How to Dress According to your Shape

Wear clothing that accentuates your good features.

Every person has a different, unique body shape, determined by her weight, height and bone structure. To look your best, it's important to dress according to your shape. Dressing well means highlighting your best qualities while drawing attention away from your problems areas, such as heavy thighs or a barely-there bust. Aside from style, your clothing should also be comfortable and easy for you to wear, no matter how glamorous or dressy it is. There are five main body types: slender, top-heavy, pear-shaped, apple-shaped and curvy.

Instructions

1. Balance the bottom of your body with the top of your body if you have a large bust. Flowing tops will minimize your bust, making you look more proportionate. Necklines that rise up high, large collars and stiff fabrics emphasize a large chest, so try to avoid these styles.

2. Create a noticeable waistline if you have great curves by wearing clothing with emphasized waistlines. Low necklines will bring attention to your chest as well as your waist.

3. Dress in fitted, clingy clothing and fabrics that will show off a slender silhouette. This is a great way to accentuate your curves if you're more slim than curvy. Opt for shirts, tops and dresses that have emphasized or cinched waistlines to create the illusion of curves even if you don't have many to work with. Avoid bulky clothing and fabrics, which will lose your figure.

4. Wear flowing, light fabrics and clothing to cover up wide hips and a heavy stomach if you're apple-shaped. Fabric shouldn't cling to your body - chiffon or silk are great choices. To make your body look well-balanced, wear the same color on both the top and the bottom of your outfit. Jewelry, like short necklaces and interesting earrings, will draw attention to your face instead of your body.

5. Minimize the bottom half of your body if you're pear-shaped by drawing attention to your upper body with large accessories, like long necklaces or big earrings. Opt for high necklines and short sleeves, which will draw the eye to your upper half instead of your problem area. Choose low-rise pants with a straight leg and steer clear of baggy pants that will only add weight to your bottom half.

Tips & Warnings

• What you wear underneath your clothing is equally important in making your body look great. Make sure that you have a bra that fits and provides plenty of support, regardless of your bust size.

References

• Style Makeover: Body Shape
• Curvy Counselor: Dress For Your Body Shape
• Body Shape Fashion Advice