How to Dress for Your Body Type: A Practical Guide

In fashion, trends change quickly. However, one style secret remains timeless: dressing for your body type.

This approach celebrates your unique shape rather than changing who you are. Understanding your body shape helps you create a flattering wardrobe.

Here are tips for the five most common body types.

1. The Hourglass: Curves in All the Right Places

Traits: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist.

Style Strategy: Highlight your waist! Wrap dresses and belted tops work well. High-waisted trousers and fit-and-flare dresses are also great choices. Avoid boxy styles that hide your shape.

Style Tip: Choose structured jackets that nip at the waist. Opt for body-hugging fabrics but avoid anything too tight.

2. The Pear Shape: Hips Don’t Lie

Traits: Hips wider than the bust, often with a defined waist.

Style Strategy: Balance is key here. Use statement necklines or bold earrings to draw attention upwards. A-line skirts and wide-leg pants flow nicely over the hips.

Style Tip: Jackets ending above the hip elongate legs and balance your silhouette beautifully.

3. The Apple Shape: Strong, Centered Silhouette

Traits: Volume around the midsection with a fuller bust and slimmer hips.

Style Strategy: Focus on elongation with empire waist dresses and V-necks. Tops that skim rather than cling will work wonders. Avoid clingy fabrics around the tummy area.

Style Tip: Longline blazers or vests add length and definition to your look.

4. The Rectangle: Sporty and Straight

Traits: Bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements.

Style Strategy: Create curves through clever styling techniques. Ruffles, peplum tops, and ruched details add dimension to outfits. Belted dresses and high-rise jeans help define the waist.

Style Tip: Layering is effective—try crop jackets over flowy skirts for added shape.

5. The Inverted Triangle: Power on Top

Traits: Broad shoulders or bust with narrower hips.

Style Strategy: Soften the top while building out the lower half of your silhouette. Scoop necks paired with fuller skirts or wide-leg pants can help balance proportions effectively.

Style Tip: Wear prints on the bottom and solids on top to draw attention downward.

Bonus: Dressing Beyond Shape

These categories provide guidance, but every body is unique. Height, posture, and confidence also influence how an outfit looks on you.

Universal Style Rules That Work for Everyone:

Tailoring is essential; even expensive clothes can fall flat if they don’t fit right.
Wear what makes you feel powerful—whether it’s heels or sneakers.
Invest in staples like great jeans, a little black dress, a crisp white shirt, and comfortable shoes for any wardrobe.