My previous blog described how you can determine your shape. Now that you know what your shape is - let's talk about what to wear to look and feel your best.
Inverted triangle (or carrot)
With this shape your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips.
What looks amazing on you
You want to create a visual balance. Fitted jackets with a fitted waist and a flared bottom will add definition to your waist and flare over your hips to create the illusion of lower body curves and balance your broader shoulders. Define your waist with a wider belt. "V" neck tops work well and make your shoulders look narrow. You want to wear clothes that make your hips look broader.
Avoid
Avoid a lot of layering and or definition to upper body (patterns, ruffles, layers, boat neck shirts, big collars). Definition to your lower body works well, but your upper body should be minimalistic. Avoid patterns on top and scarves around your neck or shoulders.
Rectangle
Your shoulders, bust and hips are around the same size, with no defined waistline. You are well balanced from shoulders to hips, not too much definition to your silhouette.
What looks amazing on you
Your arms and legs are assets! Look for dresses that add definition to your bottom half and necklines that add to upper body - sleeveless, strapless, sweetheart lines. Skirts with volume increasing details like ruffles, bows, embellishments paired with a blazer. Layered looks with long jackets/cardigans or kimono. Your goal is to fill out your hips, create an illusion of a waist to add balance your upper body.
Avoid
Details at the waist (such as a waistband) , high waist pants, and coats and jackets that belt in the front. Avoid fussy, busy or baggy styles. Avoid boxy styles in jackets and coats. Avoid straight lines from top to bottom - straight jacket with straight line pants or pencil skirt.
Oval (or Apple)
Heavier upper body in comparison to lower body. Usually broad shoulders, bigger bust line which makes it feel like weight gathers around midriff.
What looks amazing on you
Take attention away from the bust, midriff and waist, keep details in the top and bottom thirds. Flaunt your legs or wear "V" necklines to create elongated illusion of torso. A-line or empire cuts (straight lines) are ideal and keep fabric soft to avoid potential gathering at the bust, waist or tummy. Details should be above the bust or below the hips and simple in between. Monochrome looks, dark colors, full or 3/4 sleeves and flowy tops. Wear flared bottoms or palazzos pants to create balance. Since shoulders are broad and might have bigger bust-line - it's important to wear the right size bra.
Avoid
Figure hugging dresses or tops with skinny jeans. Avoid sleeves with details near your bust. Avoid detail and volume near bust, tummy or hips (no lapels or high-waist pants). Avoid excessive fabric in your middle section and gathered or tiered skirts.
Hourglass
With this shape your shoulders and hips are around the same size with a defined waist.
What looks amazing on you
Clothing should sit well at the right curves and follow the outline of those curves. Look for styles that cinch at the waist and belt at your natural waistline or below your belly button. A-line dresses or similar cuts, especially body hugging dresses. V neck and sweetheart necklines should also work well for you. Wrap tops accentuate your waist and enhance your curves.
Avoid
Almost anything looks good, but loose tops and bottoms hide your curves.
Triangle (or Pear)
Your hips are wider than your shoulders, your hips and thighs are visually bigger than your upper body.
What looks amazing on you
You can create an illusion of an hourglass style by choosing the right styles. You want to wear clothes that make your shoulders look broader. The bottom of tops or jackets should fall either above the waist or below the widest part of your hips. Layer your top half to draw the eye up. Wear volume, patterns on top, fitted styles around your waist. Accentuate your waist with empire lines, wraps and fitted styles. Skinny jeans with loose tops also create a hourglass illusion. Wearing crop tops, sweetheart, "V" neck or boat neck lines draw the eye up and balance the bottom out.
Avoid
Skin fitting tops and loose bottoms unless you like this look. Avoid pleats or creases in your leg line and wide or flared bottoms. Avoid details, patterns, and pockets on the hip. Avoid pencil skirts and mini skirts or any other hem line that stops at your hips, thighs or any other wider part of your leg. Avoid narrow or sloping shoulder lines.
Ever wondered why you don't wear certain things in your closet? It might be because it doesn't fit your body shape! Know your body shape and next time you go shopping remember what works best on your body and shop for those styles!
Check out PecanHillBoutique.com for quality clothes at a great value!
