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How to dress for your body type

PEAR SHAPEPears have fuller rears, thighs and hips and smaller shoulders and torsos. To balance a curvy lower half, look for clothes that draw the eye away from these areas.

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What to wear

  • Bootleg pants widen below the knee and end with a slight flare so they’ll make your hips look smaller

  • Eye-catching, fitted tops and jackets that accentuate your waist

  • A-line skirts will make your hips look small in comparison to the wide hem

  • Subtle shoulder pads in a structured jacket give your shoulders definition

  • Horizontal, boat and square necklines create the illusion of wider, stronger shoulders

  • A padded bra can add curves up top to balance the curves on the bottom

What not to wear

  • Tapered pants will hug your calves and ankles and make your hips look even bigger

  • Loud prints on the bottom will draw the eye directly to your widest body part

  • High-waisted pants will cover more of your rear, making it look larger. A slightly low-rise pant is a better option

  • Long, straight jackets that looks loose around the waist are not as flattering as a suit jacket or trench with a waist-defining belt

APPLE SHAPEApple shaped women often have a ‘top-heavy’ appearance, with a full bust and midriff, prominent tummy and flat bottom. Choose styles that elongate and slim your upper body.

What to wear

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  • Printed or detailed skirts that draw the eye away from your middle

  • Narrow V-necks, keyhole necklines, halter necks to elongate your torso and enhance the bust, softening the shoulder line

  • Jackets with darts to give you shape at the waist

  • Straight trousers with a subtle vertical line to elongate the legs

  • oonochromatic outfits to focus attention away from your width

  • Trousers with a mid-rise and a wide leg, one that falls straight from the hip, to give a long, lean line.

What not to wear:

  • Tapered pants will emphasise the width of your tummy

  • A crop-top, empire waistline or short cardigan that draws attention to your middle

  • Tight tops that emphasise lumps and bumps

  • Spaghetti straps as they emphasise broad shoulders

BoYISH FIGUREWaif-like and slim, you’re the envy of many women. However you probably don’t have much definition between your waist and hips. Aim to create curves in this area.

What to wear

  • Styles with detail on the bust and hips

  • Horizontal stripes or patterns that add dimension to your shape

  • Contrasting colours on the top and bottom to create definition

  • Wide-leg pants with heavier tops or jackets to create shape

  • Jeans that sit low on the waist and have back pockets, giving shape to the butt. A low-slung belt creates the illusion of shapelier hips

  • Fitted jackets that nip in at the waist

What not to wear

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  • Block colours that elongate your shape and emphasise a lack of curves

  • Patterns with vertical stripes

  • Deep V-necks as they will emphasise your lack of cleavage. A shallow V-neck will work better if you wear a padded bra

  • Slim-fitting skirts. Choose one cut on the bias or slightly flared to make your hips look fuller. Avoid skirts that fall below the knees.

HoURGLASSCongratulations – you have the most highly desired body type. Go for clothes that flatter your figure by drawing attention to the waist.

What to wear

  • Wrap tops, tie-waist tops or belted tops will accentuate your small waist

  • Scoop necks tops and V-necks to show off your bust

  • Straight leg or slightly flared bottoms to define and flatter the waist

  • Jeans cut with larger hips and a smaller waist. You also want to look for jeans that are slightly flared, or have a wide leg to balance out your hips. oid-rise jeans are the way to go, especially if you are carrying some extra weight in the tummy, but low-rise jeans work great for you as well

  • Smooth tops that hug your curves without adding unnecessary volume.

  • Belted and shaped jackets that emphasise your curves

  • Three-quarter-length sleeves, which cover the wide top of the arm and leave your comparatively thin wrists on display.

What not to wear

  • High necklines, such as turtlenecks as they draw attention away from the waist – your greatest asset!

  • Pants and tops that are too baggy, as they will give you a frumpy look

  • Tops with large prints, checks and stripes, and blouses with ruffles and lots of details around the bust as this will only hide your curves and make you look larger and out of proportion

  • Skirts that are too short, as these will only tend to make you look round and shorten your look

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