How Dressing For Your Body Shape Can Boost Your Self Confidence

Mastering Your Style: Dressing for Your Body Shape

Style isn’t defined by your dress size; it’s about curating outfits that complement your body shape and embracing trends in a way that reflects your unique style. Understanding how to dress for your body type is a challenge many women face. The key to building a wardrobe that boosts your confidence lies in knowing your proportions, recognising flattering cuts, and balancing silhouettes effectively.

However, this is easier said than done, especially with the fashion industry often prioritising trends over fit. Yet, dressing for your body shape remains a timeless strategy for developing a personal style that is truly your own.

To help you on this journey, I’ve created a brief guide to identifying your body type, along with general styling tips. (Stay tuned for detailed guides tailored to each body type, coming soon!) Use these tips as a checklist when shopping or assessing your current wardrobe.

Wardrobe Checklist:

• Identify Your Body Type: Review your shape and its characteristics.

• Examine Fit: Does the cut of the clothing flatter your body?

• Consider Silhouette: Will the overall shape complement your proportions?

• Assess Fabric: Does the fabric drape well and highlight your figure?

• Colour Coordination: Do the colours enhance your skin tone?

• Trend Awareness: Can you incorporate trends while staying true to your shape?

  
  

Identifying Your Body Type:

Begin by standing in front of a full-length mirror in your underwear. Observe your silhouette—your shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and bum. Then, take your measurements (shoulders, bust, natural waist, low waist, thighs, high hips, and low hips). Understanding your proportions will help you style your body shape effectively.

Type A: Rectangle

You have a rectangle body shape if:

• Small to medium frame

• Little to no defined waist

• Slim legs

• Flat or less rounded bum

• Shoulders and hips are approximately the same width

  
  

Type B: Hourglass

You have an hourglass body shape if:

• Shoulders and hips are balanced

• Defined waist

• Average to full bust

• Rounded, average to full bum

• Shapely legs

  
  

Type C: Apple

You have an apple body shape if:

• Larger bust

• Broader shoulders

• Narrower hips

• Less defined waist

  
  

Type D: Pear

You have a pear body shape if:

• Hips are wider than shoulders

• Small to medium bust

• Defined waist

• Full lower hips and bum

• Full legs

  
  

Type E: Inverted Triangle

You have an inverted triangle body shape if:

• Shoulders are wider than hips

• Medium to large bust

• Narrow hips

  
  

Styling Tips for All Body Types:

• Focus on Balance: Downplay areas you prefer to minimise with simple designs, and highlight your best features with colours, textures, and embellishments.

• Skirt Length: The most universally flattering skirt length is where the hem meets the longest, slimmest part of your legs. A simple trick: Stand straight with your hands by your sides; if the hem aligns with your middle finger, it’s likely the perfect length.

• Sleeves for Arms: If you aren’t keen on showing your arms, opt for three-quarter sleeves or mid-arm lengths to create a longer, sleeker appearance.

• Perfect Trousers Length: Tailor your trousers to skim the top of your heels for a lengthening effect and a lifted silhouette.

• Tailoring is Key: Find a good tailor to customise your clothing—it’s the secret behind a flawless fit.

• Right Underwear Matters: Well-fitted underwear forms the foundation for a polished look.

  
  

Stay Tuned for More!

Now that you’ve identified your body type, follow the blog for detailed styling guides tailored to your shape. You’ll receive an email notification when they go live. In the meantime, use these foundational tips to refine your style and shop with confidence!