How to Dress for Your Body Type

What are the different body types?

There are 5 ‘main’ body shapes. You might slot directly into one of them, or you might find you are a mix of two of them. Everyone is different, and these differences should absolutely be celebrated!

Hourglass Shape

An hourglass shape has well-defined curves at the bust and hips with a narrower waist, resembling an hourglass. If you are an hourglass shape, you may have a…

• Defined Waist: Your waist is the most prominent feature, and it is noticeably smaller than your bust and hips, creating a distinct curve.
• Full Bust: Hourglass shapes typically have a fuller bust, with your bust measurement being similar to or slightly larger than your hip measurement.
• Curvy Hips and Thighs: Your hips and thighs are proportionate to your bust, creating a balanced and symmetrical silhouette.

Styling Tips for Hourglass Figures

Emphasise your nipped waist with fitted styles such as wrap dresses, belted tops, and high-waisted skirts or trousers. Try to choose clothing that accentuates your curves without adding bulk to your midsection.

Apple Shape

An apple shape, also known as an “oval” or “round” body shape, is characterised by a larger midsection with slimmer arms and legs. If you are an apple shape, you may have a&hellip

• Rounder Midsection: People with an apple body shape tend to have a rounder or fuller midsection.
• Full Bust: Apple shapes often have a fuller bust, contributing to the upper body’s roundness.
• Narrower Hips and Legs: Your hips and legs may be narrower than your midsection.
• Less Defined Waistline: Unlike hourglass or pear shapes, apple shapes typically lack a defined waistline. Your waist measurement may be similar to or slightly smaller than the bust and hip measurements.
• Broad Shoulders: Apple shapes may also have broad shoulders that add to the overall width of your upper body.

Dressing for an Apple Body Shape

Look for clothing that creates a more defined waistline, such as empire waist tops or dresses, A-line skirts, and dresses with V-necks. Avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection and opt for pieces that draw attention upward. We suggest…

Pear Shape

A pear shape, also known as a “triangle” body shape, features wider hips and thighs in proportion to a narrower upper body. If you are a pear shape, you may have…

• Wider Hips and Thighs: Pear shapes typically have hips and thighs that are wider than their shoulders and bust.
• Defined Waist: Despite having wider hips, pear-shaped individuals often have a defined waistline, which creates an hourglass-like silhouette.
• Narrower Shoulders and Bust: The shoulders and bust of pear-shapes are generally narrower than their hips and thighs, creating a more triangular appearance.
• Curvy Lower Body: Your lower body, including the hips, thighs, and buttocks, tends to be the most prominent feature of the pear shape.

Dressing for a Pear Body Shape

Balance your proportions by highlighting your upper body with boat necklines, statement sleeves, and structured tops. Choose bottoms that elongate your legs, such as wide-leg trousers or A-line skirts, and opt for darker colours on the bottom to minimise attention. We suggest...

Rectangle Shape

A rectangle shape, also known as a “straight” or “athletic” body shape, has similar measurements for the bust, waist, and hips, creating a straight and angular silhouette. If you are a rectangle shape, you may have…;

• Minimal Waist Definition:People with a rectangular shape have a relatively straight torso with minimal curves at the waist. Your waist measurement is similar to or only slightly smaller than your bust and hip measurements.
• Balanced Proportions: Your bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements, resulting in a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
• Straight Torso : The torso of rectangle-shapes appears relatively straight from the shoulders to the hips, lacking significant curves or definition at the waistline.
• Narrower Hips and Shoulders: While your shoulders and hips may have similar widths, they are generally not as broad as those of other body shapes like the inverted triangle which we will come to next.
• Minimal Curves:Rectangle-shaped individuals tend to have a lean and athletic build with fewer natural curves compared to other body types.

Dressing for a Rectangle Body Shape

Create the illusion of curves with clothing that adds volume and shape, such as peplum tops, ruffles, and tiered skirts. Use belts to cinch the waist and add definition. Experiment with textures and patterns to add dimension to your figure. We suggest...

Inverted Triangle Shape

An inverted triangle shape, also known as a "V-shaped" body, is characterised by broader shoulders and bust compared to your hips and waist. If you are an inverted triangle shape, you may have...

• Broad Shoulders: People with an inverted triangle body shape typically have shoulders that are wider than their hips, creating a broad and angular upper body.
• Full Bust : Our bust is more pronounced and wider than your hips, contributing to the overall V-shaped appearance.
• Narrower Bust: Your hip measurement is often narrower than your shoulders, resulting in a less pronounced curve at the waistline.
• Straight Torso: Your torso may appear straight from your shoulders to the hips, with minimal definition at the waistline.

Dressing for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Balance your proportions by adding volume and interest to your lower body with flared skirts, A-line dresses, and wide-leg jeans. Opt for tops with V-necks or scoop necklines to draw attention away from the shoulders. Avoid shoulder pads or heavily embellished tops that add bulk to the upper body. We suggest...

No matter which body type you have, everybody deserves to feel fantastic in their own skin. Experiment with different silhouettes, patterns and colours to find what you feel best in! Discover the Blog for style guides, beauty, home and lifestyle content, and more.