• Shapewear
    • Leggings
    • Corsets
    • Panty Girdles
    • Camisoles
    • Tank Tops
    • Shaping Slips
    • Bodies
  • Nightwear
    • Nightdress
    • Dressing Gown
  • Lingerie
    • Bras
    • Briefs and Thongs
  • Brands
    • Control Body
    • Shirley of Hollywood
    • Wolbar
    • Roza
    • Irall
    • Yes X
    • Beauty Night
    • Provocative Collection
    • Gracya
    • Gabriella
  • Blog
  • Search
  • 0
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

Free UK Shipping over £40
30 Day Returns
48 Hour Delivery

elle-corbee-header-logo

premium plus size shapewear for a confident you

  • Shapewear
    • Leggings
    • Corsets
    • Panty Girdles
    • Camisoles
    • Tank Tops
    • Shaping Slips
    • Bodies
  • Nightwear
    • Nightdress
    • Dressing Gown
  • Lingerie
    • Bras
    • Briefs and Thongs
  • Brands
    • Control Body
    • Shirley of Hollywood
    • Wolbar
    • Roza
    • Irall
    • Yes X
    • Beauty Night
    • Provocative Collection
    • Gracya
    • Gabriella
  • Blog
  • Search
  • 0
You are here: Home / Body Image / Top tips for dressing to flatter your natural shape

Top tips for dressing to flatter your natural shape

May 25, 2021 //  by Rebecca Hinshelwood

Woman feeling thoughtful. Blonde-haired appealing young woman feeling thoughtful while choosing dress

Choosing an outfit to flatter your natural shape can feel a bit like painting by numbers. By sticking to style and cut ‘rules’ we can soon feel like we’re spending our lives in identikit outfits which can take away the joy of dressing! However, at the same time no one wants to choose to dress in an unflattering way. How on earth can we get around this dilemma then? When variety is the spice of life, how can you feel fresh and excited by your clothing choices whilst still dressing to flatter your natural shape?

Principles, not Rules!

Treat body shape style rules as guidelines. There are no fashion police ready to come down on you like a ton of bricks if you’re triangle shaped but love a halter neck. We can become overwhelmed in the details of what our body shape should and should not wear. So what are the most basic principles? 

Apple

Prominent necklines elongate the torso and empire or A-line give definition to the hips. 

Pear

Add definition to the top half of your body with elaborate necklines. Skinny and wide leg trousers balance out well for the bottom half. 

Triangle

Wide and V necklines balance the shoulders with straight cut or skinny bottoms.

Rectangle

Separates help to build a waistline and layers will add depth. 

Hourglass

Make the most of your waist with tailored fits and cinched waist dresses or high rise jeans.

Smoothing the Line

These very generic rules are not hard and fast and should not be concrete in your wardrobe! After all, shapewear is here to widen your scope! So if you’re conscious about an apple waist, go for a high rise control brief. This will cinch in your waist from your bust line to make more curve and smooth your line. Similarly, shaping shorts provide compression through the hips and thighs, toning down a pear shape bottom half. By gently smoothing your silhouette, you can use shapewear to enable you to feel more confident in a wider range of styles.

Variations on a Theme

Once you’ve found a look that you feel is flattering, try to widen its scope by variations on that theme. A-line skirts can be structured or skater, for example. Bold prints need not just be floral. If V-necklines work for you, try a deep scoop or dramatic cowl neck. Don’t get stuck in that same detail. 

Optimise your Shapewear

Don’t be afraid to use shapewear. Maybe you’ll have some outfits that you’ll only wear over a bodysuit or shaping cami. That’s OK, as long as you feel confident when you’re wearing it. Shop for a range of shapewear, so that you’re equipped both for daily and occasional wear. This really is an incredibly powerful tool for opening up your style horizons and feeling knockout while you’re doing it!

Accessory Power

Accessories have the power to change outfits. They’re amazing! If you’re big busted but love a roll neck, just add detail with a necklace or scarf accessory to soften that part of your shape. A wide belt works wonders if you’re rectangle shaped but fancy that figure hugging dress. In short, don’t let your shape stop you, as accessories are there to help!

Comfortable Confidence

Guess what is the best way to look great in any outfit? Being comfortable in your own body. That kind of body confidence is like gold dust, and if we could bottle it we’d be billionaires! So alternatively, take steps to get yourself into as comfortably confident a place as possible. So, yes, look at the principles of dressing for your body shape. But also build your confidence by wearing what makes you happy. With good shapewear, we hope to give you a smooth and structured silhouette that lays the foundation for confident dressing

Rebecca Hinshelwood

Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.

Category: Body Image, Fashion

Previous Post: « How to Choose the Correct Shapewear for Your Body Type!
Next Post: 6 Surprising Benefits of Wearing Loungewear »

Footer

Contact Us

Barceloneta Ltd t/a Elle Courbee
Gateway House
8 Kings Parade
Kings Road
Fleet
Hampshire
GU51 3AB
01252 217072

Useful Links

  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

Here to Help

  • 30 Day Return Policy
  • Delivery
  • Contact Us

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

© 2025 Barceloneta Ltd t/a Elle Courbee

0

Your Cart is Empty