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A Complete Guide To Dressing For Your Body Type

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Point Park chapter.

So you have a pear shape…

Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body, so in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well defined.

Your best assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach.

Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Your Do’s & Don’ts:

  • DON’T wear clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs, such as cargo pants or print skirts.
  • DO try an A-line skirt, which camouflages wider hips.
  • DO keep hems of pants, skirts, and dresses wide to balance the hips.
  • DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
  • DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
  • DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
  • DO try styles with ruffles on top.
  • DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
  • DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs

So you have a wedge shape…

Wedge body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders, which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.

Your best asset: Your legs.

Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Your Do’s & Don’ts:

  • DO wear bright colors on bottom.
  • DO wear wide-leg pants.
  • DO wear full skirts.
  • DON’T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
  • DON’T wear boat neckline tops.
  • DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
  • DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
  • DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.

So you have a rectangle shape…

Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.

Your best assets: Your arms and legs, and you don’t have to minimize any body features.

Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Your Do’s & Don’ts:

  • DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
  • DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
  • DO wear tops with collars, ruffles, and details to flatter your chest.
  • DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
  • DON’T wear overwhelming styles.
  • DO layer to add more dimensions.
  • DO wear ruched dresses. Cinches on sides are ideal!
  • DO have fun with colorful bottoms… feel free to experiment.

So you have an apple shape…

Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.

Your best asset: Those legs!

Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs, and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Your Do’s & Don’ts:

  • DON’T wear tight-fitting tops.
  • DO go for V-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
  • DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
  • DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
  • DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses.
  • DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
  • DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

So you have an hourglass shape…

Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.

Your best assets: Curves, curves, curves!

Your fashion goals: Show off your curves without going overboard.

Your Do’s & Don’ts:

  • DON’T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
  • DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
  • DO wear fitted dresses.
  • DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
  • DO try wrap dresses.
  • DO go for high-waisted skirts to show off your hips.
  • DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
  • DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.
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Allie Duda

Point Park

Allison (Allie) Duda is a sophomore Mass Communications major. She loves all aspects in the media, and hopes to dabble in all of it someday. In her free time, she enjoys going to museums, doing freelance photography work, spending time with loved ones, shopping, and watching tv/films. Check out her website at www.allisonduda.wordpress.com