What's the point of having a capsule wardrobe if you don't love every piece in it and feel great wearing them? It's important to feel great about how you look in what you're wearing. Confidence, they say, shines through! If you need a little help figuring out the best styles for your body shape then read-on because this post is for you! If you know what you feel great in then ignore this! It's intended as a guide, not a rule book.
Below are the broad categories of body types, how to define them, and suggested styles - use these as a guide to get you started. Then, make sure you give some different styles a try - you never know what you might like! - One of the reasons we offer free shipping & returns is we think you should be able to try everything on in the comfort of your own home - where you can give things a whirl with your own mirror & other favorites in your closet. This way you can really feel great about what you keep!
1. Straight or "Ruler"
Definition: The bust and hips are essentially the same size, with the waist slightly smaller than the bust and hip measurement.
Style Suggestions: With this body shape the goal is to "create more shape" -- in tops consider styles that create volume in the bust or hips, with shoulder details and/or a tied waist. These styles give the illusion of more "shape."
In Tops Look For:
2. Pear or "Spoon"
Definition: The hips are larger than the bust, and the waist gradually slopes out to the hips. The spoon version has more definition in the waist to hip portion, with the hips displaying more of a "shelf-like" appearance.
Style Suggestions: With this body shape the goal is to create more volume in the bust to balance the hips.
In Tops Look For:
- Nipped or belted waists. (Shop)
- Off the shoulder, boat, wide V or U necks. (Shop)
- Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
- Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
- Bright colors and bold patterns.
- For the "spoons" - tops with empire waists anything that skims your midsection without adding volume & consider strapless tops that show off your shoulders.
- Skirts that skim without adding volume. (Shop)
- Avoid details in the hip and embellished pockets.
- Pants that fall straight from the widest part of your hip.
- A-Line skirts.
- Darker colors, clean lines and simple stitching. (Shop)
- If you're a "spoon" consider midi skirts and pants with a wide waist band.
3. Hour Glass
Definition: Bust and hips are essentially the same size and waist is very well defined.
Style Suggestions: Lucky you! This is the easiest shape to dress. The goal is to maintain the existing balance in your figure & (as always) enhance the waist.
In Tops Look For:
4. Inverted Triangle
Definition: The bust is large compared to the hips (which are quite narrow) and the waist is not well defined.
Style Suggestions: With this body shape the goal is to balance the natural volume in the upper half in the lower half.
In Tops Look For:
- Pants with embellished or flap-style pockets.
- Boot cut or wide legs.
- Full or A-line skirts.
5. Oval or "Diamond"
Definition: The waist is larger than the bust and hips. The hips are narrow compared to the shoulders. The difference between a true Oval and a Diamond is bust size. An Oval has a larger proportional bust compared to Diamond.
Style Suggestions: With this body type the goal is to de-emphasize the broader waist/mid-section and create a more defined waist.
- Go for details around the hip, embellished & flap pockets. (Shop)
- Pants with full or wide legs.
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