Do you dread the change rooms and trying on clothes? Then maybe you’re not shopping for your body type. Countless people are oblivious to the fact that there are individual styles of clothing that might look excellent on one body type, but do not fit or have the same effect on another body type. 

How do you determine your body type? Well, body type is the outline of your structure, so understanding your body type helps with finding outfits that fit your body and match your style personality. You want to pick clothes that enhance your beauty and sit properly on your body proportions. Short, tall, slender, curvy, athletic, etc. does not play a factor in your body type. It’s your body parts and your genetic makeup that do. Every single one of us has a distinct shape, yet our body type involves so much more. 

As difficult as it can be to admit, it’s essential to realize that not all clothing trends are going to work on your body. To make dressing your shape easier, you need to know the styles that look good on your and adapt patterns to make your style. The point is if you feel great and confident in what you’re wearing, you will look great! 

Before you can dress your body type, you need to determine what your body type is. There are five main categories for body type: straight, hourglass, apple, pear, and triangle. Everyone’s body makeup will range in shape and size, but these five types are the beginning of discovering how to dress for your body shape.  Once, you understand your body shape, finding the pieces that will flatter your figure will be natural. 

Knowing Your Body Shape

There are three vital measurements to understand when dressing your body: shoulders, waist, and hips. The difference between these measurements will determine your body shape. When you know your body shape, the key to flattering your figure will be to emphasize those curves by balancing your proportions and creating vertical lines. 

Straight Body Type

A straight body type is determined when the waist is about the same as the hips and shoulders. A straight body type is sometimes referred to as the “boyish” body type.  With a straight body type, you will want to accentuate a waist by adding volume to the top and bottom to break up your silhouette. Key pieces that would accentuate this body type are fit and flare, swing skirts, wide-leg pants, and peplum tops. 

Hourglass Body Type

An hourglass body type is defined when your hip and bust measurements are almost equal in size, and your waist is narrower. Hourglass shapes tend to be curvy on the top and bottom. With an hourglass shape, you want to play up your curves by highlighting your size. Avoid clothing that makes you look boxy. You have the curves and should show them off. A key piece that accentuated the hourglass body type is belted dresses and jackets, pencil skirts, high waist pants, and off the shoulder tops. 

Apple Body Type

An apple body shape is a figure when you have a more substantial upper body in comparison to your lower body. With an apple body type, you usually have broad shoulders and a more prominent bust line. Therefore it might feel like weight all gather around the midriff. When dressing your apple shape, you want to highlight shoulder and legs and minimize the focus on your midsection. Key pieces that will help accentuate an apple body type are shift dresses, swing coats, tunics, dramatic sleeve tops, and maxi dresses. 

Pear Body Type

A pear-shaped body type, usually your butt and thighs are more significant than your upper body, shoulders are narrow, and hips are more full. With a pear-shaped body, you can create the illusion of an hourglass figure if dressing correctly. When covering the pear figure, you need to strike a balance.  Key pieces to accentuate this body type are regular or plus size two-piece sets, jackets, A-line skirts, and bootcut or flare pants.

Triangle Body Type

A triangle body type is the most athletic body type. Your shoulders are broader than your hips. With the triangle figure, you want to enhance and add definition to your hips and create curves by drawing the eye to your waist and hips. Key pieces that will accentuate that triangle body type are skinny jeans, full skirt, scoop, and V-neck tops, and long vests. 

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot of information about dressing your body, but having a general idea of your body type and what styles and trend will work for your figure is useful for helping you comfortably dress for your body type and feel beautiful and confident. Clothes that highlight all the right places on your body to give you that boost of confidence!