Styling Tips for Various Body Shapes: Outfit Ideas to Enhance Your Look

I’ve curated a selection of outfit recommendations tailored to complement different body types. For those with a pear body shape, which typically features narrow shoulders, a smaller waist, and wider hips, thighs, and bottom, the key is to create a balanced silhouette by accentuating the upper body.

What works well?

• A-Line Skirts and Dresses: These pieces naturally flare out from the waist, highlighting your midsection while gracefully flowing over wider hips and thighs.
• Tailored Trousers: Opt for styles that cinch at the waist, as they help define your smaller waist and provide a flattering fit over the hips.
• Blazers and Layering Pieces: Adding a blazer or a structured third piece can effectively broaden the shoulders, achieving a harmonious balance with the hips.

Case study 

Event – Wedding Guest
Budget – £1,000
Client Age – 40
Client size – UK 16 
Pear Shape (bottom heavy)

Brands 

Dress –  Zimmermann

High Heels –  Solo Femme

Bag –  Chylak

Earrings –  Mayol Jewelry

Bow Hair clip – Claires 

For those with an apple body shape, which typically features slim legs and a neat bottom but carries extra weight around the middle and sometimes a larger bust, a great starting point is investing in a well-fitted bra to define the waist.

What works well?

• Showcase Your Legs: With naturally slim legs, opt for clothing that highlights this asset.
• Use Prints and Cropped Jackets: These elements can effectively break up the body visually. Jackets with a defined waist can also accentuate your shape.
• Opt for Flat-Fronted Trousers and Skirts: These styles can smooth out the midsection for a flattering look.
• Avoid Shapeless and Baggy Clothes: Aim for more structured pieces that provide shape without being overly tight.
• Steer Clear of Belts: They can draw unwanted attention to the midsection, so it’s best to avoid them.

Case study 

Event – Job Interview (Law Firm)
Budget – £200
Client Age – 25
Client size – UK 10 
Apple body shape (weight carried around the waist)

 

 

Brands 

High-neck satin top – COS

Blazer – ZARA

Trousers – AWEAR

Loafers – Sagan

Crossbody bag – ZARA

For individuals with a rectangle body shape, often described as having a more straight up-and-down figure with minimal waist definition, creating the illusion of curves can be a game-changer.

What works well?

• Emphasize the Chest and Hips: Incorporate garments with added details like soft frills, structured pleats, folds, or peplums around the chest and hip areas. These additions can create visual curves and enhance your silhouette.
• Avoid Boxy Tops and Jackets: These can make your figure appear more linear, so opt for more tailored or shaped pieces.
• Skip the Belt: Rather than using a belt to create a waist, focus on clothing that naturally gives shape and dimension to your figure.

Case study 

Event – Weekend away with friends
Budget – £500
Client Age – 35
Client size – UK 12
Rectangle Body Shape (not much difference in measurements bust, waist and hips)

 

Brands 

Sneakers – New Balance 

Sunglasses – Le Specs

Jeans – ONLY 

Blouse  – VILA

Leather jacket – ONLY

Shopper bag – COS

Embrace your hourglass figure, known for its balanced curves, proportionate shoulders and hips, rounded bottom and thighs, and a distinctively smaller waist. The key to dressing this body type is choosing shaped and fitted garments that highlight your natural silhouette.

What works well?

• Opt for Stretchy Fabrics: These materials accentuate your curves gracefully.
• Supportive Tops: Look for tops that support the bust and elongate the waist, such as scoop necks or deep V-necklines.
• Embrace Wrap Dresses: Their design naturally complements the hourglass figure, enhancing the waist.
• Fitted Cardigans: Deep V-neck cardigans can be particularly flattering.
• Avoid Excess Bulk: Steer clear of clothing that adds unnecessary volume around your curves.
• Be Cautious with Frills and Belts: Especially if you’re short-waisted, as they can disrupt the natural balance of your figure.

Case study 

Event – After a divorce – feeling confident again
Budget – £1,500
Client Age – 50
Client size – UK 14
Hourglass Body Shape (a defined waist and curvy bust and hips)

Brands 

Dress – VILA 

Bag – Chylak 

High Heels – Stuart Weitzman 

Blazer – Modivo

What is your body shape? Do you have any struggles while choosing an outfit?

Do share your comments!