Often, looking sharp isn’t about the high-end brands you wear or how trendy your outfit is. An old but perfectly fitted t-shirt can look much better than an expensive loose suit. Indeed, knowing how to dress for your body type can make a world of difference to your style and confidence. If you understand which parts of your body to highlight or conceal, it becomes much easier to put together looks for any occasion. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which clothes suit you best.
For women
Pear
Among all the body types, Styled 24/7 states that this is the most common. For pear-shaped women, your curves are your best asset, and there’s no better way to emphasise them than with clothes that are cut similarly to your own body shape. Fit-and-flare dresses can accentuate your waist while showing off your smaller upper body. Strappy tops and elaborate necklines are your friends too, as they naturally draw more attention to that area and create the illusion of a balanced figure.
Inverted Triangle
To slim down your shoulders, you will want to create the focus on your lower body. Avoid loose tops or jackets as these can only add bulk to your build. Instead, look for voluminous skirts or statement pants that can drive your entire look.
Rectangle
According to a Live About article, rectangle body types are similar to women with hourglass figures because both are more proportioned. However, your goal is to add more volume to make your body appear curvier. This can be done by wearing clothes with plenty of detailing and layers. Think tops with ruffles, skirts with bows, or elaborate embellishments.
Apple
What you want to do is balance out your thin lower body with your broad shoulders and full waist. Maxi skirts and wide-leg pants add volume to your calves, while simple tops even out your upper body. Alternatively, you can play up the focus by exposing more skin on your legs and covering up on top.
Hourglass
Hourglass shapes are one of the easier figures to dress because you have balanced hips and shoulders. Your defined waist is your best feature, so this area is what you’ll want to highlight. Try anything that scrunches up at the waist, like wrap dresses or peplum styles. Body-hugging clothes, like the classic LBD, will also immediately draw attention to your curves.
For men
Rhomboid
Prokerala defines the rhomboid body type as the most proportioned shape. Those with this shape have more options since most styles and sizes already flatter them. Take advantage of your equal frame by trying out various cuts or colourful prints.
Inverted Triangle
Pay attention to the imbalance between your upper and lower body. You will want to highlight your hips and draw the gaze away from your broad shoulders and chest. A belt not only does this, but it also helps break up your outfit. Avoid structured jackets that may expand your torso even more, or opt for statement bottoms to veer the attention downwards.
Rectangle
Your shoulders and waist are as wide as each other, but you can make yourself appear more shapely by expanding your shoulders and narrowing your lower torso. Layering clothes can do the trick. Try tops with circular necklines so you can highlight your upper torso, or block colours that replicate your rectangular figure.
Oval
What you want to achieve is a more defined shape, since oval body types tend to appear round, especially in the mid-section. As such, it shrinks your lower legs and makes them look skinnier than they might be. Vertical stripes can do a lot to lengthen your torso, but ensuring your bottoms are of the proper length is just as important. Wear the wrong length of pants and it could shorten your height even more. You can draw attention away from your pronounced stomach by wearing dark colours and prints.
Other tips and tricks
Dressing well doesn’t stop at your body type. Just like using the right lines and cuts, wearing the right colours can also make or break your look. It helps to know what shades and hues flatter you best, as noted by a fashion writer on Pretty Me.
If you are light-skinned, go for colours that don’t wash you out or make you look pale. These are usually contrasting shades, such as maroon, brown, or navy. On the other hand, those with medium skin tones should avoid shades that are close to their colour, like greens and yellows. For people with dark complexions, you can try pastels or light colours for an elegant look. The bottom line is to make sure your skin and clothes don’t match, unless you’re going for a nude ensemble.
