How to Change the Look of Your Body Type

You don't look as tall in a medium-length skirt.

If you're not happy with the look of your body type, you can make a few adjustments to your wardrobe to alter the overall appearance of your body. Body types, or body shapes, are known as somatotypes and fall into three classifications: endomorphic (round, big bone structure), mesomorphic (hourglass, athletic) and ectomorphic (slender, small bone structure). It is normal for a person to be a combination of the body types. No matter which type you are, you can easily make modifications to affect how others see you.

Instructions

1. Don't be blue about being bottom heavy. If you have a small upper body but bigger hips (a combination of ectomorph and endomorph), you can wear light-colored pants or skirts to minimize your hip area. To balance out your bottom region, wear wider bottom pants and broader necklines.

2. If you have a bigger upper body and smaller hips, use lengthy jackets to tone down the differences. Avoid form-fitting tops, shoulder pads and light colors (on top). Wear one overall color to make you appear smaller. Avoid shirts with gathers or pockets, as well.

3. If you don't want to appear so tall, medium-length skirts with broad belts are best. Wear different colors on top and bottom to help create a waistline and a smaller appearance.

4. If you're a long, lean ectomorph, create curves by wearing tight (at the waist) shirts and jackets. Wear different colors or patterns and accessorize your neckline to bring form to your body. Skirts gathered at the waist or fuller ones work well.

5. If you want to hide an hourglass shape, wear loose fitting or oversized clothes. Avoid form-fitting shirts and jackets, which just emphasize the hourglass.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a short waist, a narrow belt makes your waist look more appropriate.

• If you have long legs, wear shoes with straps to shorten your legs.

• If you have short legs, you can add accessories that hang down (scarves and belts) to add length to them.

• If you have a long neckline, a small necklace or a shirt with a high collar will shorten your neck, as will a turtleneck shirt.

References

• Center for Wellness Without Borders: The 3 Somatypes