Have you ever stood before your closet and felt like you had nothing to wear, even though it was bursting at the seams? Of course, you must adhere to a dress code appropriate for your body type. Don't be afraid! In this guide, we've listed tips to help you look and feel good in any outfit.
Know your body type
Before diving into your wardrobe, knowing your body type is essential. We aim not to place you into a specific category like apple or pear but to identify your natural curves and proportions.
Hourglass: If your shoulders and hips are about the same width and your waist is defined, congratulations! You are an hourglass. Choose clothing that draws attention to your waist and use embellishments like a belt or a custom-made dress that fits your natural shape to accentuate and accentuate your body.
Pear Shape: If your hips are wider than your shoulders, you have a pear shape. Wear a statement top, choose an A-line skirt or wide-leg pants to draw attention to your upper body and balance your proportions.
Apple: Apples have broader shoulders and a fuller belly. Wear a high-waisted dress or top with bootcut or straight-leg pants to accentuate your legs and define your waist.
Rectangle: If the shoulders, waist, and hips are equally broad, they are rectangles. Choose garments that flatter your waist, such as ruffled tops or wrap skirts, to create the illusion of curves.
Use your assets
Now that you've identified your body type, it's time to celebrate your unique features. Think of your favourite costume as a superhero cape that accentuates your strengths.
Show off your legs: If you love your legs, show them off! A miniskirt, shorts or a dress with a slightly higher hem can be your first choice. Remember to keep it stylish without being flashy.
Emphasis on the waist: A defined waist is always on trend. Use a belt, bodycon dress or top that tapers in the middle to accentuate your waist for an instant hourglass effect.
Focus on the neckline: Whether you have a long, elegant neck or beautiful collarbones, draw attention upward with a V-neck, scoop neck, or off-the-shoulder top; this is a simple trick that will enhance your overall look.
Play with proportions: If you like to experiment with fashion, play with proportions. For example, if you have a petite upper body, try an oversized top with fitted bottoms, or vice versa.
Choose the right profile
Now that you're familiar with your unique features let's talk about the importance of silhouette. The proper cut can make a difference. So, let's break it down for each body type.
Hourglass Shape: Accentuate your curves with bodycon tops and waist-flattering dresses. A-line skirts and wide-leg pants can balance your proportions well.
Pear Shape: If you have a pear shape, choose a coat that adds volume to your upper body, such as statement sleeves or a boat neckline. Pair it with low-rise garments with a soft flare, such as wide-leg pants or A-line skirts, to create a harmonious balance in your overall silhouette.
Apple: Create a more defined waist with wrap dresses, high-waisted tops and ruffled styles. The flowing fabric allows for more movement without clinging to the abdomen.
Rectangle: Pair with a ruffled top, wrap dress or belt. Choose bottoms with texture, pattern or detailing to add dimension to your silhouette. Don't forget about comfort:
While looking good is essential, it's equally important to feel good. Feel free to combine style and comfort to create a winning combination.
Choose fabrics wisely: Choose breathable, comfortable fabrics that move with your body. Your best friends are cotton, jersey and blend with a little stretch.
Check the fit: No matter your body shape, ill-fitting clothes can ruin your overall appearance. Pay attention to whether your clothes fit you well - not tight, not baggy, but just right.
Try layering: Layering is excellent for winter and can add depth and interest to any outfit. Wear a stylish jacket or cardigan to enhance your look while staying comfortable.
Innovative Accessories: Accessories can transform an entire look, but choose them wisely. Statement earrings, a scarf or a stylish handbag, can be the perfect finishing touch without sacrificing comfort.
Strategic use of pattern and colour
Patterns and colours can be practical tools for highlighting or downplaying certain body parts. Use them strategically to create optical illusions and flatter your figure.
Vertical Stripes: To elongate your silhouette, use vertical stripes. They draw the eye up and down, creating the illusion of height. Vertical stripes are very flattering on petite people or those with rectangular body shapes.
Dark Slimming: Dark colours have a slimming effect and are an excellent choice for areas you want to lighten. Consider wearing dark-coloured bottoms to minimize attention to your hips or thighs. A fitted black dress is also a timeless choice for a stylish and sophisticated look.
Define blocks of colour: Try using blocks of colour to define your shapes. Use contrasting colours to accentuate your waist or create curves. For example, a darker dress on the sides and a lighter one in the middle can give the impression of a more pronounced hourglass figure.
Print placement: Pay attention to where the pattern is placed on the garment. For example, if you have a pear-shaped figure, consider a print on your upper body to draw attention away from your hips. Focus on the print at the bottom of the garment to create an apple-shaped figure that balances body proportions.
The tailor is your friend
Off-the-shelf clothing can sometimes only fit each person's body shape. Don't hesitate to invest in tailoring to ensure your clothes fit perfectly and flatter your figure.
Guiding and ruching: Tailoring can help create a custom fit by adding cuts or ruching in the right places. If you find a dress or top that you like but doesn't flatter your waist too much, an experienced tailor can work wonders.
The right length of hemming: The length of your garment can significantly affect your overall appearance. Whether it's trousers, skirts or sleeves - the art of tailoring ensures everything fits your body, making you look elegant.
Adjust the Neckline: Sometimes, a slight change in the neckline can make a big difference. A tailor can help you alter the neckline of your dress or top to fit your body shape and accentuate your facial features.
Adjust Sleeves: Sleeve length and style can affect the proportions of your arms. With tailoring, you can customize the sleeve length or change the width for a more flattering look, especially if you have specific preferences or insecurities.
Conclusion:
Decorating yourself according to your body type goes beyond strict rules; it's about knowing what best accentuates your unique features. Enjoy the uniqueness of your body, try out different fashion styles, and, most importantly, show confidence in what you wear. These top tips allow you to conquer your wardrobe and step out in style!