We’ve all been there—spotting a gorgeous dress online, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t fit quite right. It’s not about your size; it’s about understanding your body type. Once you know your body type, finding clothes that flatter you becomes much easier.
The clothes we wear can significantly affect how we feel and how others perceive us. The right outfit can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. That’s why it’s important to know your body type and how to dress for it.
To help you out, we’ve put together this simple guide to dressing for different body types. But first, do you know your body shape? If not, let’s figure it out together.
What are the different body types?
We’ve identified five main body shapes and will give you tips on how to dress for each one.
- Hourglass Body Type
The hourglass figure is often considered the most desirable, but it’s also the rarest, with only about 8% of women having this shape. This body type features a well-defined waist, with bust and hips of similar size, creating an hourglass silhouette.
- Pear-Shaped Body Type
Also known as the Triangle shape, this body type has a smaller upper body and wider hips. Thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian, this shape is now very popular.
- Apple-Shaped Body Type
This body type, also called the Oval shape, is characterised by a heavier upper body compared to the lower body. Women with broader shoulders and a larger bust often fall into this category, which accounts for about 14% of women.
- Triangle Body Type
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you have an Athletic or Inverted Triangle body type. Women with this shape often have a waist about the same size as their hips and bust, with fewer curves.
- Rectangle-Shaped Body Type
Also known as a Straight body type, this shape has balanced measurements from the shoulders to the hips, with a straight waistline.
How to Style Dresses for Different Body Types?
Once you know your body shape, it’s easy to pick the dresses that will look great on you.
Dressing for Hourglass Body Shape
If you have an hourglass figure, embrace it! Wear fit-and-flare or bodycon dresses that highlight your curves and waist.
- Best Clothes: Dresses that cinch at the waist, V or sweetheart necklines, and body-hugging styles.
- Avoid: Loose tops or bottoms that hide your curves.
- Pro-Tip: Wedges, peep-toe heels, and round-toe shoes will enhance your curves.
Dressing for Apple-Shaped Figure
For those with an apple shape, the goal is to draw attention away from the waist and highlight your best features, like your legs.
- Best Clothes: A-line dresses, flared bottoms, and strapless or off-shoulder styles.
- Avoid: Tight dresses and skinny jeans, which can emphasise the waist.
- Pro-Tip: Calf-length boots and strappy sandals help balance your look.
Dressing for Pear-Shaped Figure
With a pear shape, you can create the illusion of an hourglass figure by balancing your shoulders and hips.
- Best Clothes: Skinny jeans with loose tops, V-necklines, and wide-legged pants.
- Avoid: Halter necklines and loose bottoms.
- Pro-Tip: Open-toe wedges and knee-high boots can lengthen your legs.
Dressing for Athletic Body Shape
For an athletic body, focus on adding definition to your hips and creating the illusion of a narrower upper body.
- Best Clothes: Pencil skirts and skinny jeans. V-necklines are great for creating a balanced look.
- Avoid: Ruffles or layers on the upper body.
- Pro-Tip: High heels with pointed toes and ankle-strap sandals help balance your figure.
Dressing for Rectangle-Shaped Body Type
With a rectangle shape, the goal is to add curves and definition to your silhouette.
- Best Clothes: A-line skirts, ruffled tops, and strapless dresses.
- Avoid: Overly straight or loose dresses that don’t define your waist.
- Pro-Tip: Simple pumps and ballet flats help elongate your legs.
No matter your body type, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Ready to find the perfect outfit for your body shape? Visit our website to explore our collection! Enjoy the perfect online shopping in Sri Lanka with Harriet, it’s the perfect fashion market to find a variety of options for workout clothes for everyone! Harriet is a place where you can shop for clothes from the comfort of your home. We have all the latest trends and brands for fashion lovers and shopaholics alike.
