Customers have been asking for advice on body shapes and picking clothes that fit and flatter their figures, so we thought we’d round up some tips to help shoppers out.
There are five main body shapes: apple, inverted triangle, pear, hourglass and rectangle, but it’s really tricky determining which one best represents your figure. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a little guide to body types, alongside some styling suggestions and product recommendations.
We hope you find this post helpful, but, as always, it’s all about wearing what makes YOU feel confident and comfortable.
What To Wear As A Pear Shape
If your bust and shoulders are narrower than your hips, you’re likely a pear shape. For those who are smaller up top and curvier below, I’d recommend adding volume to your upper body. Think structured sleeves, printed blouses and colourful tops, and choose fits that hug and accentuate your waist while skimming over your hip area.
You might also find tight bottoms and skinny jeans don’t flatter your figure, whereas flowy skirts and high-rise flared trousers do.
How To Style An Apple
Figure-skimming styles and straight or flowy dresses work wonders for apple-shaped figures, which typically have a larger bust, narrow hips and a fuller tummy area. Clothes that add volume to your hips (and legs) to balance out the upper body are also really flattering for this body type. For example, wide-leg trousers, mid-rise flares and A-line skirts are all good picks.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to add definition to your waist and create curves, opt for wrap styles or dresses which come with adjustable belts – especially those with flowy or flared sleeves, too!
A Guide To Hourglasses
Are your bust and hips roughly the same width? Hello, hourglass! Ladies with hourglass figures tend to have smaller and more defined waists, too, as well as fuller thighs. My top tips? Pay attention to your silhouette and pick clothes which closely follow the shape of (and highlight) your curves.
When shopping for clothes, skip boxy fits or shapeless items (like shift dresses), and instead opt for figure-hugging pieces that naturally accentuate the waist – or simply add a belt to achieve this! Wrap dresses are particularly flattering on hourglasses, as are pieces with off-shoulder or sweetheart necklines.
How To Dress An Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangles (also known as strawberry shapes) have wider shoulders compared to their smaller waists and hips. I’d focus on the lower body, choosing pleated skirts or bootcut jeans to add volume to the hip area. Layered, A-line or tulip skirts are also great choices, as well as shift dresses and fit-and-flare styles.
For your upper body, I’d pick fitted options in darker colours – like a flattering wrap top or blouse. Deep necklines are your friend, particularly v-neck, scoop or even asymmetric ones.
Rectangle Shape Styling Advice
Women with hips and busts of roughly the same width (and little waist definition) are considered rectangle-shaped. Try to add volume to your upper and lower body – keep an eye out for shirts and dresses with attention-catching details, like ruffles, bows or fun textures.
Or, you can focus more on defining the waist by wearing fit-and-flare styles and avoiding loose and boxy shapes. You can also use belts to create curves – either add one to an existing outfit or get your hands on some belted tops or dresses.
