Find Fashion That Matters…

This weekends fashionable blog post is all about knowing your body shape and finding clothes that fit and flatter. Fashion is all about dressing your body after all. Here are some simple tips to help you dress for your body shape! <3

Determine and embrace your body type

Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best.

When you think about body types, don’t focus on height and weight… focus on shape. A short woman can have the same body shape as a tall woman, just as someone slender can have the same body shape as someone curvy.

We are all unique — and so are our bodies! Our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: pear, apple, hourglass, wedge and rectangle. If you don’t fall into one category, you might be a blend of two or more categories.

Once you’ve figured out your body shape, you can start to consider which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid – too simple! Spend some time in front of the mirror (take a few selfies while you’re at it) and do a fair and honest assessment of your body. Then put these fashionable tips to work for you!

Pear body shape

Pear body shape Pear-shaped celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes and Katherine Heigl

Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body — your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well-defined.
Your best assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach
Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Dos and don’ts

If your body is pear-shaped like Kim Kardashian’s, then you want to focus attention upward.

DO try a-line skirts, which camouflage wider hips.
DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips.
DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
DO look for square necklines.
DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
DO try styles with ruffles on top.
DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.
DON’T wear clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs, such as cargo pants or print skirts.

Wedge body type

Wedge-shaped celebs: Audrina Patridge’s and Naomi Campbell

Wedge body traits: This body shape consists of a broad chest and wide shoulders which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.
Your best asset: Your legs
Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Dos and don’ts

If you have a wedge body like Audrina Patridge’s, then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.

DO wear bright colors on bottom.
DO wear wide-leg pants.
DO wear full skirts.
DON’T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
DON’T wear boat neckline tops.
DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.

Rectangle body shape

Rectangle-shaped celebs: Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson.

Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.
Your best assets: Your arms and legs — and you don’t have to minimize any body features.
Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Dos and don’ts

If your body is rectangle-shaped like Natalie Portman’s, then you want to create curves where they don’t necessarily exist.

DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
DON’T wear overwhelming styles.
DO layer to add more dimensions.
DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
DO have fun with colorful bottoms… feel free to experiment.

Apple body shape

Apple-shaped celebs: Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson

Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.
Your best asset: Those legs!
Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Dos and don’ts

If you have an apple-shaped body like Jennifer Hudson’s, then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

DO go for monochromatic looks.
DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses.
DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.

Hourglass body type

Hourglass-shaped celebs: Beyonce and Scarlett Johansson

Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.
Your best assets: Curves, curves, curves!
Your fashion goals: Show off your curves… without going overboard.

Dos and don’ts

If your body is hourglass-shaped like Beyonce’s, then you’re a lucky girl! Your shape is all about tastefully showing off those curves: not too baggy, not too tight.