Do you ever wonder why some outfits look great on others but not on you? Do you struggle to find clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel confident? If so, you’re not alone. Many women face the same challenge of dressing for their body type.

Your body type is determined by how your bust, waist, and hips fit together on your body. There are four general body types: apple, pear, hourglass, and athletic. Knowing your body type can help you choose clothes that accentuate your best features and balance your proportions.

In this article, we’ll show you how to identify your body type and give you some expert styling tips on how to dress for your shape. Of course, everybody is different, so it’s okay if you don’t fit into just one shape. These are just general guidelines to help you find the styles that make you feel your best!

How to Identify Your Body Type

The first step in understanding your body shape is to measure your bust, waist, and hips. You’ll need a measuring tape and a mirror. Place the tape around the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips. Write down the measurements in inches or centimeters.

Next, compare your measurements to see which body type you are. Here are some general characteristics of each body type:

• Apple-shaped if your shoulders are wider than your hips and you have a straight waistline. Your bust is more than three inches larger than your hips. You have narrow hips and slim legs and arms.
• Pear-shaped if your hips are wider than your shoulders and you have a defined waistline. Your hips are more than three inches larger than your bust. You have curvy hips and thighs and a smaller bust.
• Hourglass-shaped if you have a well-defined waistline and your bust and hips are roughly even. Your bust and hips are more than three inches larger than your waist. You have a curvy bust, hips, and thighs.
• Athletic shaped if you have a straight waistline and your shoulders and hips are roughly even. Your bust, waist, and hips are within three inches of each other. You have a lean body with little curves.

Remember that these are just general categories and you may not fit perfectly into one of them. You may also have variations within your body type, such as a large bust on an apple shape or a small waist on an athletic shape. The important thing is to embrace your unique body and find clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.

How to Dress for Each Body Type

Once you know your body type, you can start looking for clothes that flatter your shape and play up your favorite features. Here are some general styling tips for each body type:

Apple Shaped Body Type

If you have an apple-shaped body, you want to create the illusion of a waistline and draw attention to your legs and arms. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Wear V-shaped necklines to elongate your torso and break up the width of your shoulders.
• Wear flared pants or skirts to balance out your upper body and add some volume to your lower body.
• Wear belts or sashes to cinch in your waist and create some curves.
• Wear fitted tops or jackets that end at or above your hip bone to avoid adding bulk to your midsection.
• Wear dark colors on top and lighter colors on the bottom to create contrast and slim down your upper body.
• Avoid high necklines, boxy tops, or bulky fabrics that add width to your shoulders and chest.
• Avoid skinny jeans or pencil skirts that make your lower body look too narrow compared to your upper body.

Pear Shaped Body Type

If you have a pear-shaped body, you want to emphasize your waistline and draw attention to your upper body. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Wear structured tops or jackets that enhance your shoulders and create a balanced silhouette.
• Wear straight-leg pants or jeans that skim over your hips and thighs without clinging too much.
• Wear A-line skirts or dresses that flare out from your waist and highlight your curves.
• Wear bright colors or prints on top and darker colors on the bottom to draw the eye upward and away from your hips.
• Wear accessories like scarves, necklaces, or earrings to add some interest and sparkle to your upper body.
• Avoid low-rise pants or skirts that cut across your hips and make them look wider.
• Avoid tight tops or dresses that cling to your hips and thighs and accentuate your lower body.

Hourglass Shaped Body Type

If you have an hourglass-shaped body, you want to show off your waistline and accentuate your curves. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Wear figure-hugging silhouettes that follow the contours of your body and highlight your curves.
• Wear V-shaped necklines or wrap tops or dresses that flatter your bust and draw attention to your waist.
• Wear belts or sashes to cinch in your waist and emphasize your hourglass shape.
• Wear pencil skirts or fitted pants that hug your hips and thighs and show off your legs.
• Wear solid colors or vertical stripes to create a streamlined look and avoid adding bulk to your curves.
• Avoid loose or baggy clothes that hide your shape and make you look boxy or frumpy.
• Avoid horizontal stripes or busy prints that add width to your body and make you look larger.

Athletic Shaped Body Type

If you have an athletic-shaped body, you want to create some curves and add some femininity to your look. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Wear ruffled tops or dresses that add some volume and texture to your chest and shoulders.
• Wear skinny jeans or leggings that show off your slim legs and make them look longer.
• Wear peplum tops or skirts that flare out from your waist and create some curves.
• Wear belts or sashes to define your waist and break up the straight line of your body.
• Wear bright colors or prints to add some fun and flair to your outfit and avoid looking too plain.
• Avoid boxy tops or jackets that make you look square and masculine.
• Avoid straight skirts or dresses that make you look flat and boring.

One Last Thought on Body Shapes

Everybody and everybody is different. If you’re not one of these shapes—that’s ok! These dressing guidelines are best used as a starting point to understand the basics. And, let’s be honest—most women are a combination of several! It’s all about mixing & matching until you find what’s best for you.

And, we believe the best place to really get the lowdown on how to dress your body is from real women—just like you. From dishing on how to find the best jeans for petite, to understanding how to dress your curves—hear from all shapes & sizes in our series: My Body, My Style.

Are you ready to flaunt your favorite features with new silhouettes? Finding the perfect fit is kind of our thing. Whether you need a casual outfit for a day out with friends, a formal dress for a special occasion, or a professional look for work, we have you covered. Just tell us your style preferences, budget, and body type, and we’ll send you a personalized box of clothes that suit you perfectly. You only pay for what you love and return the rest for free. No hassle, no stress, just amazing clothes delivered right to your door.

So what are you waiting for? Try us today and discover how easy and fun it is to dress for your body type!