Searches for ‘how to dress for your body type’ hit an all-time Internet high this year, with a 35% increase over the last two years.
With this in mind, experts at Boohoo have revealed the most optimal styles for each body type.
There are five main body shapes that women often use to categorize their bodies, however, styling for each body shape can be a difficult thing to achieve without proper measurements, that’s why experts at Boohoo have revealed the best styles for each body type. These body shapes are not set in stone and should only be used as a guide to finding the best style for your own shape.
Hourglass
This body type is characterized by the bust and hips being the same width and having bigger thighs, a rounded bottom, and a small waist.
Around 8% of women have an hourglass figure, according to a study done in 2005 by the London College of Fashion, making it one of the rarest body types, and the term ‘hourglass body shape’ has 3,700 average monthly searches in the U.S.
When looking at outfits to accentuate the body’s natural curves, high cuts and plunging necklines are essential. Dresses that follow the body’s natural curves and cinch in at the waist are also a good choice for an hourglass figure and accessories such as belts can further highlight the waistline.
One famous icon with an hourglass figure is Kim Kardashian. Kim has been showing off her curves, and her swimwear and clothing brand, Skims, with solid colour bikinis that are cut high on the thighs and show off the bust with a triangle-style top.
Pear
A pear body type is among the most common, with around 25% of women fitting the mold. This body type has a small top that widens at the hips and bottom with a well-defined waist area and slim arms. In the U.S., the term ‘pear body shape’ has an average search volume of 13,000 searches per month.
To accentuate the natural curves of a pear-shaped body, look for frills and ruffles to add volume to the top and balance out the silhouette. A V or U-neck will draw attention to the cleavage and chest area, also try pairing a detailed top half with a plain, solid colour on the bottom half when looking for colour and help harmonize a pear shape’s silhouette.
Pop star and businesswoman Rihanna has opted for an orange one-piece swimsuit before, that had a plunging neckline and was cut high on the thighs to show off her natural curves.
Inverted Triangle
An inverted triangle body shape typically has broad shoulders and a defined upper body. This is one of the rarest body types, with less than 5% of women having this figure. However, the term ‘inverted triangle body shape’ has an average of 8,600 monthly searches in the U.S. Adding definition to the lower body is the best way to style this body type effectively.
Drawing attention towards the hips and legs is vital with this body shape. Celebs with this body shape include Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie who compliment their toned shoulders with A-line dresses and ruffles to look effortlessly chic.
Colour is also crucial. Dark, solid colours can accentuate the lines of this body type, especially when worn as the top piece. This can be combined with patterns and bright colours on the bottom to help draw the eye. Adding volume to this body shape can be done by using ruffles on the bottom layer of dresses or at the waist of pants.
Rectangle
Rectangle bodies often have shoulders and hips of similar width and few curves around the waist, hips, and bottom. This is one of the more common body types, with around 46% of women having this figure. The term ‘rectangle body shape’ has an average of 6,200 monthly searches in the U.S.
Smaller busts are something to keep in mind when styling a rectangle body type, so padding to increase and enhance the bust is a good idea.
Like the inverted triangle, embellishments at the hips will help to accentuate the area and give definition to the waist. When paired with cut-outs and line patterns, this can draw the eye and create a curvier silhouette.
Zendaya and Natalie Portman are examples of a rectangle body shape and have been seen on the red carpet wearing cinched waist dresses and tops to give definition.
Apple
The apple body type features similar measurements across the bust, waist, and hips, with the waist having little definition. This body type also boasts slimmer arms and legs, which are some areas to accentuate when looking for flattering outfits. A winning combination for an apple body shape is a monochrome colour scheme that trends toward darker colours like navy or black.
With an average of 9,700 monthly searches in the U.S. for the term’ apple body shape,’ many women look for tips on how to dress up this body type. Rebel Wilson and Mindy Kaling are examples of celebs with an apple body shape
Since the waist has little definition with apple shapes, dresses or tops with panels, wraps, or tummy control will help to shape and define the waist area. Plunging necklines are also good as they draw the eye to the bust and make the torso seem longer.
A spokesperson for Boohoo commented:
“Flattering clothing is hard to find, but utilizing colour and different silhouettes can help to accentuate the natural curves and draw attention to specific areas of the body depending on its shape.
“Finding your body shape is difficult without accurately measuring the waist, bust, and hips. These categories are also more of a guide, as all bodies are different and don’t fit perfectly into any one body type – it’s important to remember that confidence is key. Search trends have shown that more people are asking ‘how to dress for your body type’ each year, with 2023 having a 35% increase compared to 2021.
“These tips can also be used in an everyday wardrobe to level up style and find clothes that suit these body types and boost confidence.”
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