Dress to Impress: Wardrobe Styling Tips for Every Body Type

Finding flattering fits feels daunting with inconsistent sizing and baffling trends. Take the guesswork out of getting dressed by learning tactics tailored to your unique body type. Follow these tips to accentuate your strongest features and build an empowering wardrobe showcasing your best self.

Know Your Body Shape 

Identifying your predominant silhouette guides appropriate styling. Are you a rectangle with straighter hips and waist? Consider an hourglass with fuller bust and hips? Skew pear with a fuller lower half? Get to know your shape’s defining traits. Then accentuate assets while balancing proportions.

Rectangle Body Type

Elongated and athletic rectangles appear taller in bootcut and flared pants balancing your shape. Wrap dresses cinch the waist for definition while draping through hips gracefully. V-neck and scoop neck tops draw eyes down, adding curves. Shoulder padding adds soft structure. 

Hourglass Body Type  

Accentuate your enviable curves in wrap dresses cinching the waist. Highlight your shapely lower half in bootcut pants. Add balance up top with waterfall cardigans adding volume to your chest and arms. V-necks and sweetheart necklines flatter an hourglass bust.

Pear Body Type

Flaunt your gorgeous stems in ankle-grazing skinny jeans showing off your shape. A-line and skater skirts add volume while drawing eyes up top. Pair with ruffled blouses or puff sleeves that add fullness. Shawls and capes pull looks together while balancing shoulders. 

Shorter Stature

Elongate your silhouette with vertical details. Wear monochromatic looks in one color. Choose tailored, ankle-length pants and pencil skirts. Select slim lapel jackets that extend lines. Pointed toes on pumps add the illusion of extra length. Avoid chopping yourself in half with belts.

Taller Stature 

Maximize your statuesque height in wide-legged trousers, flowing maxi dresses and skirts and long, draping cardigans that move beautifully as you walk. Just above the knee hemlines show off legs without cutting your vertical. Avoid anything too bulky.

Plus Size Figure  

Ruching, flutter sleeves and wrap effects flatter fuller figures by adding visual interest while creating curves. Flowy maxi dresses and A-line circle skirts highlight shape. Pair with slim belts to define your waistline. V-necks elongated the torso. Vertical stripes add a slimming effect.

Petite Frame

Avoid drowning your petite proportions in oversized pieces. Look for garments specifically tailored for petites. Go for above-the-knee hemlines highlighting legs. Choose fitted styles that skim your shape. Add vertical interest with stripes and sleek boots. Monochrome outfits provide the illusion of height. 

Inverted Triangle

Balance broad shoulders with flared details on pants, skirts, and sleeves. Wrap tops and dresses cinch in your waistline while skimming hips. Boatneck, square and sweetheart necklines flatter and soften a triangle bustline. Peplum jackets add femininity and shape to your middle.

Oval Body Type  

Create shape with wrap dresses, tailored bootcut pants and A-line skirts that nip in the waist and flare at hips. Look for structured jackets with sleek lapels to add shape up top. Deep v-necks elongate an oval torso. Pair with heels for added height and definition.

No matter your size or shape, the right styles sculpt a silhouette showcasing your body beautifully. Take notes of pieces that make you shine. Curate your dream wardrobe enhancing your natural assets through strategic and thoughtful dressing.