Somewhere down the road of evolution of women’s styles across the globe, a majority of our facilitators went wrong. Fashion became about being a subject of admiration. That perfect body was always a few months of gym away and confidence became a destination strange to most. What you wear can and should have an effect on you. But never relative. It is about feeling like the best version of yourself, not about feeling better than the rest. In order to feel like your best self, it is crucial to understand your body and accept it for its strengths and flaws. That in turn gives you the courage to admire every wonderful woman out there without feeling any less great about yourself. Dressing for your body type is an art. An art that if you once learn to master will make shopping for clothes an infinitely shorter (but equally gratifying!) process.
Gone are the days the hourglass was the “ideal” body type. You deserve to be happy no matter what shape/body type you are and it begins with accentuating your features, not hiding your flaws.
The Missing Piece
Here’s a guide you can turn to about dressing for your body type:
1. Pear/Triangle Body Type:
If you either have fuller hips or if your body frame is such that your waist is wider than your bust, you have a pear shaped body type. Highlighting features such as your waist, bottom or legs is your best trick. Also, statement neck pieces that accentuate your narrow shoulders will also help you command attention to yourself! Cropped jackets that hit your waistline also look fabulous on you. Any hemline that hits your thigh will elongate your body and enhance your curvy figure.
2. Apple Shaped Body Type:
If your shoulders are wider than your hips, you are apple shaped (or inverted triangle). Dressing for your body type is easy when you accentuate your full bust go for statement pieces that highlight your upper body. You probably know how you can rock a V-neck t-shirt best and those boyfriend button-ups seem to be tailor made to rejoice your glorious existence. Accentuate your arms by literally embracing sleeveless or strapless pieces and when it comes to lengths, let all rules fly right out the window! When in doubt, always go for diagonal stripes and darker colors and you, my friend, will never have a wardrobe crisis. Also, skinny jeans? Oh, yes!
3. The Hourglass:
The ultimate secret to styling your body type is one: Define your waist. Form fitting apparel works beautifully on you. However, so do boat necks and cap sleeves and flutter sleeves. Bomber jackets, classic trench with a belt that defines your waist or cropped silhouettes can accentuate your frame to do your curves justice. Fit and flares and silhouette dresses work beautifully for your type too and when it comes to sleeve and hemline lengths, there are absolutely no limits!
4. The Athletic Body Type:
Let me make life easier for you. When it comes to dressing up athletic shapes, remember the inverse proportion. If one half of your frame is sporting a baggy piece, accentuate the other half. That is, if you are wearing a form-fitting jersey knit top, say hello to your baggy boyfriend denim. Similarly, go for a structured bottom if your top/jersey is baggy.
No matter what your body shape is, your everyday style should be a perfect blend of your preferences. Celebrate and highlight your best features and remember, if you feel good, you look good. Irrespective of popular/public opinion.
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