Knowing how to dress your body type is a game-changing skill for building a wardrobe you love.
Have you ever bought a clothing item you saw on a model but were disappointed it didn’t look the same on you? That’s probably because the garment didn’t suit your body type.
KNOWING YOUR BODY SHAPE IS THE KEY TO LOOKING GREAT!
Fashion and personal style are about feeling confident in the looks you love. When you understand how to dress for your body type while combining your unique style with clothes and colors that flatter you, you’ll create a positive impression on everyone you meet.
Here are the basics on dressing for your body type:
The Advantages of Dressing for Your Body Shape
No matter the size or shape of your body, there are three key points to consider when selecting styles that flatter your figure.
- Find balance: Accentuating certain body parts draw attention away from others. FLATTERING YOUR SHAPE LETS YOUR FAVOURITE BODY PART SHINE.
- Use silhouettes and lines to draw the eye: Consider how a garment’s seams, pockets, and embellishments that fall on your body. For example, the correct lines elongate legs and define waists.
- Be mindful of color and print: We’re naturally drawn to bold patterns and colors. Large prints and horizontal lines increase volume, while small prints and vertical lines have the opposite effect. Use these tricks to accentuate areas of your body you like.
How to Dress for Your Body Shape Type
The body shape theory serves as a helpful starting point to determine which parts of your body need balancing. You don’t have to contort your body to fit these categories – they’re a rough guide to creating a balanced silhouette that enhances the visual appeal of your outfit.
What Determines Body Type?
Body shape is determined by bone structure and genetics, not weight. You can have any body shape, regardless of age, weight, or size. ALL BODY TYPES ARE WORTHY OF ADMIRATION AND CELEBRATION. Recognizing your shape is the first step!
The 5 Basic Body Shapes
Body shape guides often include more than the five basic shapes, as these can be broken down into subcategories. For now, identify the primary shape that resonates with you to determine visual balance.
- The rectangle – looks more or less like a column, i.e., the body is straight with little definition.
- The pear – has a bigger lower body compared to the upper body.
- The hourglass – has a wider upper and lower body with a narrow waist.
- The inverted triangle – has a bigger upper body than the lower body.
- The apple – is wider in the middle and upper body with a smaller lower body.
A Body Shape Dress Strategy
The Rectangle
The rectangle body shape has well-proportioned upper and lower parts, resulting in a balanced silhouette. You can define your waistline by creating the illusion of curves.
Depending on your preference, there are two ways to achieve this:
- To add more curves to your silhouette, proportionally add volume to your upper and lower body while keeping the waist as is.
- Alternatively, you can make your waist appear slimmer by visually cinching it in while leaving the upper and lower body untouched.
The Pear
With a pear-shaped figure, the goal is to shift the focus away from wider hips towards a defined waist and upper body. This creates volume on the upper body while de-emphasizing the lower body, resulting in a balanced silhouette.
The Hourglass
The hourglass body shape is naturally balanced, featuring a defined waist. You’ll maintain your natural silhouette by dressing the top and bottom proportionally while highlighting the waistline. Be careful not to create an unbalanced look by focusing too heavily on the body’s top or bottom half.
The Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle has a top-heavy appearance. Balancing the broader upper body with the narrower lower body creates a proportional silhouette. To achieve this, select clothing that adds curves to the hips and bottom while emphasizing a defined waist and de-emphasizing the upper body.
The Apple
The apple body shape has a full chest and upper body with little to no waist definition, resulting in a top-heavy appearance. You’ll want to wear clothing that adds curves and fullness to the lower body.
How ByFERIAL’s Fashion & Style Guide Helps You Look Great
The ever-changing nature of your body shape can leave you uncertain about what clothing styles to choose. However, with our blueprint system, you’ll discover your body shape and receive personalized recommendations for the most flattering styles.
Our Fashion & Style Guide is a comprehensive resource that will assist you in selecting clothing styles that accentuate your best features while minimizing areas you may wish to camouflage. With our guidance, FINDING OUTFITS THAT ENHANCE YOUR UNIQUE FIGURE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
Ready to make personal style fun? Learn how to look your best every day with our training courses!
