How to dress for your body type

Whether you have an hourglass figure or an apple shaped figure, dressing for your body type is the secret to always looking your best!

Whether you have an hourglass figure or an apple-shaped figure, dressing for your body type is the secret to always looking your best! Ashleigh Scott shares her tips on what to look for when shopping this season.

Apple shape

If you have an apple-shaped body, look for pieces that define your waist, like a great structured blazer with colour-blocking detail to highlight your waist. You’ll find that garments that add angles across your body such as wrap dresses or blouses will flatter your figure.

Look to highlight assets such as toned legs by choosing dresses, skirts or slim leg trousers. Invest in proper shapewear and try to choose a small-scale pattern on blouses to camouflage any bumps.

Try to avoid garments that are too flimsy and cling through your midsection.

Triangle or Teardrop

If you have a triangle or teardrop body shape, what’s important is to create balance. To balance out a fuller bottom half, choose a jacket with a structured shoulder or even slight padded shoulders. Choose coloured or printed tops and blouses with details on the shoulders or pockets, and with a hem that hits right around your hipbone. To balance out wider hips, pair with an A-line skirt or pants with a straight leg or slight flare in a solid colour on the bottom. 

Hourglass

For an hourglass figure, it’s all about highlighting! Use a detailed belt or colour-blocking details to highlight a small waist. The trendy peplum detail on a skirt adds even more to enhance your curves. With the cooler weather, investing in a well-fitting jacket that nips in at the waist and then subtly flares out again will last you years. In terms of necklines, boat neck and scoop neck tops are flattering without being too revealing, and blouses with vertical pleating are very elongating and flattering as well.

If you have a long torso, try a high-waisted skirt to balance out your proportions and highlight the smallest part of your waist.

Inverted Triangle

If you have a top-heavy frame,  look to highlight your beautiful neckline. A v-neck, scoop neck or cowl neckline will enhance the bust line. Wider leg pants are also a great option to balance out your frame. To draw attention towards your feet, go for a fun heel in a pop of colour or a boot with interesting hardware or details.

If you have broader shoulders, avoid strapless dresses and instead go for styles with straps or cap sleeve styles. These styles will create the illusion of your shoulders being closer together.

Do you have any tips on dressing for your body type? Share in the comments below and watch the clip for more information!