How to Dress Right for My Size

Wear neutral colors for a uniform appearance.

Whatever body type you have or style you desire, you need to dress to impress. Whether it's a business meeting or a night on the town, you want to look good. In order to capture people's attention in the right way, you must select clothing that is appropriate for your size. Clothing that is too tight is unsightly and clothing that is too loose looks like you're trying to hide something. In order to dress properly for your size, it helps to know some of the things that affect how clothing fits to your unique body.

Instructions

Vertical Body Type

1. Assess your vertical body type. You will fall into one of three categories: short legs and long torso, balanced body or long legs and short torso. Vertical shape will guide you in determining the most appropriate garment lengths.

2. Create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter torso if you have a short legs and long torso body type. You can do this by wearing straight skirts and pants and keeping the color of your pants, socks and shoes the same. You should also tuck in your tops and wear short- to medium-length tops to give the illusion of shorter arms.

3. Use liberal judgment with a balanced body type. Straight or flared pants, tucked or free flowing shirts, and design patterns and colors of all types suit your frame well.

4. Create the illusion of shorter legs and a longer torso if you have a long legs and short torso body type. Wear designs that draw attention toward your legs, skirts and pants in lighter colors than your tops, and longer tops. Be weary of wearing pinstripes or short tops because it will make your appearance look out of proportion.

Horizontal Body Type

1. Assess your horizontal body type. You will fall into one of six categories: hourglass, inverted triangle, pear-shape, rectangle, oval and diamond. Horizontal shape will guide you in determining the most appropriate garment widths.

2. Wear snug tops, pants and dresses if you have an hourglass body type. You can also wear clothing with defined waistlines and bright colors.

3. Wear fashion consistent with an hourglass body type if you have an inverted triangle body type. The only difference between these two body types is the bust, so you will be okay wearing a wide variety of styles and colors.

4. Wear clothing that accentuates your waist and pronounce your bust if you are a pear-shape body type. Shoulder pads, padded bras, low rise pants and tops with high necklines will highlight your best features.

5. Wear clothing that gives you a more robust appearance if you have a rectangle body type. Looser fitting dresses and sleeveless tops with high necklines are a good fit for you. Straight pants are also a good choice.

6. Wear clothing that elongates your appearance if you have an oval or diamond body type. Looser tops and pants of the same color will help give you a more streamlined appearance. You should choose flowing dresses and skirts as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Ascertain your vertical body type by analyzing the proportions of your body lengthwise from head to toe.

• Ascertain your horizontal body type by analyzing the relations between your shoulders, chest, hips and thighs.

Resources

• Style Makeover HQ: Dress for Your Body Shape