Dress for Your Body Type

Embrace Body Diversity

If there is one thing women are good at, it’s comparing themselves to others. Perhaps you have always been naturally thin, continually receiving jealous glares from those with a little more meat on their bones. Little do they know you would kill for a fuller bust line or the ability to wear styles designed for women with an hourglass figure. Quite possibly, you are on the other end of the spectrum, envying those rail thin girls as you struggle with not only your weight, but through another pair of suffocatingly tight jeans.

Knowing how to dress for your body type can eliminate these everyday woes experienced by women of all sizes. However, before you can begin to enhance the way you look, you must first learn to embrace who you are physically. Fat or thin, tall or short, women come in all shapes and sizes, and all have a distinct level of beauty about them. Pigeonholing yourself into the role of the skinny girl when you just aren’t built to be slender will only cause you emotional strife. Instead, make a realistic weight loss goal. And until you achieve it, consider the tips below to help you look your best no matter what your figure.

Bottoms Up!

If you are bottom heavy, with either a rounded rear or hips to spare, there are plenty of chic fashion items that will help detract from your lower half. In the office, you are able to wear a fitted suit as long as you lengthen your lines by sticking to one solid color. Slim cut suits will work best, as it elongates your body and adds a touch of sophistication. Seek out jackets that are fitted and rest above your waistline, and stay away from fabrics that will “cling” to the body.

Bottom heavy gals who are attending a formal event should choose a dress with a full skirt. Flaring out from below the waste, you will love the way a full skirt conceals the parts of your body that leave something to be desired. A strapless dress adds to the glamour, bringing the focus up to your shoulders and neckline, and away from your hips.

Lastly, for casual days, stick with boot cut jeans. If your favorite brand offers an extra long option, be sure to take it, as this will thin out your legs. Darker denims are also particularly flattering for fuller figured women.

Top it Off

If you are top heavy, you may feel the opposite of dilemmas. Stick to slimming, form fitting fabrics such as knit sweaters and woven cardigans, as opposed to super tight or excessively baggy shirts. V-neck tee shirts and turtlenecks are your best friend if you are large-busted, as are camisoles paired with well-tailored jackets. Stay away from sleeves that are extra full, including tops with shoulder pads or poufed sleeves, as this will add extra bulk and weight to your already full upper half.

Skinny Minny

If you are thin, you can get away with wearing just about anything. However, you should stay away from items that contain large embellishments such as a flowered belt, as well as tops with plunging necklines. Both of these will overwhelm your figure and cause you to look a bit dwarfed rather than sexy and elegant.

Super small women should also avoid strapless dresses unless you have the bust to hold them up. Nothing is pretty about yanking your gown up all evening long, and it will only make you feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Those who feel their legs are too thin should take advantage of wide-legged slacks and jeans put out by various designers. The Gap is a great place to find reasonably priced pants in this cut, as well as many other styles that flatter the thin frame.

Dress For Your Body Type to Reach Success

No matter what your shape, you should always dress for your body type when you want to look your best. From job interviews to a weekend out with friends, staying sharp with fashion statements that fit your physique and lifestyle shows you are proud of who you are, and that you’ve realized that you are as beautiful as the woman whose figure used to be a source of envy.