The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Different Body Types

We have all faced a situation while shopping online, when we get our eyes glued to a beautiful dress, but when we try it, it doesn’t fit the same. Well, it's not about your size, but it's about the lack of awareness about the different body types. No matter how urging it gets to order a When fully acquainted with your body type, flaunting your dream dress can immediately become quite easy. 

Undeniably, the dresses we wear have a significant impact on our impression on others and also on our confidence. It has the power to make or break the confidence and the lasting charm wherever you walk through. Therefore, it's important to know our body type and understand how to style these different body shape women’s dresses. 

So, we created this handy guide to help you learn how to wear trendy clothes for different body types and to choose your perfect body shape dress. But, first things first, do you know your body shape? Let us help you figure it out.

Understanding the Different Body Types of Women

Here we have narrowed down the 5 major body shapes and will further give styling tips on dressing for each one.

1. Hourglass Body Type

   The hourglass type is the body to die for, and that's why it is the least common body type, with only 8% of women forming this part of the group. This figure is typically characterized by a well-defined waistline, with the bust and hips being of similar size and the waist being the narrowest part of the body, which creates an hourglass-like silhouette. 

2. Pear Shaped Body Type

   This is also known as the Triangle body type that visually appears in the lower part of the body. A smaller upper body and wider hips characterize this body type. And is in rage now, which is all thanks to Kim Kardashian.  

3. Apple Shaped Body Type

   This type of body type is also known as apple or oval shape, which characterizes a heavier body in contrast to the lower body. Generally, people who have broader shoulders and bigger bust lines belong to this body shape. Most people often refer to this as a "top-heavy" body shape, and about 14% of women account for such body type.

4. Athletic/ Inverted Triangle Body Type

   When your shoulders are much broader than your hips, then you come under the category of Athletic or Inverted Triangle body type. Most women belong to this body shape with a waist about the same size as the hips and bust. In these types of body shapes, people do not have curves like those of pear and apple-shaped body type, and they often appear straight with flat shoulders. 

5. Rectangle-Shaped Body Type

   It is also called a straight body type that presents fairly balanced measurements from the shoulders to the hips with rather straight waistlines. In short, if you have a rectangle-shaped figure, it is characterized by a straight bodyline with no defined curves.

How to Style Your Dresses for Different Body Types for Women?

Once you have analyzed your body shape, you can easily identify which dresses can acquire a place in your closet.

Dressing Style For Hourglass Body Shape

This body type is rare as it has all the pearl characteristics that most women desire. This is the stereotypical projection of an ideal women’s body. If you are one of them, then style with fit and flare or bodycon dresses that flaunt your curves and waist beautifully. 

Best Clothes for Body Type

Dresses that cinch at your waist will be the best fit, and the V or sweetheart necklines will well flaunt your upper body. Needless to say, body-hugging dresses and those which flaunt your waistline are the things of these body-shaped people.  

What Not to Wear

Avoid loose tops or bottoms that will kill your curvy looks. Otherwise, almost everything goes well with this body type. 

Pro-Tip-

Go with Wedges, peep-toe heels, and round-toe shoes, as they are best to highlight your curves.  

Dressing Style for Apple-Shaped Figure

Now, curvy women who want to look a little slimmer can go for this option. Since most of the weight is above the hips with a minimal waistline, here is the idea to steal the attention away from that part of the body and highlight the strengths of the body. That’s why flaunt your legs and go for deep-V necklines to create an illusion of an elongated torso. 

Best Clothes for Body Type

A-line dresses are the best for this body shape. You should also wear flared bottoms or palazzos etc., to create a finely balanced look. Further strapless and off-shoulders style dresses will also make a fashion statement for this type of figure.

What Not to Wear

Don’t go ahead with figure-hugging dresses and tops with skinny jeans, as this will make it more visible. You can try to replace the waist belt with an upper waist belt to strike a balance in the overall appearance.

Pro-Tip

Calf-length boots, strappy sandals, and wedges are perfect to balance out your slim legs and highlight your curves. 

Dressing Style for Pear-Shaped Figure

The greatest benefit of this body shape is you can create the illusion of an hourglass figure if styled correctly. In this figure, shoulders are narrow, and hips are wide. So, we just need to strike the right balance. Or you can wear dresses that highlight your lower body. Either way, it works well. 

Best Clothes for Body Type

Skinny jeans with loose tops, crop tops, sweetheart or V-deep necklines, or boat neck tops or dresses will completely give a gorgeous appearance. Further, the wide-legged pants and A-line skirts or patterned dresses will add great definition to your upper body. 

What Not to Wear

Avoid halter necklines, loose bottoms, and skin-fitting clothes unless you prefer the look.

Pro Tip-

Choose open-toe wedges, and knee or thigh-high boots, as they will distract the attention from thighs and lengthen your legs. 

Dressing Style for Athletic Body Shape

In this body shape, people have broader shoulders than hips. So, add definition to your hips by wearing straight-cut jeans and dresses that naturally give an inverted-V look that will surely suit your body. 

Best Clothes for Body Type-

Pencil skirts, skinny jeans etc., will look amazing on this type of figure. But make sure you do not add much layering or definition to your upper body. V -necklines of dresses are the go-to necklines as they will create the illusion of narrow shoulders. 

What Not to Wear

Let the ruffles, patterns, or layers be part of your bottom wear, but strictly keeps your body minimalistic. 

Pro-Tip-

High heels with pointed toes and chunky sandals with ankle straps are some of the best shoes that will highlight the thin legs and balance the upper and lower halves. 

Dressing For Rectangle-Shaped Body Type

Here your assets are your arms and hips. So, focus on enhancing it. Select the dresses that add definition to your bottom and necklines. 

Best Clothes for Body Type-

Choose A-line skirts, layered and ruffled tops. Sweetheart necklines, strapless, and sleeveless body shape dresses work better for this figure. If you want to add more drama to your appearance, then blazers, long jackets, and capes are the best companion.  

What Not to Wear

Avoid wearing overarching dresses because they will not look great and appeal very consuming too. 

Pro-Tip-

Simple pumps, textured shoes, and ballet flats will work best for a rectangle body shape as they will help in giving the illusion of elongated legs. 

Final Thoughts

No matter what your body type is, all that matters is how comfortable you are with the dress that you are wearing and flaunting it amazingly and confidently as well. 

So, are you ready to explore the world of trendy clothes for different body types for women? Head on to our website and select the best body shade dresses just made for you!

FAQ’s

1. Why is it important to dress for your body type?

Understanding your body type is essential to avoid the situation of not getting confused about what looks good on you and helps in flaunting your dresses appropriately.

2. How do I determine my body type?

Start by taking measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. And then, use the above guide information to determine your body type. 

3. Are there general style tips that apply to all body types?

Yes, there are general style tips that apply to all body types, such as experimenting with colors and patterns of dresses as they bring out the best in your shape. Also, wear clothes that balance out your shoulders, bust, hips, and waist.

4. Where can I find clothing options for different body types?

There are various websites, but Glamly has exclusive and trendy clothes for different body types for women. You can check out the collection and enjoy shopping here!