Are you dressing for Your Body Type?

Part 2: Dressing Each Body Type

• Tip 3: Dress for a straight or rectangular body type

With this body type, you may have a long, thin body that tends to lack curves. It is sometimes referred to as a “boyish” profile. Your aim is to wear clothes that flatter your thin profile, break up, your silhouette, and create curves that move up and down from the waist area.

• If you have this body type, you can “pinch” in your waist to exaggerate curves. For example, add a belt to your dress.
• Go for ruffles and frills to add texture, volume, and femininity to your figure. For instance, a dress with a lot of embellishment at the bust will often give some “weight” there that makes that area look a bit bigger.
• Steer clear of menswear clothing. For example, dressing in baggy jeans and track clothes will make you look like “one of the boys”, but not a potential girlfriend. Instead, opt for the skinny jeans that are made for your body type, and wear track clothing made for women at your workout session.
• Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs. They will also add more shape to a straight body.
• Use shapewear. A rectangular body type benefits from shaping undergarments. For example, a bra that adds a cup size will balance out your angular features without much effort at all.

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Part 2: Dressing Each Body Type

• Tip 4: Dress an hourglass body.

Avoid anything that makes you look “boxy”! You have admirable curves, so embrace them.

• Use your waist as the focal point when dressing. This means to wear snug clothes and accessories around the thinnest part of your waist. Directing attention here will make your curves stand out even more.
• Dress to flatter your beautiful curves by following your body’s outline. Tailored clothing is usually more flattering. Shapeless or drape-y clothing tends to over-focus on the bust and make hourglass shapes look heavy or pregnant.
• Balance your top and bottom while accentuating your waist. Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the midsection.
• Women with curves can end up revealing too much bust. If a neckline is too deep, or is inappropriate leave those clothes on the rack.
• Shape your bust. If you have an hourglass shape, you probably have plenty of bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy and saggy.
• Embrace V-neck dresses and tops. While many necklines work well for well-endowed women, V-necks are typically quite flattering. Just be sure you do not show more cleavage than appropriate to the situation.