How to Dress a Pear-Shaped Body During the Summer

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Summer style often equates to finding a way to stay cool while playing up your assets at the same time. If you have a pear-shaped body, finding just the right style of flattering shorts, sundresses and other warm-weather staples can be difficult to find. The key to dressing your pear shape for summer is choosing breezy pieces that highlight your small upper body while minimizing the lower body; before you know it, you'll be rocking a cool summer look without breaking a sweat.

Go High

Since a pear shape is characterized by a wider lower body, high-waist bottoms that hit at the smallest part of your upper body are an ideal option. In summer, high-waist skirts and shorts will keep you cool and create a flattering look. Wear a high-waist pair of brightly colored shorts -- think tangerine or magenta -- with a floral tank top and wedge espadrilles. Keep patterns on top to attract the eye upward to your slim torso, and keep your bottoms solid. If you’re headed to the office, tuck a fitted white short-sleeve button-down blouse into a dark high-waist skirt and swap the wedges for ballet flats.

Rock an A-Line Skirt

A skirt is a dressier alternative to shorts when the weather's warm, and an A-line cut is the ideal option for a pear shape. This style is fitted at the waist, but gradually widens toward the hem so it gracefully skims your hips, thighs and backside. Pair a white cotton tank top with a pastel print A-line skirt and neutral espadrilles when you're headed to brunch. If you're just running errands, wear a classic V-neck tee with a denim A-line and flip flops. You can even keep cool at the office in an A-line skirt -- pair a short-sleeve blouse with an A-line skirt in a dark shade like navy or charcoal, and slip on slingback pumps.

Show Off Your Shoulders

Show off your trim, svelte shoulders in a halter-style top for a flattering summer option. Pair a simple black halter top with denim shorts and gladiator sandals when you’re enjoying a day outdoors. For a dressed-up look, choose a halter top with beads, sequins or other embellishments along the neckline and wear it with long tailored shorts and strappy heels. You can also opt for a sexy halter dress with an A-line skirt when you really want to turn heads.

Get Dressy

Sundresses are the ideal option for quick summer outfits; for pear shapes, delicate spaghetti straps work well because they showcase your slim shoulders. Opt for a style with an empire waist, which features a seam just below the bust to highlight the smallest spots of your upper body. Skip maxi dresses, though, which can add too much volume to your lower half. Instead, go with a sundress that ends just at the knee. Wear a dress in a bold hue with wedge heels and a floppy straw sunhat for a fun, casual vibe. At the office, you can layer a dark fitted blazer over a ditsy floral-print sundress and add pumps for a polished look.

Go Long

Avoid too-short shorts and instead opt for long walking or Bermuda shorts that hit just above your knees to create a more flattering silhouette. For an evening out, wear a black pair with an embellished tank, chunky neutral heels and chandelier earrings. During the day, rock Bermuda khaki shorts with a cap-sleeve top and t-strap sandals. Add a colorful statement necklace to give your look enough polish for lunch with friends.