What's Best for Your Body Type?

Part of being a fashionista is being able to dress your shape to its fullest potential, but you'd be surprised how few women know how to do just that. Here are a few helpful hints for basic body shapes to use as a guide.

Apple

A woman with a round-shaped figure has a generous bust, wider rib cage, a fuller back, generous middle, narrow hips, and slender legs. You have the legs that the pear and diamond shaped women would kill for. So show them off with styles that accentuate your narrow hips, and skirts that show off your legs.

When choosing tops, necklines like the v-neck, help to elongate and slenderize your neck. Avoid tops that are fitted, as they will only accentuate your larger middle, and keep the collars or lapels of your jacket narrow so that they do not draw any extra attention to your fuller bust. When choosing a skirt stay with something that is more fitted, like a pencil skirt, as it will accentuate your legs.

Hourglass

You can tell a woman has an hourglass figure when she has a bust, small bone structure, defined waist, curved hips, shapely legs, and sometimes a protruding bottom. You definitely have curves, so why not show them off?

Because you have a defined waist, drawing attention to your waist by wearing pants with a contoured waistband, belts, or wrap tops that sit just at your waist, is a great way to accentuate your assets. Stick with clothing that is semi-fitted as opposed to too fitted or tight. Stay away from oversized or baggy styles since they will overpower your bone structure.

Pear

Pear shaped body types have a slender neck, narrow shoulders, small bust, as well as a shapely waist, generous lower hips and full thighs. With your waistline being small and feminine, you should embrace styles that accentuate your assets.

When wearing pants make sure you choose flowing fabrics to de-emphasize your hips. If you are more of a skirt person, then straight skirts are your friend. Your upper body is your best asset, so wear semi-fitted and tailored tops; necklines like cowl necks and square necklines will help broaden your shoulders.

Straight

The straight body type is distinguished by an upper and lower torso that are equal in width, an average bust, large rib cage, undefined waist, flat bottom, and slender legs.

When looking for a suit jacket, try a longer jacket, as it will help lengthen your upper torso. Necklines that fall below your collarbone will help elongate your neck. Try straight tailored skirts, or skirts with a dropped waist; both will slenderize. Avoid belts, and gathered or pleated fabric at the waist, as they will accentuate your thicker waist.

Ladies with any detailed question on how to dress their shapes are encouraged to direct their questions to resident UrbanMinx advice columnist Elyse. If your question is chosen you will receive a 10% off coupon toward your next UrbanMinx order!