The body type “balancing act”
April 18th, 2006Well dressed people always dress according to their body type. Despite seasonal trends and despite what you like and what you don’t like, that which you choose to wear needs to be flattering for your shape at all times. Maintaining “a sense of balance” is key to a happy life – the same principle applies to dressing:
Creating a balanced body shape is fundamental to having great style.
The reality is that very few people have perfectly proportioned bodies. We can either mope around and wish that we had a different body; or we can dress appropriately and streamline our lovely bodies to create balance! But before that you’ll need to ascertain which body type you tend towards irrespective of our height. There are 5 main body types:
- Pear – when the width of your torso is smaller than the width of your hips. You’ll constantly want to balance the difference between the top and bottom part of your body
- Hourglass – when you are well proportioned with a shapely bust and defined waist. You’ll always want to strive to look taller and slimmer
- Rectangle – when you are well proportioned and relatively lean but lack curves. You’ll want create a bust and those curves to keep you feminine.
- Apple – when you are well proportioned but with a little bit of extra around the middle. You’ll want to create shape and disguise your midriff
- Inverted Triangle – when the width of your shoulders and torso is wider than the width of your hips. You’ll want to soften your shoulders and perhaps your bust line, and add volume to the lower part of your body
Once you know which body type you tend towards, you’ll need to know how to select clothes that bring you balance. This is not seasonal knowledge. Once you have it, you’ll be able to apply it for a good length of time. I have plenty of information to share on dressing for each body type and I’ll be sharing it in future posts. In the meantime, balance your beautiful body and celebrate!
April 18th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
A friend, Sue, from my knitting group gave us your link. I like the body type descriptions. Is there any recommended clothing types you can recommend for a slightly pear shape?
April 19th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Thanks for asking Sue. I will in fact make answers to this exact question a blog entry in the next couple of days if you can wait that long! For the meantime though, it’s all about keeping the bottom half of you simple, while you add detail to your top half.
April 20th, 2006 at 12:39 am
Can’t wait to read more on how to make the most of our shape………I often stuggle with this!!!
April 21st, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Hmm, would love to see similar suggestions for the Hourglass shape as you did for the Pear.
April 21st, 2006 at 6:54 pm
Hello Cindy! I was planning on posting an entry on the “hour glass” body type soon so stay tuned.
June 13th, 2006 at 7:54 am
[…] The fit is different for each brand. Different brands target different body shapes. A certain size in one store might fit you perfectly, whereas the same size in another store just doesn’t look right. Again, you need to experiment to find the stores that work for you. […]
September 5th, 2006 at 7:16 am
[…] While we might not all be able to wear each form of this season’s new volume – there will be ideal options to balance each body type. Height will be another factor to consider. Stay tuned on how to update existing items in your wardrobe with the correct voluminous pieces for you and your personal style. […]
October 10th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Got this link from a friend and it’s just great. Patiently waiting for more info on my apple type.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
The pear shape and hour glass are normal figures for a woman and very attractive, but what about the woman with the inverted triangle as i am, it is really uncomfortable and unattractive what can women do, who want to change it and get fullnes or curves to our hips. Is there any kind of remedy or plastic surgery available.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Not sure about any plastic surgery, but I can tell you what I do know.
If your body type is an inverted triangle, that means you have good shoulders which is a positive attribute especially since it is close to your face. Play this up with pretty necklaces or scarves.
Try jackets and blazers that have a defined waist. Look for belted cardigans and tops anything that cinches your waist and gives you more shape. Pair this with slim fitting pants, or cigarette pants which are more tapered at the bottom as this will make your thighs, bottom and hip area appear heavier. For skirts, try full volume skirts such as a circle skirt which has a swing to it and is quite feminine. Also tulip skirts give you more volume at the bottom without the excess fabric. Pants and skirts with pleats will also give you more volume below.
Before you go thinking about going under the knife please try this..I hope it helps some.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Hi, great site
Can you help me? My shoulders-hips are aligned with each other, waist defined, but bust is non-existant (AA). I feel like I never graduated from middle school 
Did I mention I am 29? *sigh* I am otherwise reasonably slim w/ curvy thighs, long legs and junk in the trunk–I guess you gotta make the most with the cards you’ve got! But it’s hard sometimes. Aside from Wonderbra, ‘cupcakes’ and
a pair of water balloons, proportion/illusion tips would be appreciated.
I also have some scarring on my chest area and often conceal via high neck/boat neck tops or strategic necklaces with lower cuts. My boyfriend commented that my knee length jersey shirtdress, various cap sleeve tops/blouses and man-eating bootcut jeans (ha) look especially good. Coincidence? I’m kinda lost…Thank you kindly.
December 25th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I’m getting a bit confused… how am I to know if I am a pear ? Should I compare my hips to my shoulders, the width of my chest, or my bust ?
December 26th, 2007 at 9:32 am
You need to look at your silhouette and consider the sizes you wear (top vs the bottom)…..you might tend towards pear very slightly if it’s not that obvious.
January 14th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I don’t know whether I’m a rectangle or a pear. I have a small bust, very little waist indention, long, thin arms, a short waist, narrow hips that widen dramatically into thick thighs, and short, muscular legs. I don’t have the long, slim legs of a rectangle or the small waist of the pear.
Thank you!
January 14th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Have you read the blog entry below Carrie?
http://www.youlookfab.com/2007.....ody-types/
You probably tend towards both body types and this is perfectly fine. Your fuller thighs allow you to tend towards a pear, while your straight torso, narrow hips and small bust allow you to tend towards a rectangle.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
um, ok. those are the body types, now what types of CLOTHES do we put on our different body types. there is absolutely no information on the web other than to just point out the body type and maybe tell me what era clothing is best. hello????? is there a book or something??????
March 11th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Would someone tell me how I can hide my wrist line ´cause I´m all curvy (big hips big bubs) but my wrist is a problem.
Thank you
March 15th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I’m having the same problem that rhonda is having. I’m an Inverted Triangle and it’s so hard trying to downplay my chest, when everything is made for someone with a smaller chest. Or when I’m trying to add volume to my hips and majority of clothes are made for women with hips. HELP ME PLEASE.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I am the pear shape. I would like to know how to dress so as to look slimmer and taller!
May 5th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I am 57 and tired of shopping for clothing that fits either old ladies or young sexy teens and adults. I have a big round bosom (I’m 5′2″ and 36-DD bra size), short waisted, and hippy. What do you suggest and where do I shop?
May 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
my measurements are 43-37 or 36-45 or 44
May 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
i meant to ask wat shape am i