Quick Guide to Body Shapes
How do I dress for my body type?
If you find yourself not knowing what to wear or struggle to find clothes that fit just right, it might be because your body shape isn’t being considered when shopping. One of the main reasons garments go unworn in our wardrobes is that they simply don’t flatter our natural silhouettes. Understanding your body type is a key style foundation - it empowers you to curate a wardrobe that feels personal, looks great, and suits your unique proportions.
Before we jump right into body shapes, let’s get one thing straight: no body shape is better, easier to dress, or more “ideal” than another. Most of us are a combination of two (or more than two) body types and that is OK. Each body tells its own story, and great style is about embracing - not hiding - what makes you unique.
This guide isn’t about labels. It’s about learning how your natural proportions interact with clothing so you can dress with confidence, creativity, and ease.
We’ll explore five commonly referenced body shapes - hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle - not to box you in, but to give you a foundation to build your own style language.
Because when you know your shape, you can dress it your way. When you know the rules, you can confidently break them.
Hourglass
Balanced bust and hips, with a defined waist.
Your silhouette has natural curves in all the right places, and your waist loves to show off.
You have a defined waistline, upper body in proportion to lower body and rounded shoulders/hips.
Style Tip: Play to your proportions with wrap dresses, high-rise jeans, and waist belts that celebrate your shape.
Pear
Narrower shoulders, fuller hips/thighs.
You may have a beautiful curve on the lower half and a more delicate upper body.
A pear shape will typically have round and sloped shoulders, small to medium bust, a defined waistline and hips slightly wider than bust.
Style Tip: Balance proportions with statement tops, wide necklines, and A-line skirts that skim over the hips.
Apple
Fuller midsection, slimmer limbs.
You might find your waistline isn’t very defined - but your legs deserve the spotlight.
As an apple shape, you might have round and wide shoulder line, average to big bust, little to undefined waistline, narrow hips and slim arms and legs.
Style Tip: Opt for V-neck tops, empire-waist dresses, and streamlined layering to soften and elongate.
Rectangle
Straight silhouette, minimal curves.
Your bust, waist, and hips are fairly aligned, creating a sleek, athletic line.
A typical rectangle might have bust and hips approximately the same width, very little to no waist definition, straight hips and bottom.
Style Tip: Use clothing to create shape - think belted jackets, tiered dresses, and textured layering.
Inverted Triangle
Broad shoulders, narrower hips.
You have strong shoulders and often a more tapered lower half.
As an inverted triangle, you might have a full bust, waist and hips narrower than shoulders and little waist definition.
Style Tip: Flared trousers, scoop necklines, and soft fabric drapes help add harmony to your frame.
Curious about your body shape and how to dress it with confidence?
My Body Shape Consultation is one of my most sought-after services - and for good reason. It provides a supportive, judgment-free space where we dive deep into understanding your unique shape and explore style advice tailored specifically to you.
Knowing your body shape is just the starting point. If you're ready to cut through the confusion and step into a wardrobe that truly feels like you, I’d love to help you get there.
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