Body Shape Flattering Styles

Choosing Body Shape Flattering Styles

If you’re not quite sure which body type you are, there are books, magazine articles and website resources that will help you determine what your primary body shape is. Once you have that information, you can begin to make smart clothing choices instead of mistakes that do nothing to enhance your figure.

Why is it important to know this? For the fashionista, this knowledge may be second nature, but for women who have always wondered why they didn’t feel as confident in their clothing, learning this can be invaluable. First impressions do count and if you can project a self-assured image, it can affect everything from your job to your personal life.

If you don’t feel confident in your clothing choices, it’s best to research and consult a stylish friend, family member or fashion professional. You can find out which of these common body shapes best describe you:

• Apple
• Brick
• Hourglass
• Pear

Armed with that information, you’ll then be able to select the best and most flattering clothing for you.

Styles that Flatter Every Body

There are some fashion styles that complement many different body shapes. If you’re looking for easy choices, try these:

• Wrap shirt: The typical wrap shirt has a V-neck, which is flattering to just about any woman. The side tie feature, especially if it includes some ruching, creates a waistline for women who don’t have much of one.
• Wrap dress: Like the wrap shirt, the wrap dress creates a feminine silhouette. If you’re very slim, it can create curves, but for plus size women, this same dress style flows away from the body’s lower half, deemphasizing hips and thighs. This is an all-around flattering dress and an easy go-to item for those mornings you’re in a hurry and need to choose your outfit quickly.
• V-neck tops: Why is the V-neck so flattering? The vertical visual interest this neckline creates draws the eyes up and down, making you appear taller and slimmer. It won’t always be possible to wear V-necks (especially in the winter for women who live in cold climates), but for petite and plus size women, it can make a big difference in your overall appearance.

Helpful Tips to Create Flattering Styles

Remember that when learning about which styles complement you, especially if you watch television shows like What Not to Wear, the rules aren’t written in stone, but are there to help you. Maybe you’ve been wearing turtlenecks for years and turtlenecks do nothing for you. Sometimes, women can get stuck in style ruts and are afraid to change, but by learning which styles flatter you most, you can get excited about fashion. Not only will you look better in clothes that suit your shape, but you’ll feel more confident and that will show.

Some tips you can follow to make good style choices include:

• Trying on clothes: Make sure you look at yourself in a mirror from all angles before you buy.
• Ask a friend: If you have a friend whose style you admire, ask her advice. Take her shopping with you and when you try on garments, get her nod of approval before buying.
• Consult a stylist: Ask around at your favorite department store if they have personal shoppers or style consultants that you can hire. Someone who’s in the fashion business can provide valuable advice in helping you learn which fashions complement you and which ones don’t.