How to Dress Your Body Type

What’s the new trend? How about a peplum top? Ever wondered why it looked great on some women and probably not so good on others? Well this post will not only help you understand this problem, but give you all the solutions you need!

So here’s the issue with going for the new trends. Don’t go for it unless you KNOW you can rock it! The peplum top? Sure the design is modern and hip, but you’d be surprised to know it doesn’t complement every woman’s body shape. “So how do I know what trends to go after or not?” you ask. Firstly, you need to be able to identify your body type. There are four basic body types women have. I’ve listed them below with brief descriptions.

• Apple: You typically have broader shoulders and slender legs. This body type resembles that of an inverted triangle. You commonly have a bigger upper body and a smaller lower body. Because you have nicer, sculpted legs, your first instinct would be to go ahead and show them off. This is where this body type can go wrong with dressing. We’ll fix this in a moment.
• Pear: Your top half is smaller than the lower half of your body. Typically a smaller bust with wider hips. Most of your weight shifts to the bottom. You have a nice feminine appeal due to your shapely legs. Wearing fitted bottoms would do your shape justice, but doing the same with tops could throw off your body’s balance. You’ll be dressed in a minute.
• Hourglass: Big bust, slim waist, and curvy hips makes you the creme de la creme of feminine body types. You are well proportioned and a fun fact, you have a higher chance of obtaining a healthy lifestyle. You can pull off nearly any trend. Only problem is, you tend to show off too much, giving away all your curves. Your solution is on the way.
• Box: You have a slender and athletic build. To be completely honest, you’re the easiest to dress! You naturally have a sporty look so you may tend to go for fitted tops and bottoms. Common pitfall. You need to add softness to your shape. You may be missing some curves you’re craving. Don’t worry, we’ll work it out. 

The ultimate goal for finding the right garments for your body type is to successfully balance yourself. Top heavy? Add fullness to the bottom. Bottom heavy? Add fullness to the top! Angular? Add softness. Too soft? Add structure. the list goes on and on about how to make just about any garment work for your body type. Here are some good fashion tips and tricks to make any trend work in your favor!

• Apple: You look great in cowl necks and deep V-necks that help minimize a stronger upper body. You want to amplify your lower half to match the fullness of your upper body. Choose wide-leg pants or long skirts to create balance. As a general rule, look for flowy, full-bodied pants and skirts that make your lower body look bigger. Wear flashy shoes to attract attention to your lower half. Avoid wearing necklaces so you won’t put the attention up top. Wear darker tops and brighter bottoms to help balance each other out. And yes, even your purse matters. Wear your larger bags at your side on in the fold of your arms versus on your shoulder so you won’t add volume where it’s not wanted!
  
• Pear: Three-quarter sleeves, wide scoop necks, and one-shoulder tops all look great on you. Try cardigans an cropped jackets to meet right at the waistline. Boot-cut pants are best for your body. For skirts and dresses, try a classic A-line cut that insinuates your curves and hugs your trim waist. Avoid high waisted bottoms. They’re made for filling out not so curvy ladies. Draw the eye up with bright colors. Wear brighter colors and prints up top. Wear all the flashy jewelry you have to bring all the focus on your upper body. Keep darker colors on the bottom. 
• Hourglass: Simplicity is key for you. Avoid layering, and look for waist belts that help define your tiny waist. Choose jackets that nip in at the waist and flair out, like a peplum jacket. You look best in skirts that stop at or below the knee, not above it. Pencil skirts look great on you, as do bootleg pants and skinny jeans. Not too tight or you’ll actually lose your curves. Keep it simple with solid colors. Prints can disguise your figure, rather than highlight it. The same goes for fabrics. Avoid extra fabric and draping, and opt for a bit of stretch. The sexiness is in seeing the curves, not giving them away.
• Box: Complement your natural lines with asymmetrical or rounded hemlines, and ruffle details. Halters look great on you. Remember, you’re trying to feminize your athletic build. Steer clear of boxy tops and bottoms. High-waist pants look fantastic on you, as do wide leg trousers. Both add curves and volume to your lower body. For a more ladylike look, a nice wrap-dress can gives you some drape and draw angles across the body. Use fabrics and prints to add softness and femininity to your look. Go for lightweight fabrics like silk and lace, especially ones with natural draping. Embellished shirts add softness and give your body a bit more, well, body.

Never mind what I said earlier. Any and every trend is for anyone, as long as you KNOW how to rock it! Now that you know your body type and how to complement it, try that one trend you thought you could never pull off. Your body is perfect, regardless of how it’s shaped. Clothes won’t make or break you. Now embrace your inner stylist and help out  the next peplum top that isn’t being worn to its best abilities!