What is your Body Type? Body Types are determined by your underlying geometry, for instance I am considered a Full Hourglass. Due to my fuller bust and wider hips I need to wear fitted but not tight, body skimming silhouettes that create balance without adding volume.

Once you determine your own body type, apply the following principles in selecting looks that will create balance and the most flattering silhouettes for you.

General Body Types:

Inverted Triangle: If you have broader shoulders, a narrow waist and smaller legs you are an Inverted Triangle Body Type. The key to dressing to flatter your shape is to balance your broader shoulders, chest and back with your narrower lower body to create more of an hourglass effect. This is achieved by choosing clothes that add curves to your hips and bottom while creating a more defined waist.

• Look for tops with narrow v-necks and nipped in waists that flare slightly at the hip.
• Shirts with deep scoop or V-necks narrow your upper body, if you are small breasted or conservative, make the look more modest with a contrast colored cami.
• Look for deep V-neck wrap style tops. A little flare below the waist will help add curves to your hips.
• Wear deep shawl collared or lightly cowled tops, particularly in dark colors with a light shell underneath.
• Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. A nipped-in waist and flared bottom will add curves to your hips.
• Look for jackets with deep V-necklines, a nipped-in waist and flared bottom or hip pocket details.

Rectangle, Straight or Column: If your shoulders, waist and hips have a similar width with no discernible waist, you are a Rectangle Body Type. The key to dressing a Straight body type is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while enhancing your waist. If you are comfortable doing so, you can wear form fitting clothing and create a waist by adding a wide, dark belt. To create a more curvaceous effect add volume (or the illusion of volume) proportionally to your upper and lower body by wearing an A-line silhouette or flared trousers.

• Tops with nipped or belted waists.
• Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
• Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
• Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
• Tops that are full, ruched or flowing around the bust.

Round or Apple: If your shoulder and hips are narrower than your midsection you are a Round Body Type. Best practices for dressing the Round body type are to de-emphasize your midsection and create a more defined waist. This is achieved by choosing clothing that adds curves and fullness to your lower body and tops that taper to create a waist. If you have amazing legs feel free to play with skirt lengths, but don’t go too short otherwise you will create a top-heavy look.

• Tops with nipped or belted waists.
• Square, wide V or U necks.
• Wrap style tops and jackets.
• Tops with vertical details.
• Tops that flare at the hip.

Triangle: If your shoulders and upper body are narrower than your waist and hips you are a Triangle Body Type. When dressing a Triangle body type try to draw attention to your upper body while de-emphasizing your tummy and hips to give a more balanced appearance and create the illusion of an hourglass figure. If your legs are one of your best assets, feel free to play with skirt lengths and show them off!

• Tops with nipped or fitted waists.
• Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
• Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
• Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
• Bright colors and bold patterns.

Neat Hourglass: If your shoulders and hips are the same width with a smaller waist then you are an Hourglass Body Type. Balance is the goal when dressing the Hourglass body type, you want proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while accentuating your waist. Wide belts over shirts and dresses are a great way to show off your waist. You can create an even more curvaceous effect by adding a bit of volume to your upper and lower body, but always try to maintain balance since it is your best asset. If you have great legs feel free to play with skirt lengths.

• Belted tops.
• Tops with banding or nipping at the waist.
• Form-fitting tops.
• Wrap-style tops.
• Tailored shirts and jackets.

Full Hour Glass (Plus): If your shoulders and bust are larger than your hips and your waist is the most narrow part of your body you are a Full Hour Glass Body Type. The key to dressing a Top Heavy Hourglass body type is to balance your lower body with your ample bust while accentuating your waist. This is achieved by selecting clothing cuts that will fill out your lower half. If you have great legs, feel free to play with skirt lengths. 

• Look for tops with narrow v-necks. This will help to visually narrow your bust. Stay away from tight tops with high or wide necklines.
• Fly-away cardigans with draping down the front minimizes your bust. A dark cardigan with a light-colored shell is particularly flattering.
• Narrow shawl collars draw attention towards the center of your body making your bust appear smaller. Look for fitted or tailored bodies to show off your waist.
• Dress shirts with deep-V collars visually narrows your bust. Choose tops with tailored waists that show off your hourglass figure.
• Wrap tops with deep V-necks and simple sleeves create a bust minimizing effect while showing off your hourglass shape. Tops should wrap at your natural waistline.
• Jackets with deep V-necklines, a nipped-in waist and slightly flared bottom help balance your upper and lower body. Jackets that hit at the hip bone are most flattering.

I hope this information assists you in learning how to best dress for your Body Type, please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!