How to Dress Appropriately to Suit Your Body Shape
Staff Writer
No two people are the same, and the same can be said when it comes to body types. From slim and slender to thick and curvy, we all come in different shapes and sizes, and that’s what truly makes us unique and distinct from everyone else.
Acknowledging this means acknowledging that no two body types should dress the same way too. It’s highly unflattering to see what was clearly made for Shape A on Shape B, and vice versa. So why do we see this fashion mishap daily then? The answer is simple – some have no idea of the pointers they must follow when choosing outfits that suit their figure. Either that, or it’s a case of, ‘”I must wear this (designer) skirt/shirt/dress/shorts whether it looks good on me or not.”
But just like shoes, we must all find our perfect piece, in terms of sizing and appearance.
As you may or may not know, there are four standard body types: Apple, Rectangle, Pear and Hourglass.
Subtypes are:
Inverted triangle – Bust is three or more inches bigger than hips.
Straight/rectangular – Waist is about the same as hips and waist, more like a cylinder.
Triangle – Hips are much bigger than bust.
Hourglass – Narrow waist with equal sized bust and hips.
The Hourglass figure… what every lady dreams of right?
Who knew Taraji, Solange and Zoe Saldana had great rectangle figures?
The Queen B (Beyonce) is the epitome of the ultimate Triangle-shaped woman!
Oprah Winfrey, Sherri Shepherd and Queen Latifah nicely rock options for inverted triangle bodies.
How should you dress to suit your body shape?
Rectangular and hourglass shapes should aim for waist-clinching tops, dresses and jeans that define or further accentuate their curves. This is a no-no for triangular figures with thick waists. Go for draping tops, tunics or dresses instead.
A-line skirts are great on triangle and rectangle shapes, and are very feminine. These shapes should also avoid too baggy or tight tops as they tend to look unflattering. For instance, baggy tops make triangular ladies look bigger than they truly are, and rectangular, slender types look masculine.
To the inverted triangular ladies, say no to tops or dresses with full or puffy sleeves (Code: X238), or very tight trousers and skirts. These just tend to point out the obvious – your top heaviness. Go for v-necklined tops which are very flattering on you. A-line skirts make you an automatic hourglass as well!
Need more fashion options for your figure? Attend this year’s Africa Fashion Week Nigeria event #AFWN2015 set to take Lagos by storm on 23 and 24 May.
Participate in our 10 days of Fashion Giveaways contest and stand a chance to win a free pass!
Photo Credit: Hellobeautiful.com
About the Writer: Ify Halim is a young Creative and promoter of values through the force that is writing. Follow her on twitter @MissHalim.
