Fashion is architecture, it is a matter of proportions - the wise words of Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, founder of the celebrated fashion house that bears her surname. Indeed, when it comes to dressing for your body shape, proportions need to be taken into account. Before you dismiss this as too technical allow us to state that there are only 4 body shapes to be taken into account: the Pear, the Apple, the Hourglass and the Ruler.
The Pear
This is the most common type of body shape among woman, and women whose bottom half is heavier than the top fit into this category. Pears are advised to wear long, flowing dresses that accentuate the narrow waist and barely there hips. Not only are these styles flattering on pear shapes, they also make you look taller and slimmer. Wear A-line skirts, ones that are narrow on top and flared at the bottom, so as to hide your bulky half. Try wearing shirts with horizontal necklines to make the top half look more proportionate in comparison to the bottom half.
The Apple
Heavy on top and svelte below is how one would describe this shape. Flowing silks and loose cotton tailored in simple designs are highly encouraged as are fabrics that skim the apple shape well. Avoid tight, clingy clothes as they will only expose your unwanted flaws. Stay away from multi-coloured outfits, and opt instead for monochromatic designs to help give the illusion of depth. Dark colours and small patterns are the way to go. Avoid pockets, pleats and anything that bunches up at the waist - that's the last thing anyone with an apple shape wants to have! Draw attention to your shapely upper half by choosing a well fitted bra paired with a suitable V-neck.
The Hourglass
Count yourself lucky if you have this shape, as it is one that is envied by women and desired by men! How can you tell if you have an hourglass shape? A defined waist, curved hips, shapely legs and a prominent butt are hallmarks of the hourglass. Belts, wrap tops and anything that sits at your waist will serve to accentuate your attributes. Stay away from oversized and baggy styles that will only dwarf your perfect figure, but don't go for too tight clothing either. Those with an hourglass shape can also opt to play around with colours, mixing pastels with sombre tones, although it is generally encouraged to keep the pastels on top.
The Ruler
Straight up and down with very minimal curves? Shapely legs but an undefined waist? Fret not! There are ways to dress to create curves and add depth! Try necklines that fall below the collarbone - this will help elongate your neck and make you look well proportioned. Choose bright pastel colours from the bust and up to break up your figure and make your bust look larger than it is. Extra colour or styling on top creates the illusion of depth. Avoid dark colours like the plague and try incorporating horizontal lines to 'fatten' out the upper half. Accentuate shapely legs by wearing skinny jeans or anything that shows off your figure.
Gorgeousness is guaranteed now that you've nailed the art of dressing for your body shape. It wasn't all that technical now, was it?
The Pear
This is the most common type of body shape among woman, and women whose bottom half is heavier than the top fit into this category. Pears are advised to wear long, flowing dresses that accentuate the narrow waist and barely there hips. Not only are these styles flattering on pear shapes, they also make you look taller and slimmer. Wear A-line skirts, ones that are narrow on top and flared at the bottom, so as to hide your bulky half. Try wearing shirts with horizontal necklines to make the top half look more proportionate in comparison to the bottom half.
The Apple
Heavy on top and svelte below is how one would describe this shape. Flowing silks and loose cotton tailored in simple designs are highly encouraged as are fabrics that skim the apple shape well. Avoid tight, clingy clothes as they will only expose your unwanted flaws. Stay away from multi-coloured outfits, and opt instead for monochromatic designs to help give the illusion of depth. Dark colours and small patterns are the way to go. Avoid pockets, pleats and anything that bunches up at the waist - that's the last thing anyone with an apple shape wants to have! Draw attention to your shapely upper half by choosing a well fitted bra paired with a suitable V-neck.
The Hourglass
Count yourself lucky if you have this shape, as it is one that is envied by women and desired by men! How can you tell if you have an hourglass shape? A defined waist, curved hips, shapely legs and a prominent butt are hallmarks of the hourglass. Belts, wrap tops and anything that sits at your waist will serve to accentuate your attributes. Stay away from oversized and baggy styles that will only dwarf your perfect figure, but don't go for too tight clothing either. Those with an hourglass shape can also opt to play around with colours, mixing pastels with sombre tones, although it is generally encouraged to keep the pastels on top.
The Ruler
Straight up and down with very minimal curves? Shapely legs but an undefined waist? Fret not! There are ways to dress to create curves and add depth! Try necklines that fall below the collarbone - this will help elongate your neck and make you look well proportioned. Choose bright pastel colours from the bust and up to break up your figure and make your bust look larger than it is. Extra colour or styling on top creates the illusion of depth. Avoid dark colours like the plague and try incorporating horizontal lines to 'fatten' out the upper half. Accentuate shapely legs by wearing skinny jeans or anything that shows off your figure.
Gorgeousness is guaranteed now that you've nailed the art of dressing for your body shape. It wasn't all that technical now, was it?
