Tips to Flatter Your Body Shape

Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether your figure is a perfect hourglass or a bit rounder, you can dress to flatter your body shape. The right clothes and silhouettes can show off your good features and downplay the not so good ones. Once you know the shapes that work for your frame, you can choose casual, formal or professional clothing that fits both your body and your personal style.

Hourglass

The hourglass figure is curvy, with a proportionally narrow waist, full bust and rounded hips. You can have an hourglass figure, regardless of size, and the same basic clothing styles will flatter your figure. Curvy figures should choose fitted clothing, as opposed to loose or oversized styles. Look for garments that emphasize your slender waist to look your best.
Choose fitted, but not overly tight blouses, T-shirts, and sweaters with an open or V-neckline, suggests DressYourBodyType.com. Opt for wrap dresses for the office or dinner out. Pick pants with a contoured waistband or curvy fit to avoid a gap at the back waist. Take the time for a professional bra fitting and invest in good quality bras to make your clothing look best.

Round or Apple

If you carry weight around your mid-section and have a thicker waist, hip and thigh area, but have great legs, you probably have an apple, round or oval figure. Make the most of your good feature by choosing straight skirts or straight-legged pants. Pair these with looser, flowing tops that glide over the mid-section, suggests Style-Makeover-HQ.com. Draw attention toward your face with jewelry or a pretty scarf. Supportive undergarments, including a good bra and a control panty will help you look your best.

Pear-Shaped

If you have narrow shoulders in proportion to your hips, you have a pear-shaped figure. Your clothing shapes should work to balance your upper and lower halves. Choose straight or boot-cut pants with a low rise and opt for straight or slightly flared skirts and dresses.
A small shoulder pad and higher neckline can help visually broaden your shoulders and chest. Choose shorter sleeves and add jewelry or other accessories near your face. Avoid baggy garments or those that add visual weight or interest at the hipline.

Rectangle

If you have a rectangular figure, your shoulders and hips are well balanced, but you do not have a defined waistline. You may be quite slender or somewhat heavier. Your fashion goal is to visually create curves. Choose detailed tops and jackets with ruffles or shirring to add a bit of interest to the bustline.
Bias cut or halter dresses are ideal for formal occasions, according to DressYourBodyType.com. You can opt for fuller skirts, including trumpet shapes, a-lines or even bubble or puff skirts. Take advantage of the skinny jean trend, as these are perfect for your body.

References

• Curvy Counselor: Dress for Your Body Shape
• Dress Your Body Type
• HappyGrrls: Dress Your Body Type
• Style-Makeover-HQ.com: Body Shapes