One type of garment will not look the same on all body types, and it will certainly not look the same as it does on the mannequin in the clothing store. Research on the shopping habits and preferences of women of different sizes has revealed that 13% or one in eight women say that they dress to show their bodies, while 53% dress to cover something up.

We are all created differently, and depending on our physical features and what it is we want to highlight, there are lots of styling tricks to use. It’s not about you changing your body, but it’s about having the opportunity to be able to influence which silhouette you want to emphasize. Cut, color choice, and pattern affects how the body’s proportions are perceived, regardless of whether you want to look taller, shorter, slimmer, or wider.

It’s always fun to get to know yourself better and find lovely features that you can highlight through clothes. The most important thing, however, is that you feel comfortable in the clothes you wear. But in order to find the best fit it’s also important to try before you buy a few pieces you think would look good on you. 

If you’re curious to learn more about how to dress for your body shape, you’ll find everything you need to know in this article.

Hourglass Shaped Body Type

Dressing for an hourglass-shaped body type requires an understanding of the right cuts and styles that will flatter your figure. With the right clothing, you can create stunning looks that accentuate your curves and make you look amazing.

There are many different ways to dress for a curvy body, from choosing the right fabrics to picking out clothes with the perfect fit. Knowing how to choose the best pieces for your shape is key to creating looks that will make you feel confident, stylish, and comfortable. Choose tops that are elegant and simple but also make sure to try them out before you make a big purchase. Off-the-shoulder styles and boat necklines are flattering for hourglass-shaped bodies.

Choose fitted T-shirts over bulky styles that lack shape when dressing casually. Look for knitwear that skims the body, rather than loose, bulky knits. Avoid fussiness when choosing business attire for your hourglass shape. You can also choose fitted jackets, with a single breast and no more than 2 buttons. In addition, look for trousers and skirts which sit at your waist. To highlight your waist and enhance your style, add a belt to your separates.

Rectangle Body Shape

Dressing for a rectangle body shape can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right fashion tips and tricks, you can create an outfit that is flattering and stylish. By understanding the proportions of your body type and showing off your best features, you can create a look that will make you feel confident and beautiful.

To enhance this gorgeous body shape, you need to define your waist. Add a fun belt to your outfit choice, avoid clothing with drop-waists or embellishments on the midsection, and experiment with different cuts and styles to create curves.

Don’t be afraid to play with prints, colors, and textures. When dressing a rectangle body shape, bright colors, and patterns will catch the eye of others. When it comes to wearing tops, focus on the neckline of tops. Scoop neck tops are a flattering and easy way to draw attention to your face, and they also lengthen your neck. Tops with a boat or bateau neck run horizontally along the collarbone and can give the appearance of more volume by drawing the eye to the shoulders.

Round Body Shape

If you have a round body shape choosing the right outfit can sometimes be difficult. With the right tips and tricks, you can create flattering and stylish looks that will help you feel confident and comfortable.

Dressing in a single color or monochromatically will create a longer line. Dressing off a “column” of color will also help. This means keeping the bottom pieces of your outfit one color, for example, black, and adding a top layer like a white jacket.

You don’t need to wear jackets or tops with ruffles, exaggerated shoulders, or a ruffled bust.  Try your best to avoid turtlenecks, skip crew lines, and pleated front skirts, and trousers with a front pleat.

Athletic Shaped Body Type

For those with an athletic body type, dressing to flatter your figure can be tricky but with the right knowledge, you can create a wardrobe that accentuates the best parts of your body and hides any problem areas. The best way to style an athletic figure is by dressing in skinny jeans, off-the-shoulder tops, belts that define your waist, hip-length jackets, and A-line dresses.

Final Thoughts

All body types are different but beautiful in their own way. Finding what to wear for your body type isn’t always easy but with this easy guide, you can get the lowdown on how to put together a fashionable outfit for your body shape while looking and feeling amazing every day.