Monday, February 19, 2024

Do you know what's most flattering on your body shape?

                 

We've all been there ... saw a great looking outfit in a store display, tried on those same pieces and then hated the results!  Could you figure out why those pieces were not flattering on you??  I think learning a few tips to help you know your body shape and a few tricks for dressing that body shape will help us all find outfits we love.  Can you determine your shape by reading the descriptions below??  If you are unsure, check this body shape calculator link here.

Body Shapes in Fashion

Apple - Fuller bust and waist, carries most weight in upper body with slimmer legs.

Pear (Triangle) - bust is narrower than hips, defined waist, carries more weight in hips, butt and thighs.

Straight (Rectangle) - bust, waist and hips are all similar width. No real curves.

Carrot (inverted triangle)- shoulders are widest part, waist not defined, narrower hips.

Hourglass - bust and hips similar width with a narrower waist. 



Apple Body Shape Style Tips- the key to styling an apple body shape is to accent the legs and bust areas, while creating a more defined waist and a balanced silhouette.

    *Best Tops - V-neck styles, empire waist styles, peplum tops, wrap style tops and long line cardigans & coats.

    *Best Bottoms- Boot cut jeans and pants with a midrise, a line skirts, straight leg trousers.

If you are an apple shape read more here about do's and don'ts, plus tips on jacket styles, accessories, outerwear and more.


Pear Body Shape Style Tips- the key to styling a pear body shape is to bring balance to your look.  Focus on waist definition, shoulder widening sleeve details and wider necklines.  Brighter colors and stripes or patterns on the upper body (instead of the lower body) will help with balance too.

    *Best Tops - brighter colors, sleeve and shoulder details like pouf or ruffles, stripes or patterns, boat or sweetheart necklines, off the shoulder or tie strap shoulders.  Crop length jackets and cardigans with shoulder pads will widen the shoulders and accent your waist.

    *Best Bottoms- Boot cut jeans and pants with a higher rise, a line skirts, straight leg trousers.  Remember darker washes in jeans and pants will be most figure flattering.

If you are a pear shape read more here about styling your shape, plus tips on jacket and dress styles, accessories, outerwear and more.


Straight (Rectangle) Body Shape Style Tips -  the key to styling a straight (rectangle) body shape is to bring balance to your look.  Focus on waist definition and drawing the eye in toward the center of the body.

    *Best Tops - peplum styles, wrap styles and V necklines are all great. Avoid overly boxy shapes and loose fits, instead look for more tailored shaping and ruching to define a waistline.

    *Best Bottoms- Boot cut jeans and pants with a higher rise, a line skirts, straight or wider leg trousers will all highlight the waistline.

If you are a straight (rectangle) body shape read more here about more ways to style your shape, plus tips on jacket and dress styles, accessories, outerwear and more.


Carrot (inverted triangle) Body Shape Style Tips- the key to styling an carrot body shape is to accent the legs and hip areas, which will create a more balanced silhouette.

    *Best Tops - V-neck styles, scoop neck styles, halter tops, wrap style tops and one shoulder tops.  Stick with solid colors on top and avoid horizontal stripes which will over emphasize your broader shoulders.

    *Best Bottoms- Boot cut jeans and full or wide leg pants with a midrise or high rise, full skirts, and pleated skirts will look great on you. Prints and brighter colors on your bottom half will help bring balance to your shape.

If you are a carrot (inverted triangle) body shape read more here about styling your shape, plus tips on jacket and dress styles, accessories, outerwear and more.


Hourglass Body Shape Style Tips -  with a narrow waist and balanced bust and hip measurements, your body shape is celebrated in the fashion world, but it can still be a challenge to find styles that fit well!

    *Best Tops - peplum styles, wrap styles and V necklines are all great. Avoid overly boxy shapes and loose fits, instead look for more tailored shaping to hug your curves.

    *Best Bottoms- Boot cut jeans and pants with a higher rise, a line skirts, straight or wider leg trousers will all highlight the waistline.

If you are an hourglass body shape read more here about more ways to style your shape, plus tips on jacket and dress styles, accessories, outerwear and more.


Hope all this info provides some help and gives you a starting point for evaluating the clothes you already own, as well as gives you some ideas on flattering pieces to shop for.  Keep a list of YOUR figure flattering items on your phone.  This will help you evaluate a piece in the dressing room before you buy.  Going thru your closet on a cold winter day to eliminate items that don't work for you will help you feel better about your closet ...just think of it as EARLY Spring cleaning!

Reach out with any questions. Email me at prairiechicknotes@gmail.com

~Connie



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