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Listen, I know that me getting dressed each day and sharing outfits doesn’t always translate because not everyone is built the same way I am. This isn’t lost on me when it comes to personal style. And the same can be said for when I am designing capsules and personally styling women of ALL shapes and sizes. That being said, I don’t think I’ve done the best job making sure to SHOW you how that works when it comes to what I write here and share regularly on social. That’s not because I don’t want to, it’s largely because the work I do has been virtual and not everyone wants to send me pictures of how things look on them that they are comfortable with me sharing!! And I respect that 100%. That being said, I am going to be making an effort to share examples of more bodies than just my own moving forward. Since I can’t snap my fingers and make that happen overnight, I am going to give you all some tips and tricks to styling your body type that will give you that flattering, confident feeling!
GUIDELINES FOR DRESSING AN APPLE SHAPE
When it comes to styling the apple shape, life is sweet! Apple and inverted triangle shapes look best when playing up their full bust, their amazing legs and/or their arms. In general, silhouettes that don’t rely on a traditionally structured waistline are your hardest working pieces. So, finding ways to take the attention away from the midsection is what we are going after. Here’s a fun way to do that: A peplum waistline top, with a puff sleeve to draw the eye up, a great pair of high waisted cutoffs with ample stretch, and a fun sandal. Done and done!
GUIDELINES FOR DRESSING A PEAR SHAPE
The name of the game is playing with proportions that elongate the body. Pear shapes look fabulous in statement tops that draw the eye upward and highlight the waist, back, or neckline. Deep v-necks and tops with strong shoulders area great way to draw the eye up. Pair that with a nice pair of high waisted jeans that don’t pinch but highlight the tiny waist and a wedge shoe with a kimono and you are ready to rock!
GUIDELINES FOR DRESSING AN ATHLETIC SHAPE
The key to dressing an athletic or rectangular shape is to balance your broad upper half by accentuating your legs and other curves. It’s all about remembering the athletic shape rule of thumb: Keep the volume on top OR the bottom, not both. This is my body type so paying close attention to proportion is key! In this example, you see a straight leg jean and a top with volume to create some “curve” up top but not on the bottom. You just have to pick one!
GUIDELINES FOR DRESSING AN HOURGLASS SHAPE
The key to dressing an hourglass shape is two-fold: 1) define your waist and 2) show off your lovely lady shape. You have amazing curves—it’s time to embrace them in body-hugging silhouettes and pieces that hit you in all the right places. A body suit or tighter tank with some high waisted shorts with a pleat are going to be a great summer option for you!
At the end of the day, it’s just about understanding how to best flatter the figure and we can do it in different ways depending on yours ;) Hope this helped shed some light on how you can find the right pieces for your wardrobe. If you are on the hint for even more flattering ideas for your body type, my capsule is literally chock full of them along with a more beefy body style guide for further support. Grab it HERE!
Chic of the Week:
While a one shoulder top isn't for every body type, these pants most certainly are! They are flattering on everyone, come in all sizes, and heights, and have the smoothest, high waist! And if you love this look but don't dig the one shoulder top, you can sub in whatever black top makes the most sense for your body type. You can shop the look by clicking on the image!
