There are each five different body types for women (Rectangle, Pear/Triangle, Inverted-Triangle, Apple/Round, Hourglass) and men (Rectangle, Triangle, Inverted-Triangle, Trapezoid, Oval).
Knowing your body shape, you can find a suitable dress to show off your curves and disguise the excessive weight.
Women's Body Shapes
Rectangle
A rectangle body means that the width of your bust, waist, and hips are approximately the same.
For women with this body shape, dressing to enhance and create curves is a key strategy. Here are some comprehensive styling tips:
- Select tops that add volume to the shoulder, bust, and hip line while defining the waist. You are recommended to choose shirts that have nipped or belted waists, drape under the bust, or flare at the bottom.
- Details like embellishments, ruffles, or pleating around the bust can add volume. Scoop-neck, V-neck, off-the-shoulder, and sweetheart necklines are also recommended.
- Jackets should be nipped or belted at the waist to create a more defined shape. Embellishments on the bust can broaden the shoulder line. Jackets and coats that end below the waist or slightly flare towards the hips are ideal. Avoid jackets that end above the waist and those with a boxy cut.
- For coats, longer lengths that go past the knee can elongate and slim the body. Look for coats with belts and embellishments around the shoulder, bust, and hip lines.
- For jeans, bootcut styles are best, as they add the right amount of volume to the lower half. Look for jeans with embellishments around the hips and back pockets. Straight-leg, wide-legged, and slim-fit jeans are also great.
- In skirts, flounce, A-line, bubble, and tiered skirts are effective in adding volume and creating an illusion of curves. These styles break up the straight line of the rectangle shape and can create a more feminine silhouette.
Triangle / Pear
A triangle body, also called a pear-shaped body, is a body shape in which your hips and thighs are wider than your bust.
For women with such body shape, the key is to create balance by accentuating the upper body and subtly playing down the wider hips and thighs. Here are some dressing tips:
- Choose necklines like off-shoulder, boat, or cowl that draw attention upwards. Embellishments and details around the neckline and bust are beneficial.
- Fitted tops that accentuate the waist are ideal. Opt for brighter colors and patterns on top, and avoid long tops that extend past the hip.
- Structured jackets and coats that add volume to the shoulders and bust area are great. Options include cropped jackets, long cardigans, A-line coats, and trench coats with details on the top. Jackets that end well below the hip or mid-thigh are flattering. Avoid styles that emphasize the hips.
- Choose trousers and skirts in darker colors with a relaxed fit, like bootcut or straight-leg pants, and A-line skirts. These styles help to de-emphasize the hips. High-waisted designs accentuate the waist. Avoid tight or light pants and skirts with bulky details around the hips.
- Fit and flare dresses, such as skater or A-line styles with a higher waistline, are perfect. Off-the-shoulder dresses help to balance the silhouette by drawing attention to the upper body.
Inverted-Triangle
An inverted-triangle body is an analogy that your bust and shoulders are broader than your hips.
With this body shape, you could choose a dress with a fuller skirt to draw attention to your lower half. Here are some detailed suggestions:
- Opt for tops that draw attention to the waist while minimizing focus on the shoulders. Wrap-style tops, simple straight lines, and darker colors work well. Avoid tops with embellishments or heavy details around the shoulders and upper body. Sleeves should be slim and fitted for short sleeves and softer, flaring for long sleeves. Tops should ideally extend past the hips.
- Select jackets and coats that de-emphasize the shoulders and highlight the waist. Look for straight-cut styles that flare at the waist and have details like pockets below the waist. Longer jackets that go beyond the hip line are ideal. Single-breasted styles work better than double-breasted. Avoid shoulder pads, big collars, and cropped jackets.
- Trousers and jeans should add volume to the hips and legs. Flared, wide-leg, or baggy styles in bright or light colors are good choices. Look for details like pockets or prints to add interest. Straight and cigarette-style trousers can also balance the silhouette. Avoid skinny fits that exaggerate the shoulder width.
- Choose dresses that flare from the waist, like wrap, fit-and-flare, or peplum styles, which add volume to the lower body. Empire waist and A-line skirts are also favorable as they give more fullness to the hips. Off-the-shoulder styles are excellent for balancing broader shoulders.
- Use accessories like long necklaces, belts, and statement earrings to draw attention away from the shoulders.
- Shoes that add height or volume, such as ankle boots with heels or chunky sneakers, help balance the broader upper body.
Round / Apple
A round body, or an apple body, indicates that your waistline is wider than your hips.
To dress an apple body shape, choose clothing that draws attention away from your midsection, such as a V-neck top. Empire waist or A-line dresses are also excellent, as they will create a balanced silhouette. Here is a more thorough guide:
- When it comes to tops and shirts, V-necklines are a great choice as they elongate the torso and draw attention upward. It’s beneficial to choose tops that gently flare out from the body, creating a more open and straight silhouette.
- Layering with open cardigans or structured jackets can be advantageous, drawing attention away from the midsection and creating curves in the right places.
- For bottoms, high-waisted trousers and skirts create length and help balance proportions. Flared or straight pants work well, especially if they’re structured and provide a smooth outline. Jeans for apple body shapes are often best in straight, bootcut, or flared styles. It’s important to focus on jeans that highlight the legs while drawing attention away from the tummy.
- Dresses that accentuate the waist can be very flattering for apple shapes. Flowy dresses, empire waist, or A-line styles are excellent choices as they help create a balanced look. Dresses that showcase the bust area can also be very appealing.
- In terms of outerwear, structured coats, including those with an empire waist or A-line cut, work well for apple shapes. They should ideally be longer than hip length to help cover the midsection and balance the frame. Jackets and coats with minimal collar details, such as neat, structured designs, can accentuate the shoulders and bust area without overwhelming the figure.
Hourglass
Women with an hourglass body shape, characterized by a well-defined waist and balanced bust and hip measurements, have many flattering style options. When dressing, the key is to highlight the natural curves without overwhelming them.
Here are some tips for dressing this body type:
- For tops, the focus should be on emphasizing the waist. V-neck and scoop neck styles are excellent for elongating the neckline, while fitted sweaters and lightweight knits can accentuate the curves.
- Jackets should follow the body’s natural line and cinch in at the waist, with form-fitting and belted styles being particularly flattering. Shorter jackets that end at the hips can enhance curves, especially for those who are petite.
- Bottoms that draw attention to the waist are ideal. High-waisted pants and skirts, particularly those with a flare leg, help balance the shoulders and hips. Pencil skirts are a classic choice, hugging the hips and accentuating natural curves. It’s best to avoid cropped pants, as they may disrupt the body’s proportions.
- Dresses that showcase the hourglass figure include wrap dresses, fit & flare styles, and bias-cut dresses, which use fabric cut diagonally for an elegant flow. Belted or gored dresses that highlight the waist are also great choices.
- For outerwear, trench coats, fitted blazers, and belted jackets complement the hourglass figure well. Boxy and straight coat styles that hide the natural waistline should be avoided.
- Accessories and footwear can also play a significant role in enhancing the hourglass shape. Skinny belts can further define the waist, while mid-heel pumps, stilettos, and wedges are great for elongating the legs. Statement necklaces can draw attention to the décolletage, complementing the voluptuous curves.
Men's Body Shapes
Rectangle
Men with a rectangle body shape, characterized by similar widths in the shoulders, waist, and hips, have a variety of styling options to create a more defined silhouette.
Here are some dressing tips for guys with this body type:
- Opt for tops that add some volume to the upper body. Relaxed knitwear with curved details can soften the straight lines. Bold patterns and fabrics draw attention to your upper body, which helps balance the rectangle shape.
- Layering with jackets is a great strategy. Choose jackets that define the waist, like styles nipped or belted at the waist. Embellishments around the bust, such as pockets or double breasting, can broaden the shoulder line. Jackets that flare slightly towards the hips can add volume there.
- When it comes to bottoms, trousers that create curves are beneficial. Flared or relaxed styles help balance the upper body. Straight-leg jeans work well, while slim-leg options are also a choice depending on your proportions.
- Use accessories strategically. For example, a belt can help cinch in the waist on a coat or a layered outfit. Choose accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it.
Triangle / Pear
A triangle body shape is a body with smaller shoulders and broader hips.
Dressing this body type involves balancing the proportions and drawing attention to the upper body. Here are some comprehensive styling tips for men with a triangle body shape:
- Emphasize the upper half of your body. Choose shirts with patterns or details that draw attention upward. Opt for colors and prints that create visual interest around the shoulders and chest.
- Structured jackets can be very flattering. Look for jackets that are tailored to fit well on the shoulders and chest. Single-breasted styles often work best, as they do not add extra bulk to the midsection. Jackets that slightly taper at the waist can help create a more balanced silhouette.
- For the lower body, go with trousers that have a more relaxed fit. Straight-leg or slightly tapered styles work well. Avoid pants that are too tight or draw attention to the wider waist and hips.
- Use accessories to draw attention upward. Scarves, ties, and eyewear can be effective in shifting focus to the upper body.
- Choose shoes that complement your outfit and don’t overpower your look. Ankle boots and boat shoes can be good options as they don’t add unnecessary bulk to the lower body.
Inverted-Triangle
An inverted-triangle body shape features broader shoulders than the waist and hips.
This body type is perfect in a slim-fitting outfit that shows off your outline. Avoid clothing with structured shoulders and overwhelmed printings around your upper body. They will emphasize your upper part and make the whole look off-balanced. The general fashion guides are:
- Slim or tighter fitting shirts are ideal. They should sit snugly but comfortably on the upper body, showcasing your muscular build. Polo shirts or V-necks can also be flattering, as they draw attention to the chest and make the shoulders appear more proportionate.
- Jackets that are tailored well can transform your style. Opt for jackets with structured shoulders, but avoid anything too bulky that adds extra width to the upper body. Single-breasted styles are preferable as they don’t add unnecessary bulk.
- Straight-legged or slim-fitting jeans and trousers are suitable. These styles should not be too skinny to avoid looking disproportionate to the upper body. A regular fit with room around the ankles is ideal. Darker colors in jeans, such as blues and blacks, can help to slim and balance the middle area.
- If you choose to wear patterns, vertical stripes can be slimming and give length, but avoid heavy and bold prints as they might create the illusion of extra bulk.
- For accessories and footwear, opt for items that complement but don’t overpower your outfit. Medium-width belts, stylish watches, and lightweight scarves can add sophistication without adding bulk. Choose footwear that elongates your lower half and avoid overly bulky shoes.
Trapezoid / Rhomboid
A trapezoid body is also called a rhomboid body type. It is characterized by broad shoulders and chest with a narrower waist and hips. Compared with the significantly wider shoulders and chest of the inverted-triangle body, this body shape’s shoulders and chest maintain an overall balance with the waist and hips.
This is the shape that most fashion is designed for, making it relatively easy to find clothing that fits well. Here are some tips for dressing a trapezoid body shape:
- Fitted tops work best. Medium-length tops that reach the hips are ideal. Choose fabrics that hug the body, but avoid anything stiff or bulky. Your tops and bottoms in the same color can create a cohesive look.
- Since the trapezoid shape already has broad shoulders, clothing that further accentuates the upper body can look great. Structured jackets and tops with slight embellishments can emphasize your broad shoulders.
- Layering can add more dimension to your upper body. Try combining different pieces like a shirt under a sweater or a jacket.
- To maintain the balance of your physique, go for straight-leg trousers or jeans. These pants will complement your upper body without making your legs look too slim.
- Adding unique details can help you stand out. A colored pocket square, a stylish watch, or distinctive shoes can elevate your look. Opt for accessories that complement but don’t overpower your outfit.
Oval
The oval body shape outline is like the letter “O.” Men with an oval body shape typically have slim shoulders and chest, along with a wider waist and slim hips. This body type is commonly recognized by a rounder torso without distinct waistlines and a tendency to carry weight in the midsection.
With this body type, you can choose dark-colored outfits with a strengthened waistline. Here are some detailed suggestions:
- Opt for structured shoulders in tops like button-down shirts and polo shirts, which emphasize the chest without clinging too tightly to the midsection.
- Bottoms should be straight or slightly tapered, avoiding overly tight or loose fits. Tailored trousers and straight-cut jeans are excellent choices.
- Darker shades such as navy, charcoal, and black can create a slimming effect. Vertical stripes are beneficial for elongating the appearance. It’s advisable to avoid large, bold patterns around the midsection.
- Structured jackets and blazers that cinch at the waist are ideal. They help create a more defined silhouette. Avoid boxy styles.
- A well-chosen belt can redefine the waistline. Shoes with a slight heel can subtly elongate the silhouette. Keep jewelry simple and streamlined.
Final Words
In general, finding a suitable dress for your body shape will create a more balanced visual beauty. We are doing this just to enhance your confidence and let you love your outer look. If you are already confident with who you are and what you look like, just be yourself and wear whatever you prefer!
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