How to style your body shape

You must have once seen this interesting style that you loved but couldn't pull off as it was way outside your comfort zone. It is true, not all trends work for different body types.

Here are the different body shapes and what fashion trends are best suited for you:

Triangle shape / Pear shape

Women with this body shape are usually wider around the waist down and smaller on the torso area up to the bust.

The key to dressing this body shape is to take attention away from the wider hips and draw it towards the upper body instead, this can be achieved by adding more weight to the shoulder and bust area.

Consider dressing in dark colours on your lower body, avoid skinny or tight bottoms and detailed patterns that emphasise your broad hips. While for the upper body, wear bright colours with more definition and keep away from tops that hide your waist.

Tip: Avoid cropped tops, peplums, ruffles and large prints and patterns.

The inverted triangle/apple shape

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This body shape is characterised by fullness around the mid-section, narrow hips, no defined waistline, slim legs, wider shoulder line and an average bust.

Women with this body shape should consider various factors before choosing an outfit. Choose clothes that add definition to the lower body, creating a waistline and removing attention from your mid-section without forgetting to show off those gorgeous legs.

This can be achieved by avoiding bulky or heavy garments that tend to make you look heavier than you are. Also, this is the perfect body type to snatch away that waist with belts to create an hourglass illusion.

Tip: Steer clear of tops that go beyond your waist, undefined peplums and ruffle tops. Also, you might want to get rid of those high-waisted body shapers that pronounce your shape and instead lean towards more flattering pants like palazzos and flared jeans.

The rectangle shape

This body shape is also known as the straight shape or the athletic shape and can be characterised by the following features; straight shoulders, very little waist definition, same bust and hips width.

A woman with this type of body shape should try to add dimensions and volume to their body frame by playing with different shapes and cuts in order to create curves. Focus on bright colours, prints and patterns. However, avoid oversized outfits that will unnecessarily add more volume to your frame.

Tip: When choosing outfits, consider showing off your athletic body in high-waist skirts wrap dresses, and wide pants pairing them with cropped tops. Also, body con dresses will do the trick with an extra touch of a belt to give an hourglass illusion.

The hourglass shape

The hourglass is the most coveted body shape by most women and those with this body shape are considered to be curvy as their upper body matches the fullness of their lower body with a narrower waistline.

The hourglass body shape is usually balanced naturally and when dressing one should choose garments that just flow with the silhouette.

Women with this body shape can easily get away with most fashion trends, however, balance is key otherwise you could easily fall off and get it wrong with your body shape.

All being said and done every woman is unique and beautiful in their own way. Each and every one of us should love and cherish our bodies as we are.