The 6 Body Shapes And How to Dress Them

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or looked at magazine pictures and wondered how influencers or celebrities always look so good in their outfits? Of course, there is a whole team behind these great pictures, but the team doesn’t forget a key ingredient – choosing clothing that flatters their specific body shapes!

We’ve already touched on tailoring, so now let’s talk about our body shapes and which clothes work well with them. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and finding the right clothes that fit and flatter your body type can make a world of difference in your confidence and style. Let’s dive into the six general body shapes, how to determine which one you are, and how to dress for it.

And of course, as always, style is personal, so regardless of what we say here, if you like something and love how you look in it, wear it! We celebrate your personal style choices.

1. Rectangle: The Column Figure

Imagine yourself as a beautifully balanced column, with your shoulders and hips roughly the same size. Your weight is evenly distributed, and you may not have a very defined waist. The key here is to create the illusion of curves and emphasize your waistline.

Create curves with ruffles, peplum tops, and belts. Opt for A-line skirts and dresses to add volume to your lower half.

Dressing Tip: Create curves with ruffles, peplum tops, and belts. Opt for A-line skirts and dresses to add volume to your lower half.

2. Oval: Curves and Confidence

If your mid-section is the widest part of your body, you’re in the oval club. Your thighs might be slimmer, and you might carry more weight in your mid-section. The key here is to draw attention away from your midsection and emphasize other areas of your body.

Dressing Tip: Draw attention upwards with statement necklaces and V-neck tops. A-line dresses and high-waisted skirts can flatter your figure.

3. Classic Hourglass: The Timeless Beauty

If you’re a classic hourglass, the width of shoulders and hips are equal distance and you have a narrow defined waist. Celebrate your curves and accentuate that cinched waist for a timeless and flattering look.

Dressing Tip: Embrace fitted dresses that follow the line of your body. Highlight your waist with belts and try wrap dresses to showcase your curves.

4. Figure Eight: Curves with a Shelf

You’re similar to the hourglass, but your high hips give you a unique “shelf” just below your waist. You’re likely to have a more defined waist, so play up your curves and experiment with different silhouettes that highlight your waistline and create balance.

Dressing Tip: Look for skirts and dresses that taper towards the knee. Emphasize your waist and experiment with different bottom silhouettes.

5. Triangle or Pear: Embrace Your Lower Curves

Your shoulders might be narrower, but your hips and thighs have a more prominent presence. It’s all about creating a balanced look and highlighting your upper body to draw attention away from your hips.

Dressing Tip: Create balance by adding volume to your upper body with boatneck tops and statement sleeves. Opt for darker colors on the bottom and lighter shades on top.

6. Inverted Triangle: Broader Shoulders, Sleek Hips

If your shoulders are the broadest part of your body and your hips and thighs are more slender, you fall into the inverted triangle category. Dress in clothing that balances your upper and lower halves.

Dressing Tip: Look for flowing fabrics that don’t cling to your body. Avoid horizontal lines around your mid-section to maintain balance.

And there you have it! I’ve touched on the 6 most common body shapes for women and some easy style suggestions enhance their natural beauty. Seems simple right? And yet, when it comes to our own bodies, figuring out our body type can be confusing. Some women are unsure about their own proportions and some women are a combination of shapes.

If you’re struggling to figure out your body shape and how to dress for it I’m here to help. I’m a certified expert in identifying body shapes and dressing women, especially petites and would love to help you get style confident! Reserve your complimentary Style Clarity + Confidence Session HERE

Comment below: What is your body shape and what do you love to wear to accentuate it?