The “one size fits all” system in clothing is a misnomer. Something designed to fit everyone only fits some people. Everyone’s body is different, and aside from having a tailor custom-make your wardrobe, there’s no way to buy clothes right off the rack that fit perfectly. However, you can do a few things to ensure that your ensemble suits your shape, no matter your size.
You may have all the essential women’s summer wardrobe staples, but if you fail to match your look with your body, it’s probably not doing your look and style any favors. With that in mind, we wanted to share some tips that anyone can use to customize their wardrobe to suit their body.
Check it out.
Understanding Your Body Shape
If you’re asking yourself, “Why am I not losing weight?” or wondering, “Why don’t my clothes fit?”
The first step in dressing for your body type is understanding the different body shapes and identifying where you fall. Here are the most common body shapes:
Apple (or Round): Characterized by broader shoulders and bust, a less defined waist, and narrower hips.
Pear (or Triangle): Those with this body type typically have narrower shoulders and busts with a broader waist and hip area.
Rectangle (or Straight): In this case, the shoulders, bust, waist, and hips are approximately the same width.
Hourglass: This shape has a defined waist, with the shoulders and hips roughly the same width.
To identify your body shape, stand in front of the mirror and note the widest part of your body. You’re likely an apple if your shoulders and bust area are the widest. If your hips are the widest part, you’re probably a pear. You’re a rectangle if your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips are roughly equal in width. A core significantly narrower than your shoulders and hips, with these two areas roughly equal, means you have an hourglass shape. Remember, this is just a guide, and everyone’s body is unique.
Customizing Clothes for Each Body Type
While it can be tricky to know exactly how to style items like ankle boots or flats, no matter what your clothing, the choice is that dressing for your body type can be pretty easy if you keep the following tips in mind:
Pears: Choose clothes with wider legs and darker colors to balance your hips. Also, focus attention away from the lower part of the body by wearing tops and maybe a great hat to draw eyes upward.
Apples: If you have a rounder physique, try wearing belts or long shirts to accentuate your waistline. Avoid baggy clothing and emphasize your best features (such as a great pair of legs) with cropped trousers or mini skirts.
Rectangles: Create curves and emphasize your waist by wearing fitted tops, cinched jackets, and V-necklines. Opt for dresses with ruching at the core to give you a beautiful hourglass shape.
Hourglasses: Show off your curves in figure-hugging clothing like backless tops that don’t cling too tight where you don’t want them to. Add some fun accessories to draw attention upward and away from your midsection.
Give yourself a reason to wonder why some closets are so small for a reason other than being overstuffed with clothes that don’t fit right. With the tips above, you can have a wardrobe that is uniquely yours. Just remember, when it comes to dressing for your body shape, the key is finding silhouettes that flatter you, regardless of size or age. If you know how to dress for your body type, you’ll instantly look and feel your best.
