Determining your body shape is often the first step in learning how to dress in a way that makes your body look its best. Nearly every woman has problem areas she would like to cover, as well as positive features she would like to show off. Examining your shape allows you the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what these areas are, which will later allow you to learn about dressing to flatter your figure. This is not about covering up or hiding who you are, it’s about learning to accentuate your body and dress in ways that make you stand out from the crowd. So, it may be time to go shopping!
First up, we start with the basic body shapes. Figure out which one you are before you move on to step two.
Apple Shape
Also known as the inverted triangle, are generally bigger on the top half of their bodies and tend to gain weight above the waist line or along the back. They commonly have slim hips and slender legs.
The best features of this body shape are the slender legs, best to flaunt them! Tight leggings, skirts, bright coloured bottoms to attract attention to the lower body and keeping the attention away from the upper half is the main motto. Splits at waist works wonder, Keep the clothing line straight to slightly fitted. Avoid details around the bust, tummy or hips example belts or shrugs that end near your tummy.
A few apple shaped celebrities are, chef Nigella Lawson, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, Hollywood actress Christina Hendricks
Pear Shape
The pear shaped women, on the other hand, tend to have larger lower bodies and smaller upper bodies. This body shape is also known as the triangle shape, with larger hips but small chest and a flat stomach.
The best way to dress this figure is to draw attention to the upper body. Choose tops in bright colors and prints. Bulking up with layers adds bulk to your torso, which evens out your body’s proportions, heavy embellished necklines in kurtas or tops, adding scarves or heavy necklaces also does the trick. On the other hand, opt for darker colours below the waist.
Avoid details at the hip or rear. Although jeans with cute beaded and embroidered pockets may seem like a good idea, these can draw the eye to your least flattering location. Avoid glitzy pants and belts, and stay away from bottoms embellished with buttons, gemstones, sequins, or bold embroidery near your hips and rear.
A few pear shaped celebrities are, Bollywood actress Ileana D’Cruz, and singer and songwriter Rihanna
Hourglass
To the envy of all other women, the hourglass shape has a well-proportioned upper and lower body with a distinctively narrow waistline. However, the hourglass shape tends to gain weight all over the body.
When dressing an hourglass figure, look for styles and fabrics that reduce bulk and prevent boxiness. Also look for pieces that draw attention to your narrow waist. Some hourglass figures would rather look thin rather than curvy. If this describes you, slim down your upper half by wearing dark colors, vertical stripes, or vertical pleats.
Avoid volume-enhancing details. Stay away from ruffles, bows, and other dimensional details that add volume. If placed at the bust, these details may make you look top heavy. If placed at the waist, they detract from your waist's natural narrowness.
A few hourglass shaped celebrities are Bollywood actress Malaika Arora Khan, and singer Beyonce
Rectangle Shape
Women with a rectangle shape also known as the ruler shape tend to be slim with a minimal difference between the sizes of their hips waist and shoulders. Women with this shape tend to put on weight in their stomach and backside whilst maintaining slender
This is one of the easier body types for dressing. Many models tend to have this body shape. The right shirt or blouse can add fullness to the bust and hip areas while minimizing your waistline so that you appear curvier. Wearing a belt at the natural waist is a great way to create a curvier appearance.
Avoid baggy clothing. Baggy clothes are generally not flattering on any figure. They might partially hide a slim figure, but they will not create a curvier appearance. Wear skinny jeans or leggings with caution. Whether you have slim legs or thicker ones, skinny pants will make that more obvious.
A few hourglass shaped celebrities are, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma Khan and singer and songwriter Taylor Swift.
