Knowing your body shape can help you choose clothing that fits and flatters. Here are some of our favorite power outfits for the apple, pear, and hourglass body shapes.
For the pear body shape, look for wrap dresses that hug your curves. For outerwear, try a duster that hangs nicely off your shoulders or a double-breasted jacket that highlights your waistline.
Apple Shape
An apple body shape is characterized by wider shoulders and bust, a defined waistline and narrow hips. This body type often wears one size bigger on top than they do on the bottom and tends to have fuller arms as well.
In order to dress up the apple shape, it’s important to focus on balance and proportion. This can be achieved by focusing on creating nice vertical lines. For example, by incorporating a long cardigan or tunic shirt layered over a blouse in a draped style you will create an attractive silhouette and skim over any lumps or bumps.
Also, by focusing on a flattering neckline, it’s possible to draw attention away from the fuller midsection. This can be done by selecting a v-neck or scoop neck that will visually narrow the shoulder and accentuate the decolletage.
A streamlined jacket can also be a great option for apple shapes. To ensure that the jacket is tailored to your body type, Sumissura offers made-to-measure jackets. These will fit you perfectly and help elongate the torso.
Pear Shape
If you have a curvy figure with wide hips and thighs, you are a pear shape. Wearing shirts with wide shoulders and sleeves, chest details and embellishments will help balance your curves. Shirts that cling to your hips, or have details like pockets and peplum are best avoided. Instead, opt for cropped shirts that finish at the waistline or tuck the top into your bottoms to accentuate your small waist. Hemlines are important for this body shape – avoid long jumpers that fall across your widest part of the hips and instead wear shorter sweaters in a chunkier fabric or loose fit.
Dresses that cinch in the waist are also great for this body type as they draw attention upward and create the appearance of balanced curves. Sleeve details, prints and patterns are also a good way to add interest to your outfits.
Jackets are a tricky piece of clothing to style, but it’s essential for this body shape to get it right. Avoid blazers with buttons and fabric overlay on the widest point of your hips and avoiding peplum jackets too as they can widen your hipline further. Instead, opt for jackets that are fitted through the bodice and then gently swing out from the hips. Raglan sleeve styles should also be avoided as they can narrow your shoulders.
Hourglass Figure
Often referred to as the hourglass body shape, this figure is recognized for its symmetrical proportions and natural balance. The key to dressing up this figure is accentuating the waist and avoiding making it too top or bottom heavy.
Shirts, blouses and blazers that are fitted around the neckline will work best for this body shape. Avoid ruffles, chest pockets and detailing around the collar that can overwhelm your frame. Choose necklines that draw attention to the face such as a V-neck or scoop neckline and consider off-the-shoulder styles for a more feminine look. Sleeveless or cap sleeves will also balance your shoulders and highlight your gorgeous arms.
For pants and skirts, try high-waisted styles that accentuate the waistline to define your silhouette. You can also opt for fuller skirts in a sheath or A-line fit. Sheath dresses are a great option for hourglass figures because of their structured fit, elongating your legs. A form-fitting blazer or jumpsuit with a narrow belt cinched at the waist will also help to create your hourglass shape.
For jeans, try a dark wash with high-rise or mid-rise options to emphasize your waistline and keep the balance in your look. You can also pair your jeans with a tucked-in blouse or a French tuck to create a layered look that is both stylish and professional.
Rectangle
If your body shape is a Rectangle you’re slender with a flat upper and lower body. A flattering wardrobe for this body type focuses on creating curves through proportionally adding volume to the upper or lower half of your silhouette. Dresses, shirts and skirts work well for your slender build.
For tops, try peplum, empire or wrap styles that draw attention to the waist, creating a cinched look. Wide necklines also work, especially v-necks that pull the eye toward your waist. Other necklines that add volume to the upper body include scoop, mandarin, funnel and halter styles. Avoid necklines that accentuate your slender shoulders like turtlenecks or square https://aristino.com/ necklines. Shirt sleeves should be loose and wide – rolled-up, puff, princess or bell sleeve styles work for this figure.
Pants should be low-to-mid rise to accentuate the hip line, and have details around the knee or thigh that create a subtle curve. Flared styles, pleated or patterned bottoms work for this shape as long as the hem falls at the middle of the calf.
Jackets and outerwear are great for defining the waist of a Rectangle body. Nipped or belted coats and blazers can be very flattering to this figure, and avoiding boxy styles that make you appear more squarish. For dresses, fit-and-flare, sheath and midi styles work well. A sheath with a belt creates a defined waist, and darker colours around the waist can add an extra slimming effect.
