Dress Your Best: Ideal Outfits For Each Body Type
Figuring out what to wear doesn't have to be stressful. Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, so finding the right clothing items can be a handful. Luckily, whether you are pear-shaped, hourglass, petite, or more, there are dozens of pieces made to fit your body. Continue reading to see what will look best on you.
Are You Apple-Shaped?
Someone who has an apple-shaped body will be curvy, but have a less defined waist. Another way to put it is if your body is mostly round or circular.
These people will have an average to big bust size, a wide ribcage and back, fullness around the mid-section, and narrow hips.
V-Necks Are Perfect For Apple-Shaped Bodies
People who are apple-shaped may have trouble finding clothes that fit them well or show off their good features.
One of the best clothing items for people with apple-shaped bodies is V-neck tops. V-necks reveal your collarbone, which helps break up a uniformly shaped top half. Remember not to get it oversized because it should fit close to your body without being overly tight.
Apple-Shaped People Should Get Belts
Apple-shaped bodies are known for not having a defined waist, but there are clothing items that can make it look as though you do.
Consider adding belts to your wardrobe. They can cinch your waist in a dress, skirt, long jacket, or high-rise pants. Also, before buying a belt, think about how it will look with your shoes.
What To Know If You Are Pear-Shaped
The key factors that determine if someone is pear-shaped are if their hips are broader than their shoulders and they have a triangular frame.
Some other characteristics include wide thighs and a defined and narrow waist. Some celebrities who are considered pear-shaped include America Ferrera, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. There are many outfits that look great on pear shapes.
Pear Shapes Should Go For Boat-Neck Shirts
A boat neck is a wide neckline that runs horizontally across the front and back. It should hit along the shoulder points across the collarbone.
Wearing a top with a boat neckline is perfect for those with pear-shaped bodies because the horizontal neckline broadens your shoulders. One helpful tip is to get one that has an eye-catching detail such as puffy sleeves.
Pear-Shaped Bodies Look Great In Cropped Jackets
Jackets can be a frustrating item for people with pear-shaped bodies because they can take away from defining features.
Cropped jackets are the way to go for pear shapes. They should hit above your waistline to avoid adding fabric at the hip. Try getting one in a patterned or textured fabric to draw the eye up.
How To Tell If You Have An Hourglass Body
Hourglass bodies are often considered the most desired body type. The key features in an hourglass body include shoulders and hips that are balanced and a defined waist.
Someone who has an hourglass body isn't necessarily super skinny. They will most likely have a larger bust, bottom, and may be described as curvy.
Hourglass Bodies Should Embrace Keyhole Tops
Keyhole tops are sometimes referred to as a peekaboo neckline and are often a way for women to show off their sexy side.
They are designed to accentuate your curves without being too revealing and will often have slits or straps above the bust area. They are similar to halter neck where converging diagonals of the neckline meet at the front.
Hourglass Bodies Should Slip Into A Jumpsuit
One of the best outfits for those with hourglass bodies are jumpsuits. They are designed to show off your curves and add volume to your lower half.
It's important to purchase a jumpsuit that fits your body well. Jumpsuits also look great when paired with a blazer or high heels.
What's An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?
Another body shape to be aware of is the inverted triangle. This is someone who has shoulders that are broader than their hips.
Other factors of an inverted triangle body shape include a larger bust and narrow hips and waist. An easy way to picture this is to place an upside down triangle going from your shoulders to your hips.
Inverted Triangle Bodies Should Rock Scoop-Necks
If you have an inverted triangle body shape, then one of the best tops for you is a scoop-neck. These tops can make your collarbone the focal point of your top half and take away attention from your shoulders.
The main way to tell if a neckline is scooped is if the neckline is rounded and lower than most traditional T-shirts.
Chunky Heels Are Fabulous On Inverted Triangles
Those who have an inverted triangle body shape need clothing items that accentuate their lower half. One of them can be chunky heels.
Whether they are booties, wedges, or something entirely different, chunky heels allow the bottom half to look a lot narrower. These can be paired with some cropped pants or glitzy bracelets.
The Details Of A Rectangle Body Shape
Similar to the shape of a rectangle, someone with a rectangular body will have a straight build. People with a rectangle body shape will usually be described as athletic.
Their shoulders, bust, and hip measurements are all about the same and they will have a straight waist. Some celebrities who have a rectangular body shape include Cameron Diaz and Anne Hathaway.
Vests Are A Statement For Rectangle Shapes
Since people with rectangular-shaped bodies don't have too many curves, they need clothing pieces that are able to accentuate them.
Vests can add an edge to any look and help draw the eye to the upper body. When wearing a vest, it's best to be minimal with the accessories.
The Ins And Outs Of A Petite Body
While petite people come in all shapes and sizes, the key factor for someone who qualifies as petite is if they are five feet and three inches or under.
However, height is not the overall indicator. Someone who is over five feet and three inches may have a shorter inseam on the top or bottom and wear a regular size for the other part of their body.
Petite People Should Rely On Three-Quarter Sleeves
While three-quarter sleeves are a shorter sleeve than long sleeves, they are actually designed to make your arms appear longer.
The key for clothing items for petite people is to get tops and bottoms that will make them appear taller or longer. A three-quarter sleeve top can be paired with some pants and high heels for a full look.
Things To Know For Tall Bodies
Many tall people may struggle with finding clothing that fits them right. Sleeves and pant legs are usually too short, which can give off a goofy look.
Someone considered to have a tall body shape will usually be five feet and nine inches or taller with an inseam at or greater than 32 inches.
Tall People Can Show Off Their Legs In High-Waisted Jeans
Some tall people may be weary of high-waisted jeans because the legs on the jeans may be shorter than average.
High-waisted jeans are actually designed to lengthen your legs and define your waistline, which can be hard to find in other styles of jeans. High-waisted flared or high-waisted straight are the best designs to choose.
Creating A Look For Plus Size Bodies
One of the most common body shapes in the United States is plus size. In the fashion industry, plus size is someone who wears a size 18 or over, which start at 1X.
Someone who has a plus-size body may find clothing to be limiting. However, there are numerous options perfect for this body.
Midi Skirts Elongate A Plus Size Body
While being plus size may seem limiting, there are so many clothing options available. One look to try is a midi skirt.
It gets its name because it's longer than a mini skirt and shorter than a maxi skirt. Midi skirts elongate the body to make you look taller. Try pairing them with a scoop-neck blouse and heels.
