Valentine’s is coming up and there still is a few days to figure out what that look would be for you date, a valentine’s party or a simple night out with other single friends. If you haven’t read the article on finding your body shape, click here because you’d need that info for this “how to.”
So I’ve simplified this to help you go through your wardrobe and find that piece and focused on the four usual body shape – the rest would be adjusting to the different standard shapes. This could also be a good basis how you can adapt to the trends or even create a signature look that’s uniquely yours.
image c/o of London Image Institute
THE PEAR BODY TYPE (or the triangle)
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Key points: narrow shoulder, wider hips, fuller rear
Strategy: Elongate, draw attention to the top – brighter colours on top, darker colours for bottoms
Do’s : dainty or fun tops, interesting necklines (V, cowl, scoop), waist length or mid-thigh jackets, below the knee skirts, perfect fit dark jeans and layered necklaces to draw the attention to the face.
Don’ts: bright coloured overly fitted jeans and distressed jeans that calls attention to the bottom part
THE HOURGLASS SHAPED BODY TYPE
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Key points: well-defined waste, fuller bust, hips and thighs
Strategy: define waist, choose body hugging silhouettes, balance
Do’s: form-fitting jersey knits, wrap tops, elbow-length sleeves, bomber jackets, fit top and flare bottom dresses, high-waisted skinny jeans, fitted jumpsuits, skinny waist-belts
Don’ts: boxy silhouettes, straight skirts, stiff fabric, low waisted skirts and if you love ruffles, make sure it’s even from top to bottom.
THE APPLE-SHAPED BODY TYPE (or inverted triangle)
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Key points: no well-defined waistline, shoulders are broader than your hips
Strategy: focus on the peripherals – amazing legs, arms and the bust, volume on the hips
Do’s: A-line silhouettes, flowy tunics, relaxed silhouettes, V-neck, strapless or sleeveless tops, vests, mini skirts, vertical and diagonal stripes, skinny jeans, boot cut or cigarette pants, bracelets and rings
Don’ts: never jersey, horizontal stripes, body hugging silhouettes, cropped tops and round or high necklines, hot pants, shapeless garments, high rise jeans, sabrinas
THE RECTANGULAR SHAPED BODY TYPE (or the straight/athletic)
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Key points: not curvy, hips and shoulders have the same measure or evenly distributed including the waist – usually called the “boyish frame”
Strategy: keep the volume either on the top or the bottom
Do’s: halters, racerback styles, strapless tops, embellished necklines, tank tops, belted tops, flowy outerwear, A-line cuts, statement earrings, rings
Don’ts: jackets that end at the waist, boxy clothes, square necks, fitted sleeves, extreme flare pants
Did you get the general idea? Ready to go through your wardrobe? Take a photo add a caption and send it here! We’ll feature you on our next article. Happy styling!