What to Wear for Your Body Shape

What to Wear for Your Body Shape Tips

One of the first things you’ll need to determine to start choosing the right clothes for you is what your body type or shape is. Are you tall and willowy, petite, plus size, pear-shaped? There are many different variations. Petite doesn’t always mean slender; sometimes women wear one size on top, but a different size on bottom, so you’ll need to take a realistic assessment of your body shape before you know what looks good on you.

Petites

When it comes to fashion, “petite” refers to a woman’s height, not what size she wears. Women who are 5’4" and under are part of the petite market. Clothing made for petites have different proportions than clothing made for average height women. It’s important to have less fabric in the torso area as well as a shorter rise in slacks for petite women to get the most flattering fit. Petites should also keep these tips in mind when selecting garments:

• Wear one color head-to-toe. This isn’t always possible, but when you can, wear a top and slacks in complementary hues. This helps create an elongating line, which makes you appear taller.
• Buy clothes from the petite department. It’s not always enough to buy clothes in the regular women’s section and then have them altered. Petite clothes are proportioned for the shorter frame so that there’s no unflattering bunching of material anywhere.
• Wear heels. You don’t need to wear sky high heels, but a moderate two to three inch heel will make you stand taller. Also, make sure your pantyhose match your shoes in color as closely as possible. Shoes that are “nude,” or similar in tone to your skin, create an illusion of height as well.

Plus Size

For the full figured woman, there are now many more stylish options than ever. Remember to:

• Wear clothing that fits. Some plus size ladies wear clothing that’s too roomy for them, making them appear bigger, while others choose garments that are too tight. It’s important to try on clothes that fit you perfectly (even if you have to wear different sizes on top and bottom). Not only will you look better, you’ll feel more confident.
• Create balance in your look. If you wear a flowing, empire waist top, your bottom shouldn’t be as flowing and breezy, but should fit closer to your body. Straight leg jeans or a long, straight skirt would balance the look well and avoid the gypsy look that a roomy skirt would create.

Slender

Although many women think that skinny ladies are to be envied, sometimes it’s difficult for the very slim to find clothes that fit them well or make them look very feminine. If you don’t have a lot of curves, try these tips:

• If your bust is small, tops that enhance this area are your best bet. Shirts that will do this have visual interest around the bustline; this is achieved with shirring, ruffles or bright colors.
• While skinny jeans are made for you, don’t pair them with a tight top. This can make you look like a preteen boy. Instead, try a tunic or top that gathers around the waist — this will create a curvy waistline.

Don’t be Afraid of Fashion

Too many women feel that fashion rules are written in stone, but the fun of dressing is that you can make your own rules. Keep in mind the tips and tricks that help you choose what to wear for your body shape, but you don’t have to be a slave to them. Instead, use them as general guidelines provided by stylish experts who want you to always look your best.

Written by Del Sandeen