HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE
Whatever your dress size
whether you’re pencil slim or a more curvaceous babe, we all have different body shapes. Perhaps you’re a Strawberry, an Apple or maybe a Pear Body Shape but one thing’s for sure – to look good, it’s important to understand what your body shape is and how to shop for the right clothes with it then in mind. I can help you with this and it forms the foundation of my shopping services.
How do you decide which Body Shape you are? It’s by simply working out your proportions, all you need is a mirror and you’re all set. Look closely at yourself and notice whether your hips, waist and chest are in or out of proportion with each other.
- A Pear body shape would have a larger hip area to chest but have a defined waist.
- An Apple body shape would show little difference between the measurements at the top and bottom, or might even have a larger waist.
- A Strawberry body shape is wider at the top half to bottom half, but has a defined waist.
- An Hourglass body shape has equal proportions at the top and bottom and a smaller waist.
- A Slender body shape is more athletic with not such defined proportions.
Using Pear Body Shape as an example, let me explain how I shop and use tricks and illusion to help really flatter this common body shape.
- Pear Body Shape is also known as the Triangle Body Shape – not in proportion. Wider hips and thighs with narrower shoulders and a defined waist. Think Kim K as an extreme example!
- Famous Pear Body Shape personalities are: Beyoncé, Shakira and Rhianna.
My 5 top tips to dress a Pear Body Shape
1. Bright colours for top, dark colours for bottom
create balance and proportion.
2. Fabulous coats and jackets
will always balance out the proportions of a Pear Body Shape so go for it!
3. Find a good tailor
Well-fitting trousers and skirts are incredibly important – for example imagine crease or fabric stretch marks across hips because they don’t fit well, this draws the eye downwards and creates width you don’t want. Go a size bigger and get the waist taken in.
4. Layers
these add volume to the top and therefore balance, so think cleverly – layer a thin jacket over a thicker one, use scarves, cardigans, etc. Be creative.
5. Dresses
should be A-line or Maxi, these are just amazing on a Pear Body Shape. Be brave with colour and patterns and add accessories up top to draw the eye. It’s all about illusion!
My fave summer item for Pear shaped clients is a shirt dress
Amazing on a Pear shape; best friend in summer. It skims over the hips, draws in at the waist and the collar and button details create the necessary balance and volume up top. Keep your eyes peeled for one you like! This striking red shirt dress is from Proenza Schouler at MyTheresa.
Showing clients real results is such a pleasure.
It might seem obvious but when we go shopping, it’s easy to forget simple rules and grab at clothes just because you’re drawn to the colour or print, not really looking more objectively at the style, shape and fabric. Hopefully some of these tips will steer you in the right direction, keep you on course and save impulse, wasteful purchases. Embrace your body shape, accept it, enjoy it! Know how to shop for the best clothes to flatter you whether you’re Apple, Hourglass, Strawberry, Slender or Pear Body Shape.
It might seem obvious but when we go shopping, it’s easy to forget simple rules and grab at clothes just because you’re drawn to the colour or print, not really looking more objectively at the style, shape and fabric. Hopefully some of these tips will steer you in the right direction, keep you on course and save impulse, wasteful purchases. Embrace your body shape, accept it, enjoy it! Know how to shop for the best clothes to flatter you whether you’re Apple, Hourglass, Strawberry, Slender or Pear Body Shape.
Still confused? Contact me for advice with all style and body shape related questions. I’d love to hear from you! Click here
More body shape blogs coming soon…