Styling Skinny. Or hourglass. Or pear. Or square. From your face to your feet and everything in between, every shape can be molded into it’s most flattering silhouette with just a few simple tricks.
Face
We all know that the secret to our best face is contouring, but there really isn’t one set method that works for everyone. If your face is oval, for example, you don’t want to contour the same way that someone with a square face would, because that could make your face look even more narrow. Instead, find a contour chart that will not only help you identify your face shape, but will help you contour it, like this one found on SheSaidBeauty.
In addition to contouring, hairstyle can also help shape your face. If your face is round, consider avoiding a center part, as it may make your cheeks look more round. Instead, try lots of layers—short or long—and a side part or side swept bang. Square faces can embrace most hairstyles, and oval faces can rock the heck out of the side-swept bang or center part. If you want to accentuate cheekbones, go for mid-length bangs. If you want to accentuate your jaw line, opt for layers there.
Arms
Arms can be difficult to tone, making them an issue for some women. If your arms are untoned, too-short of sleeves can be unflattering or draw attention to the underside or back of the arm, where the most jiggle and wiggle occurs. Instead, opt for a sleeve that covers your shoulder completely, but ends above your tricep muscle (the muscle on the back of your arm halfway between your elbow and shoulder). This will help draw the eye down the arm instead of highlighting the upper or back portion exposed by shorter sleeves. Three-quarter length sleeves flatter big arms, as do long sleeves and loose short sleeves. Tank-tops with wider straps flatter big or untoned arms better than thin or spaghetti-straps.
Midsection
This is one of the easiest areas to create a flattering silhouette, and accentuating the waist can be done on any shape.
If you’re rectangular or lanky, consider shaping your waist with a wide belt, as this can create the illusion of a tighter, more pulled in silhouette there. Dually, a thinner belt can accentuate the square shape of your midsection in a flattering way. If you’re hourglass, your waist will already accentuate itself! It’s the pinnacle of your shape, and any clothing that is more snug in that area will flatter you best. Pear shapes are also flattered best in clothing that hugs the waist and gently accentuates the hips.
Boobs
This is the big one, no pun intended, because a single blouse-blunder can make you look too big or too small. It seems as though every top on the rack was designed with a certain chest size in mind, and the options can be overwhelming. It’s been sold to us that ruffles are ‘meant’ for smaller chests, v-necks for bigger…but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear one or the other if you’re bigger or smaller.
If you’re blessed in the chest, opt for subtle ruffles that don’t overwhelm your chest and make your boobs look two sizes too big. But if you just love those beautiful ruffles, go with a ruffled v-neck that will accentuate your chest and give you the style you’re looking for. If you’re small and perky, dare to rock a deep v-neck that will draw attention to your cleavage. Flowy, backless tops will also flatter you well, and as mentioned above, ruffles can give the illusion of a bigger chest.
Legs and Buns
Legs and buns can be some of the most tricky areas to accentuate properly. Most of the time, we know our limits, and we also try to test them. Knowing what your most flattering fit and cut is will keep you looking shapely and polished.
If you have wide hips and legs, shorts that fall to the mid-thigh will flatter your shape best—and they don’t have to be loose, as that will just hide and distort your awesome hips! Be wary of certain fabrics that fit snugly though, some can reveal any stubborn cellulite patches near your booty. Pencil skirts are also a fabulous way accentuate the curves in your shape, especially if you’re hourglass. Hourglass shapes look beautiful in bottoms that hug the hips, waist, and butt. If you’re more square in the legs and hips, your focus should be on your waist or your butt. Skirts, tops, and dresses that are fitted in the waist and/or elongate your body are a must. If your booty isn’t exactly poppin’, consider avoiding high-waisted bottoms, as this will create an unflattering silhouette. Instead, opt for normal to low waisted bottoms to accentuate your hind end in a more flattering way.
Tips for All Shapes
• Black should always be an option. It’s timeless, flattering on everyone, and elegant.
• Never go horizontal with your stripes, as this can make you look wide, no matter how narrow you may be. Vertical stripes and patterns are the most flattering.
• If you know something is too loose or too tight for your figure, go with your instincts and opt to wear something more flattering. Leggings are not a universal pant option, and are most flattering when the buns are at least somewhat covered by a longer top or tunic.
• Know your size. It really is just a number, and if it’s too high or too low, consider it as the standard of what flatters you best—not a stigma.
• Most of all, have fun! Fashion is about experimenting and finding what you feel the most beautiful in. Always be proud of your shape, and never be afraid to flaunt it. It’s what makes you unique!
Sources:
http://www.allure.com/hair-ideas/2011/find-the-best-haircut-for-your-face-shape
http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1970856_2085766,00.html
http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826747/dressing-for-your-body-type
Photo Sources:
Title
http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2011/03/celebrities-with-different-body-types.jpg
Face
http://allintheblush.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/victoria.jpg
Midsection
via tounaj.blogspot.com
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fpOx0DH51lk/UQg4ToBsOMI/AAAAAAAAGok/4xDFfKzsJpA/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG
Boobs
http://cdn.sheknows.com/filter/l/gallery/oscars_2005_natalie_portman.jpg
Legs and Buns