We come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one is beautiful and unique.
I know it can be hard not to compare yourself to others, but sometimes there’s a reason a clothing piece might look better on someone else than on you. It all comes down to body shape, and what works best with your body.
You can determine your body shape by measuring your bust, waist, and hips and comparing it to the ten most common body types listed below, or you can use a body shape calculator if you aren’t sure which one you’d fall into.
Remember: body shapes are defined by bone structure and how our measurements relate to each other, not by weight, and often we can fall into multiple categories throughout our lifetime, depending on our body type.
Of course, you can wear whatever you want, whenever you want, no matter what your body type is. If you really love that blouse, wear it! We’re not telling you what you should or shouldn’t wear. This blog is about dressing for your body shape, complimenting the natural lines of your body, and finding pieces that are specifically tailored to flattering you.
Rectangle/Banana
Those with a rectangle or banana body shape have approximately the same measurement around the bust, waist, and hips. This shape is typically evenly proportioned, with a lean frame and long legs. You have a straight silhouette, and it can be difficult to define the waist.
One way to define your waist when you have a rectangular shape is to intentionally put the focus on it — create a curvy shape by using, for example, flowing clothing and a belt! Add some cute belts to cinch your waistline — darker colored belts are going to be more effective than lighter colored ones.
Alternatively, you can try adding more dimension to the top or bottom halves of your body, and leave the waist as is. Loose or poofy sleeves, bell-bottom pants, and circle or A-line skirts can all add volume to your ensemble and provide the illusion of a curvier figure. You can also use color blocking techniques or different designs to further emphasize your top or bottom half.
Because of your straight, strong shoulders, oversized shirts that have a good fit at the shoulder line will hang well on your body. Just make sure your shirt isn’t too big at the shoulder and isn’t made of stiff fabric — you want something soft and drapey. You can tuck it in some belted pants or cinch it at the waist to give the look some extra shape.
Triangle/Pear
The hips and thighs are the widest part of the body on those with a triangle or pear shape. You tend to have narrower shoulders and bust, strong legs, and a waist that sits higher than your non-pear friends’.
Fortunately, this is the most common body shape, which means you have a multitude of options when it comes to styling! However, it can still be especially difficult for you to find bottoms that fit you properly — don’t we all know that struggle, right, ladies?
To balance the triangle shape, you’re going to want to direct the focus to your upper body and defining your waist. Think brightly colored shirts with dark colored pants, boatneck and V-neck necklines, funky patterned tops, and playing around with different types of sleeves — Juliet, puff, or off the shoulder ruffle sleeves. Along with the perfect sleeve, finding a supportive, well-fitting bra is key in accentuating your upper body. If you’ve never been professionally measured, you need to go asap! You’ll be amazed how big a difference a well-fitted bra can make.
Also, say yes to the dress! Since it can be quite difficult for you to find well-fitting pants, dresses make for a fantastic alternative — and they typically require less effort, anyway. A friend to the pear, A-line and fit-and-flare dresses (dresses that cinch at the waist and flair out towards the hips) work to add definition to your waistline, while an off the shoulder dress makes your shoulders appear wider and has a feminine touch.
Structured shoulders can help broaden you across the top, further balancing your proportions. Layering with jackets — like cropped, wrapped, or trench coats — and adding shoulder embellishments are other great ways to balance out your outfit. Add some big sunglasses and a bold lip color for the finishing touches on your ensemble, and you’ll be ready to go!
Spoon
The spoon body shape is very similar to the triangle, except these body types tend to curve out right below the waistline — giving you a nicely defined waistline — while triangle body types curve out at the hips.
Similar to the triangle body shape, you’re going to want to accentuate your upper body with tops and necklines. Full sleeves or bell sleeves will do the trick quite nicely, while jackets with shoulder details (like shoulder pads or epaulettes) and long, flowy cardigans make great outerwear options. To draw attention to your waistline, grab a statement belt!
Another trick to try is highlighting your neckline, bringing your neck and collarbone area into the main focus. Strapless and off-the-shoulder, are a few examples of tops to wear! And don’t be afraid to add some ruffles to your wardrobe. They work well to give the top half of your body some dimension while balancing out your shape.
Again, dresses are your best friend here! Particularly, you want to find garments with a princess or empire cut to highlight your upper body and neck, or a baby doll style that hugs your upper half and shows off your long legs.
Hourglass
The hourglass figure is highly sought after in the media, but really all it means is that your bust and hip measurements are almost equal, and you have a petite waistline that’s the narrowest point of your body. This shape is curvy and feminine, with rounded shoulders and a full frame.
The biggest thing you want to remember if you have this body shape, is to embrace your curves. This is your body’s natural shape! Showcase your waistline and never try to hide it with boxy clothing that will make you look (and feel) wider than you are. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, honey!
You’re going to want to keep your outfits simple, with minimal embellishments. Pencil skirts or high-waisted jeans with fitted tops are a must for you, as well as flirty dresses, like simple wrap or corset dresses. If you want to add a belt to complete the look, make sure it’s a thin one. Thick belts can be overpowering, and you may lose that curve of your waist.
Layers can be tricky for you, as your shape already has balance naturally, and you need to make sure you don’t lose that natural definition of your waist. You’re going to want jackets with soft lines that don’t add too much bulk to your frame, like a fitted blazer or faux-leather jacket with vertical accents. Even A-line coats would work, as long as they skim your body at the waist or can handle a small belt so you can show off your figure.
Top Hourglass
The top hourglass is very similar to the traditional hourglass body shape — the only difference is the bust is slightly larger than the hips. The waistline is still the narrowest section of your body, and your bust and hips are almost equal in proportion.
You’re going to want to wear pieces that accentuate your waistline, while balancing your bust to your hips. Tops and dresses with narrow V-necks, banding at the waist, or wrap-style will work wonders for your figure!
In terms of bottoms, you’re going to want something that keeps the balance. You can wear styles that enhance your lower body, like full A-line skirts, boot cut or slightly flared pants, or jeans with whiskering at the hips.
Bottom Hourglass
The bottom hourglass is very similar to the traditional hourglass body shape, except — you guessed it! — the hips are going to be slightly larger than the bust. Otherwise, your bust and hips are very similar in proportion, and you have a very defined waist.
You’re going to want to lean towards form-fitting knits and dresses that accentuate your waistline and balance your upper body to your lower body.
Patterned tops with solid-colored, high-waisted bottoms work well with this body type, as do tops with off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, boatneck, wide V-neck, or square necklines.
Inverted Triangle
Those with the inverted triangle body shape have broad shoulders and busts that are larger than the hips. You have an athletic build with a waist that lacks definition, and typically, long legs.
Those with this body type are going to want to balance their broad shoulders and their narrow hips to appear more proportionate. You’re going to want to add volume to your lower body, while softening the shoulders and neckline area and defining the waist.
Loose, draping fabrics hang very well from your strong shoulders, and deep V-necks help to break up that wide line and draw the eye downward. They look fantastic on you! Halter tops, wrap cardigans, and traditional A-line dresses with full skirts all work to bring the attention away from your upper body, create shape in the waist, and emphasize your lower half. When it comes to outerwear, avoid jackets and coats that end or tie at the waist. A coat that belts at the waist will do more to balance your upper and lower body, and give you a nice waistline definition without adding so much bulk.
Bold prints and brightly colored bottoms are key for you when paired with darker, solid-colored tops. Wide-legged pants like palazzo, bootcut, boyfriend jeans, or even some straight-fit work well and can be paired with some chunky boots and statement jewelry for an incredible, well-balanced look.
Round/Apple
Those with this body type have a larger bust, fuller midsection, and sometimes narrower hips. Those with this shape can feel like the bulk gathers at the midriff. Similar to the inverted triangle, you can have difficulties visually defining your waist.
One of the best ways to style this body type is work on elongating the torso without adding too many embellishments. Dressing monochromatically (in one color) or wearing what’s called a “column of color” are great styling tools for you. A “column of color” is where you have one solid color as your base, or foundation color. That means your shirt, pants, and shoes will all be in that same color or shades of the same color. You can also vary this style by adding a jacket or cardigan in a complementary or contrasting-color, or some vertical accents like long necklaces or subtle stripes. It’s a chic look that makes your body look longer and leaner.
Shallow V-necks, scoop necklines, and long empire or A-line cuts work best with this body type. You’re going to want tailored tops that aren’t too loose or too fitted. If you add a waist belt, try wrapping it around your upper waist — located a few inches above your natural waist — to give your shape some extra balance.
Avoid wide-legged pants, as they will continue your widest line all the way down your body. You want to draw the eye away from your waist and separate it from your hips and shoulders. High-waisted, straight-cut jeans will work well to tuck in the tummy and make your body appear taller. And don’t be afraid to play around with prints or funky designs to give your ensemble an extra layer of depth!
Diamond
You may have this gem of a body shape if you have broad hips and shoulders with a fuller midsection but a narrow bust. Those with this shape are going to want to seek balance between your shoulders and hips, and create a waistline separate from them.
You’re going to want to highlight your shoulders and legs, and create an illusion of curves similar to those with an hourglass shape. Choose tops that hang loosely off the shoulder or have embellishments, like lace or color around the neck and shoulders, and look for bottoms that are wider and have simple pockets. Mid-rise jeans are typically the best fit for you, as are skirts with uneven hemlines that add interest to your ensemble.
Opt for natural fabrics as opposed to synthetics. Natural fabrics offer more flexibility, movement, and don’t cling to your body. Instead, they drape elegantly in ways that highlight all your best assets.
Short, chunky necklaces, statement earrings, and chokers are all great accessories that draw attention to your beautiful face and neck. It would also be wise to invest in some shapewear to give your body a more balanced shape and help you feel confident and powerful!
Athletic
The athletic body shape is very similar to the rectangle body shape and in some ways appears similar to the inverted triangle. Those with this body shape have shoulders and hips with about the same measurements and an average waist that isn’t too narrow or well-defined. You’re typically muscular, but not quite curvy, and your weight is evenly distributed throughout your body.
The best way to style an athletic body shape is to accentuate either the upper or lower body, but never both. If you choose a piece that emphasizes the upper body, like a puffed-sleeved blouse, opt for skinny jeans or pants with straight or sculpted legs. When wearing boot-cut or flared pants, choose a tighter, more fitted top to create a curvier look. Plus, if you do have those athletic muscles common with this body shape, you can show off your hard work!
Racerback dresses are an ideal fit for you. They accentuate your strong shoulders while the slight flair at the bottom gives you the opportunity to showcase your long, lean legs. The shoulder-revealing style makes your shoulders look wider and suggests a shapelier figure type. Halter tops, strapless, and fit-and-flare dresses also work well with this body shape to add variety to the silhouette!
Hip-length jackets and waist-defining belts are a must, if you want to give the illusion of having a curvier figure, but if you’d rather embrace your streamlined, sleek frame, opt for tops with a square cut and fitted bottoms.
Whichever shape you are, and whichever silhouette you aspire to, you can use these tips and tricks to accentuate your favorite assets. Go ahead, try some of these out in front of a mirror and see which you like — and which you love and want to start wearing today!
Remember, though — like we talked about in our “How to Dress Like a Badass” blog — confidence is key when it comes to rocking any outfit.