Every woman is made differently, but by no means does that mean one is more beautiful than the other. It’s all about finding the best fit for you. As important as it is to understand your body shape, a surprising number of women still have a hard time finding what clothes suit them best, and it doesn’t help that perception of body image can change as you grow older. Learning to love your body is a lifelong journey for all of us, and one way to achieve body confidence is by learning what clothes look the most flattering on us.
To help women while shopping, numerous labels have posted their own style advice for different shapes. Along with a sizing chart, Adrianna Papell is a brand that Lyst proclaims is known for creating intricately detailed occasion wear, which also provides helpful info on how to dress for seasonal weddings and useful snippets on what’s best for your shape. In fact, more clothing companies should follow suit, as we all could use a little help in discovering just how gorgeous are figures are.
While it is possible that you may fit into more than one body type, here are the main categories to guide you in choosing the right dresses for you:
Apple
There are several key things to look for if you belong in this category: larger bust, broader shoulders, narrower hips, and a less-defined waist. Swing dresses or frocks with an empire waist along with deep V-necks will distract from a thicker midsection.
Pear
If you are slender at the top and heavier at the bottom, fit-and flares and A-line dresses will be your best friend. The secret is in the hem of the dress; a wider hem will visually enhance your shape.
Inverted Triangle
A smaller bottom half and broader shoulders are key indicators of an inverted triangle shape. Avoid fitted dresses as those will exaggerate your wider top and narrower bottom, so go for shift dresses, A-line silhouettes, or anything with full or pleated skirts. Patterns look amazing on inverted triangles.
Hourglass
To really play to your curves, opting for styles that have a belted waist. While women with this shape don’t need much help to show off their figures, there is no harm in further emphasising their shape.
Athletic
Having an athletic build tends to look more rectangular in shape, so what you should do is find details such as cinched waists, draping or ruching to feminise your silhouette.…