The venerable Maya Angelou once said that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and nowhere is this truism more apparent than in the variety of shapes and sizes that make up women’s bodies. But instead of embracing these unique proportions, many women chose to forego shopping for styles that suit their current figures, saving it for the day that they lose “ those x-amount of pounds”, or exercise their way into those idealized, cookie-cutter shapes typically embodied by models and celebrities. Some, unfortunately, may find the idea of choosing clothes off the rack so unbearable that they’ll skirt the issue all together, surrendering their shapes to baggy sweatshirts and any garment with an elastic waistband.
The good news is that more than ever before, retailers and clothing manufacturers —from department stores to specialty boutiques—are diversifying their options for women who’ve frequently felt like they were on the fringe of the fashion world. No longer having to choose from a meager list of frumpy options, there is no excuse for any woman—whether extra tall and willowy, petite and plus-sized or seven months into a pregnancy—to radiate confidence with a wide range of fashion choices. The first step in determining which cuts, styles and fits are best for you is an honest evaluation in front of the mirror. Key areas to examine are your chest, your waistline and your hips, especially in reference to one another (also, don’t forget to turn around and take your bottom into account). Where do you carry the bulk of your weight? Where do the lines of your silhouette expand away from your center or curve inward? Which regions do you confidently want to highlight and which would you feel more comfortable concealing or deemphasizing? Eyeballing these ratios will more easily aid in determining your shape—literally.
While not all physiques fall perfectly into one category, observing them within the context of specific shapes is the gold standard for parsing out which garments will best flatter your frame. The following classification of body types and their associated guidelines will serve as a platform for building a wardrobe that will make you feel classy, sexy and stylish—no matter what the tape measurer or the scale may tell you.
The Apple Shape
Carrying the bulk of her body fat in the midsection, the apple-shaped woman likely has narrower hips and larger breasts, as well as a predisposition for weight gain in the abdomen. Smoothing away the dreaded “muffin-top” and camouflaging a too-generous waistline are top priorities for apple shapes, as well as flaunting those already lean legs.
What to wear on the top: You can easily downsize a thicker middle by wearing pieces that gather beneath the bust and skim over the tummy, such as breezy blouses and tunics with empire-waist styles (anything short and clingy, on the other hand, will just spotlight any bulge in this area). Feel free to wear V-neck and scoopneck styles with beading and other delicate, classy detailing to draw the eye up towards your face and chest. Ditch the visual calories by opting for single-breasted jackets and fitted blazers that fall just below the hipbone.
What to wear on the bottom: To draw attention to a fabulous pair of gams, skirts are definitely in order; A-line styles that flare away from the waist are especially flattering to your figure—as are drop waists (garments with waist seams that fall near the hips instead of the actual waistline—these are prevalent in shirt and dress styles as well as in skirts). Purchase straight-legged and boot-cut pants with a lower rise to avoid squeezing a bulky midsection.
Flattering dresses: Because monochromatic outfits are optimal for lengthening and slimming, dresses in solid colors are a simple but elegant option for the apple shaped woman. Straight-lined sheaths and universally flattering wrap styles should be the go-to items on your dress list.
Your confidence-boosting weapon: High-waist shapewear is a must for increasing your waist-to-hip ratio—buy at least one pair for your special occasion dresses, or as many as you can afford for everyday wear.
The Pear Shape
A prominent lower half characterizes the contours of pear-shaped ladies, which, aside from voluminous hips, thighs and buttocks, may also include thicker calves and ankles. Pears can harmonize their curves by subduing these larger areas while emphasizing their slimmer upper halves—such as a trim, defined waist and a graceful bustline.
What to wear on the top: To offset a larger bottom, pear shapes have license to play around with an array of colors, patterns , textures and detailing when it comes to dressing the upper body (so long as the hem doesn’t tier across the widest part of the hips). Broad necklines such as boatnecks and scoopnecks will add necessary girth to your upper body, as will puffy sleeves and shoulder pads on blouses and blazers. Call attention to the smallest part of your waist by wearing cinched-in and form-fitting tops, and don’t hesitate to punctuate your look with a loud, trendy belt.
What to wear on the bottom: When it comes to styling beneath the belt, however, pear-shapes have a lot more restrictions. Wide-leg, straight-leg and flat-front trousers in dark, solid colors are prudent choices—avoid anything tight and constricting around the hips and thighs, such as tapered pants or skinny jeans. Slightly flared A-line skirts and pencil skirts will instantly make you look elegant and sexy—any skirts that feature ruffles, pleats, tulle and sequins will only add a surplus of pounds.
Flattering dresses: Pear-shaped women can have fun with their ultra-feminine figures in wrap dresses and belted shirtdresses. Also, look for frocks that call attention to your shoulders—strapless and halter-styles can do this quite nicely.
Your confidence-boosting weapon: If you want a perky apple bottom and seamless hips—you’ll have to ditch the briefs and thongs (Goodbye, panty lines!). Opt instead for high-waist and capri-length shapewear, especially under sheer dresses and skirts.
The Banana Shape
The bust, waist and hip measurements of banana-shaped women are more or less the same, giving these super slim beauties an elongated, lean look that can pull off bold fashion trends. Because bananas are usually lacking in the curvature department, clothing and accessories should be used to create a waistline and the impression of a more sinuous shape.
What to wear on the top: The mannequin-like measurements of the your banana shape means that shopping off the rack will be a breeze—as long as you don’t drown your frame in baggy, oversized blouses and jackets. Feminize your figure with
ruffles, embroidery and loud patterns galore—what will look frumpy and childish on more curvaceous bodies will look fashionably chic on you. Cinched-in waists and banded tops can add the illusion of curves.
What to wear on the bottom: Lucky you! Your willowy legs can pull off a multitude of fun styles—feel free to experiment with singular items such as harem pants or vibrantly hued skinny jeans. Nipped-waist and high-waist pants can add some pleasing depth to your physique, while low-rise jeans with embellishments can enhance the volume of narrow hips and a flat derriere. Swingy skirts that flare away from your body—such as A-line, pleated and tulip skirts—can make you appear softer and add contour.
Flattering dresses: As long as the dress is semi-fitted, any style will accentuate your figure; just be sure to shun anything too clingy, which will only highlight your angularity. Maxi dresses were practically made for the banana body type and are easy, elegant pieces for spring and summer.
Your confidence-boosting weapon: Belts that cinch in at the waist are crucial for banana shapes desire instant curves—the wider and more attention-getting, the better (You can wrap belts over your dresses, tops, coats and more). Also, swathing yourself in different and layers and colors does wonders for breaking up a vertical stature; don’t forget to employ the help of strategically placed accessories, such as scarves and statement jewelry.
The Hourglass Shape
With symmetrical hip to bust measurements that are further complemented by a tapered midriff, the most balanced and desirable of all body types may seem to have no drawbacks. However, hourglass women will have to steer clear of bulky, baggy clothing to avoid appearing heavier than they are. As long as she doesn’t hide her shape, an hourglass has great flexibility when it comes to choosing figure-enhancing apparel.
What to wear on the top: Single out close-fitting items that follow the lines of your body—think tops with ample chest room that also narrow down towards your waist. Hourglasses look best in sweetheart necklines and V-necklines to elongate their upper halves, while drape-like cowlnecks, and jewel necklines will only add bulk. To further avoid looking boxy and shapeless, eschew straight-cut jacket and blazers— instead, choose styles that glide over your curves and flare slightly away from the hips.
What to wear on the bottom: Skinny and slightly flared bootleg jeans will highlight and streamline an hourglass profile; wide-legged trousers are also optional for shapely body types that want to appear slimmer and taller. Plus-sized hourglasses may want to stay away from low-rise pants of any kind, as these can pinch fuller hips and create bulge. Though most types of skirts would flatter an hourglass’s profile, your go-to should be the pencil skirt—there is no better style that will glorify your coveted waist-to-hip ratio.
Flattering dresses: Wrap dresses may look great everyone, but on an hourglass’s frame it has major head-turning power—talk about conspicuous curves! Hourglasses can play around with multiple styles of dresses—just be leery of excessive embellishments and showy patterns, which can add heaviness.
Your confidence-boosting weapon: If you want to give your feminine goods a slight lift without losing your shape, then opt for full body slimming shapewear to instantly tighten your curves.
By Sara Ferrer