Fashions to Flatter Your Body Type
Play up your best assets by choosing clothing cuts and styles that flatter your body type, while at the same time camouflaging parts you don't want to brag about. You'll always present your best appearance when you shop with your figure in mind.
First, determine your body type. The three most common types:
1. Pear
2. Apple
3. Petite
Be conscious of your individual figure because you can share characteristics with more than one type!
Apple
This term is used to classify women with slim legs, a full bust and a less-defined midsection. Some clothing tips to keep in mind:
Tops
Highlight your arms with sleeveless tops and halter dresses to balance your midsection
Higher Empire waistlines elongate your torso
Flowy tops camouflage a tummy without adding bulk
Wrap tops create the illusion of a defined waist
Short-waisted, fitted blazers with bottoms that flow over your tummy will camouflage instead of cling
Button down sweaters break up your middle, while a flare at the hip is slimming
Patterns with diagonal lines create a slimming illusion
Gathering or rouching at the waist conceals the tummy
Bottoms
Slim-fitting pants flaunt your legs
Side pockets and pleats draw attention to your midsection
Capris show off your slim calves
Thick belts make your waist appear smaller
Pear
This term is used to classify women with curvy hips and thighs, and a narrow waist. Keep reading for fashions hints:
Tops
Longer shirts that skim your midsection conceal wider hips
Tops with patterns and embellishments divert attention from fuller hips and thighs
Flutter sleeves add width to your shoulders and balance your bottom half
Blouses that sit at the top of your hips balance out width
Boat necklines and off-the-shoulder tops balance the width of your hips
Large lapels on jackets balance out the width of hips
Fitted jackets show off your flat stomach
Bottoms
Pants with a boot cut or flare hem balance out the width of hips
Solid trousers elongate your legs
A-line skirts and dresses glide over hips without clinging
Dark colors on the bottom provide a slimming effect
Side pockets and pleats add unflattering bulk to your bottom half
Petite
This term is used to classify women who are usually under 5'3" and have shorter arms, legs and torsos (or some variation of these characteristics). Below are some ideas for your wardrobe:
Tops
Three-quarter sleeves create the illusion of longer arms
Slimmer, tapered sleeves make your arms look longer
Shorter jackets create the illusion of longer legs
Long shawl collars and deep v-necklines visually elongate your waist
Mandarin and stand collars add a height illusion
Bottoms
Wear your pants' hems to the floor to elongate your legs
Narrower pants create a lengthening illusion
Cuffs visually shorten your legs
Full skirts create a shortening width on the body
Shoes that match your pants/skin create an elongating effect
Flat shoes with a longer toe elongate your legs
Shoes with horizontal straps will visually shorten your legs