Whether you choose to shop online or hit the high street, it’s really important to know what suits you – and in order to know what suits you, you’ve got to start by identifying your body shape. Once you’ve figured this out, you can focus in on the right clothing straight away, whatever the budget and occasion. Don’t forget that dressing for your body shape isn’t limited to your outerwear, it’s also really important to pair your clothing with the right plus size shapewear. Smoothing and honing your curves will create the perfect frame for your new clothing, making sure it flows correctly and you look your very best.
Here’s our guide to dressing for the five key body shapes:
Apple
If you’re an apple body shape, you’ll tend to be heavier in the upper body, with slim hips and legs. Ladies with this body shape will have broad shoulders, a larger bust and carry weight around the middle.
Best clothes for an Apple body shape
Apples need to dress to draw attention away from their mid-sections. So avoid tight-fitting dresses and tops, and anything that cinches in at the waist. Slim-leg trousers with tunics and shift dresses will make sure the emphasis remains on the right areas of your physique; V-neck and empire-waist tops will also really suit you. It’s all about accentuating your best assets, so go for detailing around the neckline and avoid waist belts but try popping one just below your bust, as this creates lovely curves and takes attention away from your waist.
Shapewear for you
Focus on high waisted shapewear, including high waisted control briefs and shaping shorts. Bodysuits and full slips will also work well for you.
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass figure then you’ll have a larger bust and hips, with a smaller waist. Thanks to the Kardashians, your figure is really in vogue right now, so dress to highlight your curves, don’t hide them!
Best clothes for an Hourglass figure
Those blessed with an Hourglass figure need to flaunt their midsection, so avoid baggy clothes and focus on items that cinch in at the waist. Wrap dresses look amazing on an hourglass figure, as well as jumpsuits, pencil skirts and structured blazers and jackets. Accessorise with a fabulous belt and you’ll be bang on trend.
Shapewear for you
Padded and structured bras are essential to maximise your cleavage; if you’re looking to hone your midsection then high waisted control briefs and shaping camis are also a good investment.
Rectangle
Your body shape, as the name suggests, is straight up and down with shoulders and hips that are the same width, and a straight torso with no defined waistline. Rectangles usually have slim arms and legs, so these are the areas to highlight.
How to dress for a Rectangle body shape
You can create curves around the middle using empire line dresses and tops. As with the Apple body shape, a belt around the narrowest area of your torso will create curves in the right places; likewise, ruffled tops and costume jewellery will add volume to your chest area. Tops that are hip-length will help keep the focus on your slim, shapely legs.
Shapewear for you
This is all about creating a waist, so focus on high waisted shaping shorts and control briefs, as well as panty girdles. Waist cinchers and butt-lifting shapewear will also help define curves just where they’re needed the most.
Triangle (strawberry)
If you’re a triangle, then as the name suggests, you’ll have wide shoulders and an ample bust, tapering down to narrower hips and a flatter butt.
Best clothes for a Triangle body shape
As your hips are so narrow, skinny jeans and pencil skirts will look great on you. To avoid drawing attention to your upper half, choose plain coloured tops or tops with minimal embellishments. Let all the embellishments be on your lower half – this includes bold patterns, beading and ruffles. When it comes to tops and dresses, choose V necks as this neckline will make your shoulders look narrower.
Shapewear for you
Under bust corsets and control slips are fantastic for defining curves on this body shape. As with the Rectangle body shape, butt-enhancing shorts can also help achieve a balanced silhouette.
Inverted triangle (pear)
You full under this category if you have narrow shoulders and a small bust, and are wider in the lower body, specifically around the hips, thighs and butt. This bootylicious look is also all the rage right now, so have fun with it!
How to dress for an Inverted triangle body shape
Dressing this shape is all about balance. In fact, by investing in the right clothing you can create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Look for tops with ruffles and detailing around the bust line, balancing them out with A-line skirts and wide-legged pants. A-line dresses also look fantastic on Pears.
Shapewear for you
Foundation garments need to focus on the lower half of the body, including control briefs, panty girdles and control slips.
So there you have it, our ultimate guide on how to dress, whatever your body shape. If you need advice on the best plus size shapewear for you, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here at Elle Courbee, we have a fantastic range of products and can help you smooth, hone and define your curves no matter what shape you are, ensuring you look and feel fantastic – all day, every day, from day to evening wear and the office to the high street.