When it comes to fashion, the main goal is to look and feel like your most stylish self. But when it comes to finding those pieces that do justice to your shape, it can be tricky to determine the styles that flatter you the most. Stay clued up by reading this article, so you can make the most of your figure by following our top tips for dressing for your shape.

1. Determine Your Body Type to Find Your Perfect Style

We all have a unique body shape and size, which influences the way our clothing looks on our bodies. To make sure you look amazing every day, it’s important to choose the right style for you. To help you find it, here are the three main body types and the best style recommendations for each:

• Apple Shape: If your silhouette is similar to an apple – rounded shoulders, full bust, and a narrow waist – try A-line dresses and tops with horizontal stripes to create an hourglass shape. Cropped and high-waisted pants will draw attention to your waist.
• Pear and Triangle Shape: For this body shape – narrow shoulders, full hips, a well-defined waist – pick monochromatic outfits and draw attention to the top of the body. Try structured tops and blazers with v-necklines, and always have the hem of your shirts to end at the hips.
• Hourglass Shape: This feminine body shape is equally proportioned at the top and the bottom. Show off curves with the right neckline: cowl neck, boat neck or scoop neck. Wrap and asymmetrical dresses are also a great way to accentuate your waist and play up your figure.

It’s also important to choose the right fabric, color, and fit. Pick fabrics like cotton, linen, and lightweight knits for extra comfort. Lighter colors will also help to draw attention to the right areas. Last but not least, a good fit is essential for accentuating your curves. A tailor can help customize it for your body.

Finding the right clothing for your body type doesn’t have to be hard. Once you know what works best, you can create a wardrobe that complements your unique style.

2. Learning the Art of Accentuating and Enhancing Your Silhouette

Knowing how and when to use clothing to create the illusion of your best shape is key to fashion success. As with any skill, mastering the art of accentuating and enhancing your silhouette requires practice. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right track:

• Highlighting Your Bust: If you’re looking to draw attention to your upper half, opt for styles that accentuate your neckline, like statement collars, peter pan collars or stepped hems.
• Defining Your Waist: Accentuating your shape starts with defining your waist. Find the dress style that best flatters your body shape, such as a wrap, hourglass, or peplum style. Add a wide belt to help give structure to any outfit.
• Exposing Skin Carefully: When planning an outfit, consider how much of your body you want to expose. If you’re looking to skim over your tummy area, opt for styles with a high waist, or an empire waist, to give the illusion of a longer midsection.
• Balance Proportions: When it comes to balancing out the shapes of your body, stay within one style, such as fitted on top and straight-leg trousers on bottom. For example, pair a boatneck top with tapered trousers. Or, when wearing a skirt, balance out the fullness by adding a fitted top.

Keep in mind that everyone is unique. Once you get to know your body type, you’ll be able to create a wardrobe of clothing items that look great and makes you feel great too. With the right clothing and some practice, you’ll soon learn to define and accentuate your silhouette in the most stylish way!

3. Shopping for Clothes that Fit and Flatter Your Form

Finding clothes that fit without having to constantly duck into the fitting room during every shopping trip can feel like a chore. But with a few simple tricks, you can learn to spot clothes that will flatter your form even before you try them on.

Know Your Measurements

When you go shopping, the first thing you should do is learn your measurements. Knowing your own inseam, waistline and bust, for example, will give you an indicator of what size to buy. Ask your tailor to give you an accurate measurement, or you can measure yourself.

• Use a tape measure and measure around your waist, hips, and bust.
• Measure the inside of your legs from your crotch to your ankle.

Do Some Research

Research styles on online lookbooks to get an idea of the types of clothes that you would look best in. Don’t limit yourself to one body type – remember that we all vary. So, look for styles that are suited for your body shape.

• Take a look at the online lookbooks of fashion brands.
• Look for styles that suit your body shape and that you like.
• When you find a style that you like, look in stores or online to buy it.

Take an Open-Minded Approach

Be ready and willing to choose clothes that are a bit outside your comfort zone. Clothes that fit and flatter you should be the priority, even if the style isn’t the same one as you usually buy. Step into the fitting room and don’t be afraid to take your time while you try different styles on.

4. Hacks to Make Sure the Garment Fits Your Shape Perfectly

Whether a pair of jeans or a little black dress, it is important for our clothes to fit us correctly. After all, if a piece of clothing is too tight or too loose, it won’t flatter our figure and may make us look bigger than we actually are. Here are some hacks to make sure the garment is tailored to your body shape:

• Know your shape: Your clothing should be fitted, but not tight. Take the time to understand your body shape then look for clothes that fit well with that shape.
• Materials are key: Pay attention to the fabric of a piece of clothing. If you have curves, have a look for stretchy materials that will move with your body and provide ease and comfort.
• Take advantage of tailors:A perfectly fitting piece of clothing can increase your confidence. Taking a garment to a tailor may be the answer if you can’t find anything that completely flatters your shape.

There is nothing wrong with having some extra fabric nor is there anything wrong with showing a bit of skin. The trick is finding the happy medium between being loose and fitting so the item looks tailored to your shape. Achieving this goal means knowing and loving your body, experimenting with different cuts and materials, and being open to finding clothes that may not show all your curves.

5. Outfit Ideas to Create a Fabulous Look for Every Body Type

No matter your height, shape, size, or complexion, you can create a fabulous look to feel confident. Here are five tips to concoct a picture-perfect outfit effortlessly:

• Petite: For a petite frame, wear shapes close to the body, and try proportions like high-waisted pants to elongate the silhouette. Balance the look with higher heeled shoes to add an extra few inches.
• Plus Size: Embrace bold prints and chic silhouettes. Flowy fabrics and oversized cardigans are a fashionable plus-size look that create a slimming effect.
• Athletic Build: Women with an athletic physique tend to have broad shoulders, so to soften the look, opt for straight, A-line dress silhouettes or tops with gathered details at the waist.
• Pear-Shaped: Accentuate your curves with well-fitted boot-cut jeans and skirts. Flowing tops and wide belts cinch at the waist to create a balanced and sleek silhouette.
• Hourglass: Women with an hourglass shape look best in tailor-made suits, which flatter your shapely waist and voluptuous curves. V-necklines also flatter your bust.

No matter the body shape or size, an abundance of outfit options are available. Be creative and experiment to discover the perfect look to reflect your personality. You can also seek styling advice from a fashion consultant if you need extra help.

Lastly, don’t forget to give yourself a confidence boost with some sparkly statement jewelry, a trendy scarf or a fun pair of shoes!

No matter your body type, there are plenty of fashionable options out there for you. Embrace your shape and use these tips to make the most of your wardrobe for a look that is just as gorgeous as you are!