BODY SHAPE STYLE GUIDE
I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “You can wear anything, and it looks good!” No question, a really sweet compliment, but let me be honest…. Obviously, I cannot wear everything! Over the years, I’ve simply learned what works for my body type. It might look like I can wear anything, but trust me, there are so many things I steer clear of because they don’t flatter me.
WHY BODY TYPE MATTERS
Understanding your body shape is key to dressing confidently. When you know what enhances and flatters your shape, getting dressed becomes so much easier… and more fun! Just the other day I put on a pair of WHITE CHINO PANTS, which I LOVE, and were expensive. However, they don’t flatter me and I knew that the minute I tried them on, but bought them anyway. UGH! I make myself so mad when I do this! They are a low rise, cropped style, and make me look shorter than I am, and make my legs look thicker. They are now on their way to my consignment shop.
HOURGLASS SHAPE
BALANCED HIPS AND BUST WITH A DEFINED WAIST…. THIS WOULD BE ME.
WHAT WORKS- Wrap dresses, belted tops, fitted styles, high-waisted pants, anything to define your waist.
WHAT TO AVOID– Boxy shapes, and oversized clothing that hides your waist
In this photo roll, you’ll see how I’ve styled these EMBROIDERED PANTS three different ways, all which define my waist. Along with heels, I’ve styled with sandals too. Even with the flat sandals on the far left, the outfit looks much better with the tee tucked in.
PEAR SHAPE
THIS WOULD BE HIPS WIDER THAN SHOULDERS
WHAT WORKS- Structured or detailed tops, puff sleeves, A-line skirts, flowy pants
WHAT TO AVOID- Clingy bottoms or pants that emphasize the hips, skinny jeans
APPLE FIGURE
FULLER MIDSECTION WITH SLIMMER LEGS
WHAT WORKS- Tunic tops, A-line dresses, empire waistline, untucked button-downs, skinny pants or leggings
WHAT TO AVOID- Boxy styles, low-rise pants, tight and clingy fabrics
RECTANGLE SHAPE
STRAIGHT SILHOUETTE WITH LITTLE WAIST DEFINITION
WHAT WORKS- Peplum tops, ruched dresses, belts to define the waist
WHAT TO AVOID- Straight, shapeless styles that lack structure
Indeed I know at 65, what flatters my figure. Obviously, that is huge when it comes to style. That wisdom has come from years of trying, failing, adjusting, and accepting! Unlike what you may think, you don’t need to follow every trend (speaking to myself). In addition to this, you need to find what compliments YOUR shape, and wear it with confidence! Finally, use this BODY TYPE STYLE GUIDE to help you hone in on yours!
