The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Your Body Shape

Shopping can feel overwhelming, especially as we move from our 30’s into our 40’s. One of the keys to really understanding how to get pieces that work and don’t just end up in your closet with tags on them is to understand your body shape.  This is the 2nd step in my signature program, The Style Evolution. Sometimes people are surprised that I start with this being one of the first parts of the evolution but it is so key!  Once we know your shape ( and your style personality, which is step one) everything else falls into place.   Now, the push back I get is the unhappiness with your body.  When you are unsure of how you feel about your body and your body confidence is low, understanding your body shape can feel overwhelming.  I promise you, with the right approach, it can be empowering and fun! As an Image Coach, I specialize in helping women embrace their unique body types with confidence, regardless of age or size. Here’s how you can make the most of your shopping experience by understanding and dressing for your body shape.

Know Your Body Shape

Identifying your body shape is the first step. A quick way to do this on your own to give you an idea of your shape is to look at these 4 areas. You can measure with a measuring tape or look at yourself in a full length mirror and assess. Compare these measurements to the characteristics below. Note, there is not a good vs. bad body shape. They are all amazing, especially when you realize how to dress to enhance each type!

If you have a balanced bust,hips and shoulders with a narrow waist you are an Hourglass

If you have hips that are wider than the bust with a well defined waist you are a Pear or Triangle

If you have a broader waist then bust and hips with a fuller bust you are an Apple or Oval/round

If your bust, waist and hips are similar you are a Rectangle

If your shoulders are broader than your hips you are an Inverted Triangle

Choose Flattering Fits Based on Your Body Shape

Once you understand your body shape, select clothing that highlights your best features. For example:

Hourglass- Your style is balanced naturally. Your hips and shoulders are the same and you have a defined waist. The trick with this silhouette is to not distort the proportion. Make sure you follow your natural silhouette and balance the top and bottom. Embrace fitted styles that accentuate your waist. Look for peplum tops, belted dresses, or high-waisted pants.

Pear – You are usually curvier on the bottom which creates an imbalance with the top half of the body. Since we are looking to create proportion, focusing on the upper half of the body takes attention away from the hips and draws it to the upper body and defined waist A-line skirts, tailored jackets, and bright tops will draw attention to your upper body while balancing your proportions.

Apple: This body shape may appear top heavy because of the fuller bust. Usually, there is little waist definition, however most apples have killer legs! To add balance you will want to choose pieces to add curves to your lower body and pull the waist in visually with style tricks to define it. Look for dresses with a flattering empire waist or tunic tops to create a balanced silhouette.

Rectangle- This body shape is well proportioned and the shoulders and hips are usually well balanced. Focus on adding definition to your waist, as you may not have much of one. Another trick is to add volume with layers and textures to create curves, such as ruffled blouses or peplum skirts.

Inverted Triangle-This body shape has a wider shoulder line and narrower hips. For this shape you are going to want to add curves to the hips and bottom and create a waist while not emphasizing the upper body. Soft, flowing fabrics on the bottom and structured tops can balance your proportions.

Want to read more about this? Check out my previous Blog post, 5 Fashion Myths Holding you Back (and how to break them)

Focus on Colors and Patterns

Colors and patterns can also play a huge role in flattering your shape. Dark colors tend to slim, while lighter tones and patterns can add volume. This is not an invitation to always wear black. My color clients know that I usually have them wear other colors and not black! Prints can be used to move the eye away from areas we are trying conceal and move them to places that we are highlighting. Prints can help create proportion where there may be none.

Hourglass- Try to wear a pattern that emphasizes your favorite feature. A pattern that is similar in the entire outfit works best fo this shape.

Pear- Try to keep patterns on the smaller side on the bottom and a larger or horizontal stripe on the top to create the proportion.

Apple- Larger patterns on the bottom are going to work best and small prints for the top will be most flattering.

Rectangle- Since this shape is straight up and down animal prints are a great choice because it can move the eye around and give you the look of curves. Thick horizontal stripes where you want to add curves also will work wonders. Midsize florals or polka dots also work well.

Inverted Triangle To try to give the illusion of an hourglass you will want to try horizontal stripes or a bold pattern on the bottom to help the bottom look fuller and a small print or solid top.

Accessorize Strategically to Enhance Your Body Shape

Accessories are your best friends when shopping for your body shape. Wide belts can accentuate a waist, while statement necklaces or earrings can draw attention to your face. Shoes are also crucial – heels elongate the legs, while flats can help maintain a balanced look. Never under estimate the power of the correct necklace to draw the eye! Handbags are a key issue that throw off proportion and can make or break an outfit.

This article by bagaddictsanonymous is fantastic as a definitive guide for which bag to choose for your body type. Check it out HERE

Confidence is Key

Finally, no matter what your body shape, the most important thing is wearing what makes you feel great! A wardrobe that fits well and highlights your favorite features will boost your confidence and make you feel empowered.  This is why I host a monthly webinar called, The Confident Silhouette.  Through the end of the year I am offering this as a FREE workshop.  Register today to get start to understand your shape!

At Stylist Jenn, I offer personalized styling services to help you find the perfect fit and develop a wardrobe that makes you feel your best. Whether it’s through a one-on-one styling session, color analysis, or a wardrobe refresh, I’m here to guide you in your style journey.

Book a consultation today and let’s elevate your shopping experience to fit your unique body shape!