Golden Rules of Dressing for All Body Shapes
"How to Look Fabulous No Matter Body Shape "
I believe that each and every body shapes, is beautiful in their own unique way. Sure, an Hourglass has an amazing waist. But a Pear has beautiful curves, while an Apple has great legs and arms. Not to mention that a Rectangle can get away with most trends and clothes. Also, an Inverted Triangle has strong super-model shoulders and nice legs as well.
But whether you like your body figure or not – if you understand your current body shape and the proportions along with a few basic style guidelines for your body figure – you can wear clothes in a way that boosts your self-esteem. Which means that you are well on your way to looking your best!
Look at Your Body Figure as a Whole
Now, identifying your own cookie-cutter body figure (hourglass, inverted triangle, pear, apple or rectangle) can help you steer in the right direction when you’re out shopping – but, I must stress the importance of looking at your outfit and body type as a whole.
For example, just because skinny jeans are not in your body shape’s guidelines it doesn’t mean you can’t wear them!
Or if the guidelines for your vertical body type contradict with your horizontal body type – instead of only focusing on the what’s, consider the how’s too. HOW can you combine the styling tricks and clothing recommendations for both your vertical and horizontal line so that they can work together?
Let's Put Your Fruit or Geometric-named Body Shape to the Side for a Moment...
You and I are going to take a closer look at 3 crucial factors in how to flatter your physical appearance no matter what body figure you’ve got. This page focuses on other aspects of styling (besides your body shape) that help you look your best – so this is for everyone!
Golden Rule #1: Proportions, proportions, proportions (body proportions)
Focus on achieving a proportional body silhouette to prevent distractions that lead the eye to your “problem areas” or prominent body areas (eg. wide hips and thighs). In this way, you’ll leave plenty of room to highlight your best assets.
Golden Rule #3: Confidence
Let your true personal style shine through the shallow surface of clothes. Basically, you’d want the clothes to complement and project your personality.
These principles are in general more important than your horizontal and vertical body shape. Personally, I would likely admire a woman who took the time to make sure she got the proportions right, good fit as well as showing confidence in her skin, than someone who dressed her horizontal body shape to a T but with poor-fitting clothes and 0% confidence!
These 3 basic principles are much easier to remember than all of the yays and nays in the body-shape guidelines.
It's All About Proportions
Looking good is (almost always) all about body proportions. Ever wonder why an outfit just looks great on someone, even though you don’t particularly like the clothes? Learn more on how to achieve great outfit proportions.
I’ve also included the Enhance & Minimize-trick which helps conceal parts you don’t like, and rather accentuate your best features.
Fit
The second golden rule that applies to all body shapes, is the fit. Ever worn something tight and noticed how you seem to fiddle with the clothing to make it sit right on you? I have. And it made me uncomfortable and people notice that.
Basically, no matter how fab a skirt is, if you’re uncomfortable in it you won’t look or feel good.
If your clothes are too tight, it can also highlight areas you don’t like. The same thing applies if they’re too loose. That’s why buying the clothes for your body measurements is super-important.
Fit is especially important if you’re Petite or a Plus Size. Too big clothes on a petite overwhelm their stature and can make them look smaller, while boxy clothing on a plus size makes them look bigger and frumpy.
Self-Confidence
| Your attitude behind the clothes you wear can make or break your look. Showing that you ‘can work it’ draws attention away from asymmetry and all the imperfections you’re insecure about (well, not entirely, but it becomes less noticeable 🙂 ) On the other hand, confidence doesn’t always necessarily equal GREAT STYLE. I believe it’s a combination of 3 things that make people look so darn good: 1. The right clothes – in great (outfit) body proportions and fit and 3. Self-confidence |