If you have a pear-shaped body, it’s important to select top-half styles and shapes that widen the appearance of your upper body and attract the eye. Select bottom-half styles and shapes that recede and don’t draw attention to your widest areas. Tightly woven fabrics are best for your lower half.
Best topsTops should finish at your hipbone or just above. V-necks are always a good choice, but also consider boatneck, square and wide oval necklines. You can’t go wrong with a wrap top that accentuates your waist and lies flat across your tummy.
Tops with patterns, frills, lace, pockets, beads, gems and other embellishments are good because they attract the eye upwards.
Best jackets and coatsYour very best jacket has a nipped-in waist, set-in sleeves and small shoulder pads. Also look for princess-cut styles that are fitting through the torso and flare out at the hem.
Belted cardigans that finish at the hipbone look great over skirts. A trench coat worn just above or at knee length will always flatter.
Short boxy jackets with three-quarter sleeves will emphasise your upper body.
Best pantsLook for simple styles with a low waist (about 2.5 cm below your navel), flat front and a straight but full leg.
For jeans, hunt down straight or boot-cut styles in darker denim – no bleached or stressed areas. look for zips that fasten at the side or back.
Best skirtsYou can always trust an A-line skirt with minimal or no waistband in firm fabrics or fabrics that drape softly. A soft circle skirt can also work, as can sarong styles with a diagonal drape across your tummy and hips. Best length is just below the knee.
Best dressesTry a knit wrap dress with an A-line skirt – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Soft matte fabric in a solid colour is foolproof. Also look for empire-line styles with interesting necklines that bring the focus to the upper body. For glamorous occasions, a halter-neck with straps and a deep V-neck will work if your shoulder line is straight.
Best avoidedWhiskered or bleached/stressed denims will draw attention to features you want to minimise.Avoid too much texture or pattern on your bottom half.
**Accessorising
**Your handbag shouldn’t end at your widest point; carry it tucked into your waist. Wear belts soft andcurved on your hips, or wear a belt below your bust to highlight the slimmest part of your body.
Top TipEmphasise your shoulders to minimise your hips. Think shoulder pads, puffed and capped sleeves and dramatic collars.
Find out more about your style personality and working with colour.
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