Every body is unique, but understanding your body type can help you make smarter fashion choices that highlight your best features and create a balanced silhouette. In this guide, we'll explore the different body types and provide tailored styling advice to help you look and feel your best.

Identifying Your Body Type

Body types are generally categorized into five main shapes: hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle. To determine your body type, take measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, then compare their proportions.

The Five Body Types and How to Dress Them

Hourglass

Characteristics: Balanced bust and hips with a well-defined waist (typically 8-10 inches smaller than bust/hips).

Styling Tips:

  • Emphasize your waist with belts, wrap dresses, and fitted styles
  • Choose structured fabrics that maintain shape
  • Opt for V-necks and sweetheart necklines to highlight your balanced proportions
  • Try high-waisted bottoms to accentuate your natural curves

Avoid: Baggy clothing that hides your shape, straight-cut styles without waist definition.

Pear (Triangle)

Characteristics: Hips wider than shoulders with a defined waist.

Styling Tips:

  • Draw attention upward with statement necklaces and detailed tops
  • Choose A-line skirts and wide-leg pants to balance your lower half
  • Opt for darker colors on bottom and brighter colors/patterns on top
  • Try boat neck or off-shoulder tops to broaden your shoulders

Avoid: Skinny jeans without balancing tops, excessive detailing on hips and thighs.

Apple (Round)

Characteristics: Broader shoulders and bust with less defined waist and slimmer legs.

Styling Tips:

  • Create vertical lines with long cardigans and open-front jackets
  • Choose empire waist dresses and tops that flow over your midsection
  • Opt for V-necks and scoop necks to elongate your torso
  • Show off your legs with skirts and dresses that hit above the knee

Avoid: Tight waistbands, cropped tops, and bulky fabrics that add volume.

Rectangle (Straight)

Characteristics: Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width with minimal curves.

Styling Tips:

  • Create curves with peplum tops, ruffles, and layered looks
  • Use belts to cinch and define your waist
  • Try padded or embellished bras to enhance your bust line
  • Opt for flared or wide-leg pants to add shape to your lower half

Avoid: Box-shaped clothing, straight sheath dresses without definition.

Inverted Triangle

Characteristics: Shoulders broader than hips with little waist definition.

Styling Tips:

  • Balance your proportions by adding volume to your lower half
  • Choose wide-leg pants, A-line skirts, and full skirts
  • Opt for V-necks and scoop necks to soften broad shoulders
  • Try dark colors on top and lighter colors/patterns on bottom

Avoid: Padded shoulders, boat necks, and embellished tops that add width.

Universal Styling Tips for All Body Types

Regardless of your body type, these principles can help you look your best:

  • Proper fit is essential: Clothes that are too tight or too loose won't flatter any body type.
  • Know your proportions: The rule of thirds (1/3 top to 2/3 bottom or vice versa) creates visual harmony.
  • Invest in quality undergarments: The right bra and shapewear can dramatically improve your silhouette.
  • Highlight your favorite features: If you love your legs, show them off; if you have great arms, try sleeveless styles.
  • Tailoring is key: Even inexpensive clothes can look expensive when properly fitted to your body.

Dressing for Height Considerations

Your height can influence how clothing fits and appears on your body:

Petite (Under 5'4")

Styling Tips:

  • Choose vertical lines and monochromatic looks to elongate your frame
  • Opt for petite sizing when possible
  • Try cropped pants and sleeves to avoid overwhelming your frame
  • Smaller prints and delicate details work best

Tall (5'9" and Over)

Styling Tips:

  • Embrace maxi dresses and long coats that complement your height
  • Look for tops with longer torsos to avoid the "too short" problem
  • Bold prints and large details won't overwhelm your frame
  • Experiment with wide-leg pants and statement sleeves

Conclusion

Understanding your body type is the first step toward developing a wardrobe that makes you look and feel amazing. Remember that these guidelines are meant to serve as suggestions, not strict rules. The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing.

As you become more familiar with what works for your body type, you'll develop an intuitive sense of what styles flatter you most, making shopping and getting dressed each day easier and more enjoyable.

Need personalized style advice?

Book a one-on-one styling consultation with our fashion experts to create a customized wardrobe plan for your unique body type.

Book a Consultation