How to Dress for Your Body Type? Top Tips for Every Shape

Key Takeaways

• Don’t know which body type you have? Check out these simple math tricks in this article.
• Uncover the surprising “do’s and don’ts” for each body shape that could revolutionise your fashion game. (Warning: Some common fashion advice might be all wrong for you!)

How to Determine Your Body Shape?

If you’re anything like us, the question of “what clothes suit my body type” must’ve crossed your mind. To answer that, let’s do things in the right order and decide what figure you have first. Grab a tape measure and a calculator – it’s time for some fun maths (yes, really)!

Step 1: Measure Up

• Shoulders: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your shoulders.
• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
• Waist: Find the smallest part of your waist (usually above your belly button).
• Hips: Measure the widest part of your hips and bum.

Step 2: Crunch Those Numbers

5 major body types

Below are some formulas you might want to bookmark:

• Rectangle (straight): Your waist ÷ shoulders (or bust) ≥ 0.75
• Round (apple): Your waist ÷ shoulders and bust ≥ 1.05
• Hourglass: Your waist ÷ shoulders (or bust) ≤ 0.75 AND waist ÷ hips ≤ 0.75
• Pear (triangle): Your hips ÷ shoulders (or bust) ≥ 1.05
• Inverted triangle: Your shoulders (or bust) ÷ hips ≥ 1.05

In the following sections, we'll discuss specific clothing guidelines for each body type. However, remember that they are general suggestions that may not apply to everyone. 

Dressing Tips for Each Body Type

1. Pear-Shaped (Triangle)

What exactly is a pear shape, again? If you’re pear-shaped (also called triangle), your hips are wider than your shoulders, alongside a tiny waist that cuts a dash. Look at Nigella Lawson, Kelly Brook, or Jennifer Lopez - these ladies know how to rock those curvy hips.

Examples of pear body shape 

Let’s make your wardrobe pear-fect for you. The general rule of thumb is to draw attention to your upper body to balance things out:

• Dark bottoms, light tops: This classic combo works wonders for pear shapes. Pair dark jeans with a light, floaty blouse, and you’re sorted.
• Go wide on top: Boat necks, off-shoulder tops, and wide V-necks will broaden your shoulders and even things out.
• Accessorise up top: Statement necklaces, earrings, and scarves draw the eye upward. You’ll look dead stylish to boot!
• Cinch that waist: Show off your defined waist with belted dresses or high-waisted trousers.
• Embrace skirts: You’ve got gorgeous hips, use them to your advantage. A-line skirts and dresses skim over your hips and accentuate those lovely curves.
• Boot cut is your cut: When it comes to jeans, boot cut, baggy or slightly flared styles balance out your hips beautifully.

What to Avoid

• Skinny jeans or tight bottoms that emphasise hip-width
• Bulky pockets or embellishments on your lower half. No need to call extra attention there, do you now?
• Cropped tops that cut you off at the waist

2. Inverted Triangle
 

If you’re sporting an inverted triangle shape, your shoulders or bust are broader than your hips. Not to mention that cracking upper body any swimmer would envy! Think of celebs like Angelina Jolie or Catherine Zeta-Jones – proper inverted triangle icons, those two.

Examples of inverted triangle type

Overall, the advice is to create volume in your lower half to balance those broader shoulders. Here are some detailed triangle-tastic tips:

• Dark tops, light bottoms: This combo draws the eye downward, balancing your proportions.
• Wrap dresses: These beauties nip in at the waist and flare at the hips, perfect for your shape!
• V-necks are ace: V-neck tops and dresses help to narrow your torso visually.
• Accessorise down below: Striking belts, bold shoes, and eye-catching handbags spotlight your lower half.
• Bootcut and flared trousers: These styles add oomph to your legs, creating a more balanced silhouette.
• A-line is spot on: A-line skirts and frocks are brilliant for adding curves to your lower body.

What to Avoid

• Tops with puffy sleeves or shoulder pads (you’ve got enough shoulder power already, love!)
• Halternecks or boat necks that emphasise shoulder width
• Skinny jeans or tight bottoms that don’t balance out your upper body

3. Hourglass

An hourglass figure means your shoulders and hips are about the same width, with a well-defined waist. You’re probably the spitting image of classic beauties like Marilyn Monroe or modern stunners like Adele. Talk about being easy on the eyes!

Examples of hourglass bodies

Here’s the lowdown on how to dress for your body type and make the most of your enviable curves:

• Wrap dresses: They hug your body in all the right places, precisely what we are trying to do: show off your fine assets.
• V-necks and sweetheart necklines: These styles complement your bust without going over the top.
• Fitted jackets: Opt for jackets that accentuate your beautiful small waist.
• Belt it up: Use belts to emphasise your waist, especially with looser-fitting outfits.
• High-waisted is the way forward: High-waisted trousers and skirts point up your narrow waist beautifully.
• Pencil skirts: They show off your curves while maintaining a smart, put-together look.

What to Avoid

• Boxy or overly loose clothing that hides your waist (don’t put your light under a bushel!)
• Overly frilly or voluminous tops that add bulk to your upper body
• Low-rise trousers that cut off your natural waistline

4. Rectangle (Athletic or Straight)

This figure creates a straight-as-a-die shape from shoulders to hips. You’ve got that enviable lean look that’s the bee’s knees on the catwalk. Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman can be good references. Blimey, some girls have all the luck!

Examples of rectangle body type

Here’s the inside scoop to style for your shape:

• Play with proportions: Team a billowy top with skinny bottoms, or flip it around. We need more volume while staying balanced.
• Layer up: Don’t be shy about layering—it’s a great way to add depth to your frame.
• Go mad for prints: Bold patterns and stripes across the way can add oomph to your frame. 
• Boat necks: This neckline does a good job of broadening your shoulders, giving you a cheeky hourglass look.
• Ruffles and frills: These bits can effectively add girly curves to your body. Go on and try them!
• Belts and straps: Belts are the dog’s bollocks for your shape. Pop one on to define your middle and break up that straight physique.

What to Avoid

• Shapeless, boxy outfits that do nothing for your figure. You’re not a walking wardrobe, sun!
• Falling into the fashion faux pas of wearing only fitted clothes. A bit of volume can work like a charm for your shape.

5. Round (Apple)

Picture some of our favourite British TV personalities, think Drew Barrymore or Gemma Collins. That's the apple body type—a blooming bust, fuller midsection, and gorgeous slim legs.

Examples of apple shape

Here are some clever ideas to make the most of your round shape:

• Wrap dresses are fab: They create definition and flatter your shape beautifully.
• V-necks: They create a lovely long line, drawing the eye downward.
• Structured jackets: A well-fitted jacket can create a lovely shape and make your upper body more prominent.
• Dark colours on top: Darker shades can narrow your upper half and re-proportionate your build.
• Empire waists: These styles skim over your middle and highlight your bust.
• Show off those legs: Knee-length skirts or dresses are excellent for highlighting your beautiful legs.

What to Avoid

• Clingy fabrics around the midsection. They might not be the most flattering.
• Bulky or boxy tops that add extra volume to your torso.
• Belts that sit at your natural waistline, as they might put too much emphasis on the fullest part of your torso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there clothing tips that work for all body types?

• Well-fitted undergarments: They’re the foundation of any stunning outfit.
• Tailoring: A nip and tuck can make even high street finds look bespoke.
• Confidence is key: Wear what makes you feel like a million pounds, and you’ll look it, too!

Do patterns and colours affect how clothing looks on different body types?

Too right, they do!

• Stripes: Vertical stripes can make you look taller and leaner - brilliant for petite frames. The opposite is true for horizontal stripes.
• Colours: Darker shades tend to be slimmer, while lighter hues can add volume—use this to your advantage.
• Patterns: Large prints can overwhelm smaller frames, while tiny patterns might get lost on curvier figures.

What should you avoid wearing based on your body type?

There’s no such thing as “can’t wear” in fashion. What makes a difference is how you wear it:

Instead of avoiding certain styles, focus on proportions and fit. If something doesn’t flatter your shape off the peg, consider having it tailored. Don’t let fashion “rules” box you in - if you love it and feel confident, that’s what matters.