How to dress for your body type

What is your body type?

Everyone’s body is different; from hourglass right through to athletic silhouettes, there’s a huge variety out there. And while you should always wear whatever you feel the most confident in, we’re here to offer you some top tips for choosing clothing which will help you look and feel fabulous in your own skin.

Put simply, your body type is the shape your body resembles, and understanding yours can be a game-changer when it comes to boosting your confidence through clothing.

From hourglass right through to pear figures, there are various body types out there, each of which is wonderfully unique. And remember, each body varies, so you may well have features from a combination of the different body type categories.

How to figure out what body type you are

So, you might be wondering exactly what type of body am I? Well, below we’ve outlined a few of the most common body shapes, whilst delving into some all-important styling tips too!

Hourglass body shape

The hourglass body shape is defined by a smaller waist, as well as equal size shoulders and hips

With the hourglass figure, you’ll want to avoid clothes with shapeless silhouettes and choose items which accentuate your waist. For instance, boatneck or scoop neck tops work well when paired with high waisted slim fit trousers.

When it comes to dresses, wrap styles can create the perfect shape. The neckline of a wrap dress is elegant and flattering, plus the style will highlight your waist. Or if you’re into more flowy styles, simply throw on a belt and you’re good to go. Thin waist belts or faux leather tie belts work wonders with oversized clothing!

Pear body shape

If you have a pear body shape, also sometimes referred to as the triangle body shape, you’ll have shoulders and a torso that are narrower than your hips, a smaller bust, a defined waist and a rounded bottom.

The pear shape gains weight on the thighs and hips, so choose styles that enhance your waist and arms to balance the top half of your body with the bottom for a perfect silhouette.

Loose cut wide-leg trousers are flattering, falling effortlessly from the hips. Then pair these with a lace trim top and chunky statement jewellery to draw attention to the top half of your body. dresses with ruffles or layers will balance weight on the hips, and a shorter sleeve will draw the attention upwards further.

Apple body shape

You have an apple shape body if you have broad shoulders, an average to a larger bust, a fuller waist, and narrow hips and legs.

The apple shape is fuller around the middle, so styles which lengthen the body and draw attention to your lovely legs are a great choice! When it comes to accessories, long necklaces are ideal, drawing the eye down and lengthening the body further.

Flowy loose-fitting materials on the top, paired with trousers in a slimmer fit will accentuate your best features. And when it comes to party frocks, why not show off your arms with a sleeveless design like this bold patterned scuba dress? The thick fabric creates a smooth silhouette while the flattering length shows off your body!

Triangle body shape

Trousers in various styles work wonderfully with the triangle body shape, but those with a wide leg or a straight cut are particularly perfect. These accentuate your waist, and create balance with your upper half. When it comes to your options on top, styles which visually broaden your shoulder line are ideal; for instance, the popular Bardot style works well. You could also opt for a vibrant, eye-catching print to add a further layer of intrigue.

If you have a triangle body type, also commonly referred to as the pear body shape, you’ll be smaller on the top and larger on the bottom, with your hips being wider than your shoulders. When it comes to colour options, opt for a deep trouser colour in a high waisted style, paired with a lighter colour on your top half!

Rectangle body shape

The rectangle silhouette has shoulders and hips of a similar width, as well as lovely long legs! A-line skirts, as well as high waisted jeans with a slight flare can give you more shape, or perhaps opt for a skirt with a subtle flare at the bottom?

The lower and upper parts of the rectangle body are well-proportioned, so focus your attention to adding depth and definition to your waist area. You can do so by adding a belt, just like with the hourglass figure, or perhaps wearing darker colours around your waist area!

Finally, to create the illusion of added curves, round scoop necklines are an ideal choice, or lower, wider necklines will also do the trick.

Athletic body type

The athletic body type can be defined as having fairly even proportions all round. So, to create shape, ensure there’s sufficient volume either on your top or bottom half. For instance, a bold, flowy top, with some slim fit trousers would work well. Or if you’re into the flowy trouser style, simply pop on a tight-fit top.

Wide leg trousers, particularly high waisted ones will give you a tall, elegant look! Team them with a blouse which is shaped or that you can tuck in to accentuate your waist accordingly!

Note: Blouses with large, flamboyant shoulder detail will broaden your shoulders therefore making your waist look narrower.

Straight body shape

The straight shape, sometimes referred to as a rectangle body shape, is an athletic physique which usually has an undefined waist, straight hips, and a small to average bust.

If this sounds like you, pick styles that fit snugly to your waist then flare out to create an illusion of curves. Next, it’s time to flaunt those arms and legs, so choose short sleeved tops which nip in at the waist, and when it comes to skirts , a flared hemline is ideal.
This will help you accentuate your features and create a nice shapely figure. Also, don’t forget to add a belt at the narrowest point of your waist for the perfect finishing touch

If you’re looking for tips specifically centred around complementing your curves, keep on reading for pearls of advice!

1. Nip and Tuck

Find dresses that have folds and tuck in the right places to extenuate your figure. Don’t hide your curves; put them on display! A seam at your narrowest point will really show off your bust and hips in the most flattering way! If you’re worried about lumps and bumps, smooth them out with the ever-reliable spanx and enjoy the natural shape of your body!

2.Belts

Lots of our dresses and jumpsuits come with their own belts that will pull you in at the waist. This will hide any parts of the body you’re self-conscious about - giving it a little something extra to help your womanly figure stand out and leaves you feeling comfortable yet feminine.

If you have an oversized shirt dress, a harem jumpsuit or something similar that doesn’t come with a belt, then simply add one to your outfit. Thin waist belts or think faux leather tie belts work wonders with oversized clothing!

3. Wide Leg Trousers

Wide leg trousers - particularly high waisted ones - will flow down, giving you a tall and elegant look, to show off your luscious hips! Team them with a blouse which is shaped or that you can tuck in to extenuate your waist and accessories accordingly!

Note: Blouses with large, flamboyant shoulder detail will pull your shoulders out and make them broader and therefore making you waist look narrower.

Be you!

Finally, remember to be confident! Love Klass and 100% love yourself! Accept your shape and own it, making sure you wear clothes that make you feel like the best version of yourself.

If you dedicate the time to styling unique pieces centred around the different body types that apply, you’ll be able to bring attention to your best assets. Never be afraid to shine. You’re beautiful, no matter what size or shape, so start exploring our varied range of women’s clothing to find your wardrobe essentials – or discover more about making confident style choices!

You’re beautiful, no matter what size or shape.