I've consulted with countless women on how to dress for their body type. Each of them were exasperated as to why they had a closet full of clothes that didn't look or feel good on their bodies Just like algebra, there's a fool proof formula to follow. Your personal formula ensures that you are dressing in figure flattering styles. This will take the mystery out of shopping frustrations. Take a look at the above chart and determine your body type. Need help? Ask a friend to tell you what your figure most closely resembles. Once you've determined your type, the fun begins!
HOUR GLASS:
This is my body type. And I used to hate it because I couldn't figure out how to make it work for me. Now I know my formula and feel empowered by my little secret! The secret? Play up the waist at all times.
Wear:
1. Fitted clothes that show curves
2. Pencil/Slim Skirts
3. High Waisted skirts/Pants/Jeans
4. Wear a heel whenever possible
5. True waist (not hip) belts (I wear a waist belt with everything!)
6. Vintage: try 50's to early 60's styles
Avoid:
1. Baggy/loose fitting clothes
2. trousers
long skirts/dresses
3. tunics (unless belted and paired with skinny pants)
PEAR SHAPED:
Pear shaped women are all about finding balance. You want to give the appearance of a wider shoulder and a bigger bust to counteract your lower half.
Wear:
1. color on top (focus brought to face)
2. dark colors on bottom
3. wide neck lines
4. flutter sleeves
5. detailed blouses
accentuate waist
6. A-line skirts
7. wide legged/flared jeans darkest denim possible
Avoid:
1. lighter colored denim
2. clingy skirts
3. lighter colored bottoms
RECTANGLE:
Rectangle ladies want to create the appearance of curves. Look at Cameron Diaz for ideas. She doesn't have a curve on her body. But she knows how to create the allusion that she has curves for days.
Wear:
1. necklines below the collarbone
2. blousy shirts that soften shoulder/arms
3. tops that cinch at the waist
shirts with pockets at bust line
4. fuller sleeves
5. empire waists
Avoid:
1. cuffs or rolls on pants/jeans (makes you look stocky/stumpy)
2. skinny jeans
3. pleats at waist
4. belts at waist
INVERTED TRIANGLE:
Triangles should play down the top part of their body and focus on their smallest part: their bottom quadrant. Create an optical allusion that will make you seem in perfect proportion!
Wear:
1. bottoms that flare
2. tops that show off thin arms
3. darker colors on top
4. lighter colors on bottom
5. tops that cover hip areas
6. boot-cut and flared jeans
Avoid:
1. less detail and focus on top
pocket-less jeans
2. skinny jeans
I hope this gives you some ideas to play around with. I want every woman to learn how to accentuate their positive assets and play them up! We are each beautiful and extraordinary beings with limitless potential. So let's dress like we are ready to tackle each possibility that comes our way! Love, Ashley
Picture Credits:
hourglass: keikolynn.blogspot.com
rectangle: halfclub.com
other pictures: unknown
