and a rounded tummy, you have the Figure 8. Straight pants and bootlegs work great on your body. Avoid tuck-ins and waist styling not to draw attention on your waistline.
When shopping for skirts and dresses online or at shopping malls, choose those that fall straight down. Wear peplum jackets and bottoms with wide waistbands for the ultimate look. Opt for a clean and uncluttered look to avoid weight on your already curvy frame.
The Hourglass
Out of all the body types, the Hourglass shape is the one that flaunts the waist area. You know you have an hourglass-shaped body if your shoulders and hips have a similar width and the size of your waist is relatively smaller. Do you have the body of Marilyn Monroe? Then you belong in the hourglass body type category.
With this body shape, form-fitting clothes that hug the right areas are your best friend. Flaunt your tiny waist and try not to hide it with straight-cut dresses. Wear clothes that cinch in the waist area. Peplums, wrap-dresses, and body-con look great on hour-shaped women.
The Oval Shape
If you’re one with rounded shoulders, a full tummy, and good legs, then you have an oval body type. In this case, go on and wear formal jackets padded with shoulder pads as these can give your narrow shoulders more structure.
A statement necklace works excellent in keeping the attention above your bust-line. Wearing waist statements and tucking in your tops on your bottoms are a no-no as this will only draw attention toward your waist and tummy area. Choose materials made of softer fabrics, off-shoulder tops and clothes that have empire waistlines is your go-to style as these can focus on your shoulders while giving your waistline a smaller look.
The Pear Shape
For women whose hips are larger than their bust and shoulders and a well-defined waist, the shape of their body silhouette is that of a Triangle or a Pear. The best way to dress up if you have a Pear-shaped body is by wearing tops and coats whose ends stop just below your hips’ widest point. Wear a bright-colored top and dark-colored bottoms for balance.
Beautiful pieces of jewelry like necklaces and earrings are your go-to accessories to draw attention towards your face, neck, and shoulders. Any details, prints, patterns, and bright colors should be worn only on your top half. So consider stepping up your face accessory this 2020 with an image printed mask, Why? This gives the illusion of thinner thighs. Fit and flare dresses work well on your body type.
The Rectangular Body Shape
If your body shape is relatively straight, with shoulders and hips having almost the same width, a straight waist, and equitably distributed weight, you have the athletic or rectangular body shape. Since your best assets are your arms, shoulders, and waist, go for styles that focus on these parts. Shoulder revealing tops like halters, strapless, racer backs and even scoop necklines look great on you.
Go on and tuck your shirt. You can even wear belted tops to create a slender-looking waist. Layer it up with bomber jackets, pea coats, and dusters. If you like wearing dresses, then we have great news. Fashion experts encourage you to wear most styles as your body type can accommodate any form.
Lastly, balance your outfit by incorporating loose and baggy clothes with ones that are fit and figure-hugging. Go for an accessory that can accentuate your preferred body part.
There you have it – the most common body types of women and tips on what to wear and what not to wear. Let this article be your guide when it comes to making the best choices when prepping and deciding which pieces you can choose to accentuate your body.
While these tips and tricks can help you with your next outfit choices, don’t forget that what matters most is that you are comfortable with your ensemble and are happy with the way you can dress your body.
Takeaway and Credits To The Author
Everyone deserves to wear the type of clothes they feel most beautiful at – no matter the body type. Remember, everyone is beautiful in their way –whichever body shape you might have.
Sabahat Akhter is the Project Manager for leading printing companies producing promotional advertising products. She has experience in Data Management and Products Quality Assurance. QA and large scale production workflows are her expertise.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
