How to Dress for Your Body Type

Why do people always look fantastic in movies and TV? Believe it or not, it’s not just that they were born that way. Frequently, you’ll see someone from a movie or television show and realize they look just like anyone else.

Knowing how to dress for your body type has a tremendous impact on how you look. But dressing for body type also isn’t always intuitive. Let’s take a look at how to dress for your body type, what to do, and what to avoid.

Hourglass Bodies

Hourglass bodies are often considered to be the most desirable, but that’s often because they are easier to dress. If you have an hourglass figure, you can wear just about anything and look great! When people make clothing, they are making it with an hourglass figure in mind. Things that are cut to suit the average person are going to fit you amazingly well.

But if you really want to accentuate your figure, you’ll wear outfits that call attention to your tiny waist. That includes high-waisted pants, skirts and tops that have contrasting colors, and thick, noticeable belts. When you wear dresses, you might want to wear flared dresses that will again accentuate the way that your hips curve outward.

A lot of people chase the hourglass figure, but it’s just genetics. There’s nothing preferable about an hourglass figure, but it does make it much easier to dress — and it is the quintessential “voluptuous” look. It should be noted that people can have an hourglass figure at any weight. Those who have a significant disparity between their chest and hips and their waist may need to get their clothing specially tailored.

In general, the easiest way to do this is to purchase clothing that’s a size or two too large — that fits your chest or your hips. Then, you can get the waist taken in. Otherwise, it may look as though your clothes don’t quite fit.

Apple Bodies

People with apple bodies have a lot of focus on their chest. And there’s nothing wrong with that! V-neck tops and empire-waisted dresses can be a great way to play up your chest without being overly distracting. Having an apple body doesn’t mean that you need to distract from your chest, though; it just means that you need to focus some attention on your bottoms as well.

If there are patterns or bright colors, focus on skirts and pants. A plain turtleneck with a bold print skirt, for instance, can even out someone’s body. Another alternative is showing off legs, with long leggings or short skirts. Mini-dresses and skinny jeans are a favorite for those with apple body shapes.

Pear Bodies

Those with pear-shaped bodies often draw attention to their top, through the use of accessories (like scarves and necklaces), bold prints, and patterns. Those with pear-shaped bodies may have difficulty finding pants that fit correctly, so could choose to either tailor their pants or wear things like flared skirts.

With a pear-shaped body, you want to celebrate your hips while also making sure that you don’t unbalance your clothing. So, something as simple as a curvy pair of jeans along with a brightly colored, V-necked shirt can help draw the eye across your entire body, rather than focusing on one area.

Triangle Bodies

People with triangle bodies may want to do a little to accent both their chests and their hips. Most people with triangle bodies also have smaller waists. So, drop-waisted pants paired with crop-tops, for instance, can build on the chest and hip area while also calling attention to a small waist. Triangle bodies can play well with a lot of clothing options. A-lined dresses and skater dresses are often a versatile choice.

Rectangle Bodies

Those with “rectangle” bodies have the great opportunity to wear whatever they want. Rectangle bodies can choose whether they want to emphasize their tops or their bottoms. Bold separates are a great way to round out a closet. Playful hems and interestingly cut necklines can add some interest and drama to your clothes.

Importantly, you don’t want bold colors everywhere. You usually want to pair bolder pieces with more neutral pieces. Alternatively, if you wear dresses, focus on things like belts, necklaces, and other heavy accessories to control the way your shape is perceived.

Orange Bodies

Orange bodies should be celebrated! Those with orange bodies don’t have straight lines; instead, they have a voluptuous outline that curves outward. Those with orange bodies should focus on getting well-tailored clothes. Try to wear things with clean lines. Jackets are a great way to add some sharper lines to your form.

Unfortunately, clothing is often made with a specific shape in mind, the hourglass form. Because of this, the orange body is almost the opposite of what is traditionally made. This can make dressing a challenge! Like people with severe hourglasses, your best bet is usually to purchase clothing you love a few sizes too big and to get it tailored inward to fit your body.

These are the basics of how to dress for your body type, but note that body type can also change over time. There may be times that you need to re-assess your wardrobe to determine what looks great on you — or ask a professional for advice. For more information, contact the London Image Institute.