I’m scrolling Facebook one day and I see a meme that says “Don’t dress like the body you want, dress like the body you have. You can’t dress like Beyoncé if you’re shaped like Rick Ross!” Well, why can’t you?! What if I want a Rick Ross body and I feel like dressing like Beyoncé? I would rather not have a Rick Ross body, but you see where I’m going with this. It’s possible to dress like the body you want while properly dressing the body you have. When styling all shapes, creating a balance and a flattering fit are the ultimate goals.
I researched seven common and not so common body shapes to help you achieve the look you want while complimenting your body and highlighting your best or favorite features. Break rules if you want but make it work in your favor. Everyone is different. You might be a combination of shapes. Mix and match these tips until you find what works for you.
Hourglass
Those with hourglass shapes are well-proportioned with a defined waist and curvy hips and butt. Place your focus on highlighting your waist and those big ole pretty legs the church ladies used to tell you about.
TOPS
- Choose V-neck or boat neck tees
- Clingy is great for dresses and tops
- Wrap tops and dresses that accentuate the waist
- Peplum
- Trench coats and fitted blazers
BOTTOMS
- Pencil skirts
- High waist jeans without extra details along hips
- Jumpsuits
AVOID boxy styles and anything flowy. When in doubt, skinny belt it.
Figure 8
This is me! The larger version of the hourglass with shoulders and hips equally wide, a narrow, short waist, and weight carried in the high hips and tummy. Follow the same rules as the hourglass.
Triangle
Also known as pear shaped, triangle girls are smaller in the shoulders and bust compared to their thighs and hips. Find a balance by making your upper body look similar in size to your hips, creating an hour glass illusion.
TOPS
- Ruffle shoulders, puffy sleeves, and small shoulder pads
- Cowl necks
- Bold or light prints that draw attention to your upper body
- Statement necklaces
AVOID flowy tops and dresses, as they are not flattering!
BOTTOMS
- Boot cut, kick flare, and flared denim
- Flat front pants
- If skinny jeans are your preference, they are best paired with long A-line tunics.
- Gap-free bottoms
AVOID pencil, straight, and mini-skirts, unless paired with peplum. Do wear A-line dresses, fit & flare and dresses with a detailed top and sleek lower half.
Oval
Oval, or apple, shaped ladies carry most of their weight in their stomach. Their hips are narrow and waist undefined, with slim arms and legs. Unless, you’ve developed your apple overtime *raises hand*. If this is you, your goal is to highlight your legs and arms. It is ideal for you to dress in layers. Try pairing a feminine blazer with a loose-fitting top and skinny denim.
TOPS
- Swing tops
- Empire waists where the waist starts right at the bra band, creating a waistline
- Peplum tops with empire waist
- Relaxed fit tees and V-necks to draw the eye up
BOTTOMS
- Bootcut Denim
- Straight Denim
- Boyfriend Denim
AVOID bodycon! If you must, invest in exceptional undergarments. Do wear swing and baby doll dresses.
Inverted Triangle
Inverted or upside down triangle shapes typically have broad shoulders and narrow hips with a slightly defined waist. The goal is to draw attention to your created waistline and away from your shoulders.
TOPS
- Little to no patterns
- Ruching or a cinched waist
- Tops that flare just above the hips, giving them shape
- You guessed it! Peplum
BOTTOMS
- Full, mermaid and peasant skirts add volume to your hips and thighs
- Flared, wide-leg and cargo pants
AVOID tops with ruffles or embellishments at the shoulders and shoulder pads. Pencil, maxi and mini skirts, unless paired with peplum and anything strapless will make your shoulders appear wider.
Rectangle
Straight up and down! Rectangles are small in the bust and hips with an undefined waist. Often referred to as “boxy”. I’ve heard rectangle ladies wish for curves but when it comes to styling y’all are the easiest. You can wear pretty much anything. The goal is to highlight your legs and create a waist, if you want.
TOPS
- Bold prints
- Tiered
- Peplum 😊
- Ruffled tops
- Crop tops
- Oversized tops to add volume and create shape
Ladies with short torsos should choose tops that extend to the hip or butt. Tops that sit at or above your hips work best for long torsos.
BOTTOMS
- Low or medium-rise denim
- Skinny jeans
- To add shape, flared or wide leg pants
- Skirts with fitted waist
- Maxi dresses and skirts are your friend
- Bubble, flared and pleated skirts add volume to hips
- Long dresses or skirts with high slits
- Short dresses or skirts
Diamond
Precious and rare, you are! Your hips are broad compared to your bust and shoulders. Most of your waist is carried in your stomach, back, hips, thighs, waist and butt. Your waist is undefined and wide. Your goal is to highlight your slender arms and nice calves.
TOPS
- Boat neck and wide neck tees
- Off the shoulder
- Flutter sleeves
- Shoulder pads
- Anything full and flowy around your bust
BOTTOMS
- Dark colored denim or pants
- Straight pants with simple pockets
- Straight and A-line skirts
This maybe slightly overwhelming but you can come back and visit as you wish and ask me all the questions you want. If you’re worried about finding clothing for your type, Old Navy has a “Shop By Shape” category that makes for easy shopping and idea finding.
If you wish, comment your tips and suggestions below and don’t forget to subscribe. As always, thank you for your love and support.
Shauna Madonna 