Dress without Stress for your body type! (Ladies)

Hello Cutehearts! I previously did a post on the different body types here...so find out what yours is and read on to know how to dress for your particular body type...enjoy! :D








In dressing your apple shape, the major goal is BALANCE, to make your upper body look longer and make your shoulders and waist appear slimmer. We want to draw attention away from your tummy up to that beautiful face and all those other gorgeous assets you have.







WHAT TO DO:






- Wear body control underwear, they will work wonders to define your middle area too, pulling in your waist and drawing attention to your favorite parts of your body; that cleavage, those legs, and anything else you really like.









- Open up the neckline. V-necks are good for apple-shaped ladies as you often have a great bust. Don't be afraid to show it off (but not too much)

- Wrap dresses are always an amazing choice for an apple body shape as they fit nicely over a fuller bust. A side tie on the dress will draw attention away from the stomach.
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- Dress in just a single colour with different shades rather than many colours. Different coloured top and bottom cuts your body in half but monochromes will make you look longer.


- Wear shorter dresses and skirts to draw the eye towards your wonderful hips and thighs. Shorter could mean about 1 to 5 inches above the knee.

- As you have a smaller bottom, choose Jeans with back pockets that have flaps and this will make you look like you have a   bigger, curvier behind.







-Choose simple tailored jackets that nip in at your waist or belted jackets to give the illusion of a smaller waist and this will trim in your tummy area.

- Chiffons and silks make great skirts for Apples and you could even try bold patterns and colours with this fabric in mind.





NO NO's:


-  Don't cover up those nice curves, avoid wearing baggy clothing that are just "blah" and do nothing to bring out that fabulous person inside.

- STAY AWAY from clothes that are too tight and cling to your body.

- Stay away from shoulder pads and shoulder gathers and any shoulder anything because your shoulders are already perfect as they are.

- Avoid excess fabric over bust, tummy and hips.


- Halter neck and puffy sleeved dresses should be avoided because they will make your upper body look wider.

- Stay away from bottoms that are too tight or pants and skirts that are perfectly straight because these will make you look bigger on top.










In dressing you pear shape, the main goal is to minimize the hip and thigh area and wear designs that will draw the attention to the upper part of the body....although some pears love the attention their hips bring ;)




WHAT TO DO:

- Show off your slim top half with strapless tops and dresses. Strapless dresses will look gorgeous on you but if you don’t feel daring enough to show of all that skin try a halter neck, halter neck dresses are fitted up top which will show off your waist.

-Find dresses with a nipped-in waist and a flared skirt.






- Wear jackets with shoulder pads, they will help broaden your top half and balance out wider hips.

- Wear dark block colours on your bottom half, it will minimise wide hips.

- Showcase your fantastic small waist with a thin belt across the smallest part.






- Wear tops that are fitted and not baggy and should finish at the top of your hips to emphasize your well-defined waist.











- Look for skirts with front pleats. A-line skirts also work well as they make the waist look small, while skimming over the hips.


- Wear blouses and tops with beautiful patterns and textures, they will draw attention up to your upper body and to your beautiful face.









- Try dresses that have some kind of embellishment on top whether its ruffles, pattern or luxurious texture, it will help to add a little more volume to your bust.



- Finally, remember that heels not only make you feel and look taller, they also add a few inches to your legs while making your hips and bottoms look smaller.






NO NO’s:


- Avoid short, tight skirts as they emphasize those problematic areas along the hips and thighs.

- Avoid clingy materials like Lycra because these will define those extra bumps along the hips and thighs we’d like to hide.








In dressing your hourglass body,  there is not much to be done but to accentuate you figure. It is common knowledge that the hourglass is considered the perfect feminine shape, If you are one of these lucky few, all you really need is to dress smartly and look for clothes that show off your lovely figure and guess what??? you can pull off just about any dress you choose!






WHAT TO DO:




- Use puff-sleeves on a jacket to emphasise your shoulders.

- An A-line skirt teamed with a fitted top will mirror your fabulous hourglass shape.

- You can wear any shape skirt, but the pencil skirt is the most flattering on you; they will cling to your figure coming right in at your waist to show off your sexy curves.






peplum style dress and skirt


- Wear skirts or dresses with peplum detail; it creates a line down from the waistline to the hip, which will exaggerate your curvy hips.


- Wear fitted clothes but make sure they're not too tight.






- Wear straight-legged jeans that skim your thighs and are cropped at the ankle, they work well for you. Bootcut jeans will balance your curves - look for darker shades and ones with large pockets on the bum.






- Wear V neck tops, they will accentuate your bust. Wrap tops and tops with belts are also good for your hourglass figure, the belt or tie will be a feature and style will fall on your slender waistline.



- Wear dresses and one piece outfits like jumpsuits, they are a good choice for your hour glass figure, fitted ones are ideal and they should fit your bust most of all as well as your hips and your behind.

- Wear fitted and tailored coats and jackets, they are one of the best choices for your hourglass figure and a well fitted jacket will slim down into the waist will emphasize your figure beautifully.

- If you feel you’re a little on the shorter side wear ¾ length or skirts just below the knee with a slit to make you look taller.









- Strapless or off-the shoulder necklines are perfect for an hourglass shape. You really do have a lot of options so feel lucky to have been blessed with such a great body shape!









NO NO's:


- Although you can pull off almost all dress styles and shapes you do need to be careful when it comes to pattern or embellishment. Stay away from heavily beaded or over embellished dresses, they tend to make you appear heavier than you actually are and can leave you looking unbalanced.

- Be careful not to overdo your clothes with ruffles, bows and other frills as your figure itself is enough to draw attention so keep everything simple and you’ll be stunning.

- Simplicity is the key when looking for your perfect jacket or coat, try and avoid over accentuated shoulders or pocket detailing.








In dressing your inverted triangle shape, the goal is to create the illusion of an hourglass shape by adding volume around your hips to balance your broader top half, while flattering your shoulders. Strong shoulders are an asset, as long as you keep everything else in proportion.





Being an inverted triangle (strawberry) doesn't sound very sexy, but with your strong shoulders, narrow hips and slim legs, it's considered to be one of the most desirable body shapes and is often seen on athletes and models.





WHAT TO DO:

- You're really suited to classic looks, so go for sexy tailored jackets, slim-line trousers and sweeping dresses..

- Use block colours on outer garments and avoid any details on the shoulders as this can make you look bulkier.

- Wrap tops are perfect for your inverted triangle body, especially if you have a fuller bust.

- Wear prints or patterns on your lower half, it can help add bulk and volume, drawing the focus away from a broader upper body.











- Wear tulip skirts and harem pants, they will create volume on your lower half. Make sure you draw them in at the waistline with a belt.



- Accessories should be big and bulky. Long necklaces will create a focus in the centre of the body, and don't forget some show-stopping shoes.









- When it comes to tops, look for details that will soften your shape. A waterfall neckline with ruffles will draw attention towards your cleavage, and away from strong shoulders.











- Use a statement belt to create a centrepiece to your outfit. Look for embellishment such as studs or a big buckle.












NO NO's:

- Avoid anything boxy, such as high-necked dresses and wide-cut or cropped jackets, they'll make your top half look bigger.









In dressing you rectangular body shape, the goal here is to look for clothes that feminise your figure. You can carry off most styles, using detailing or patterns to add definition.









RECTANGLE (SLENDER):



WHAT TO DO:

- Look for clothes that will create volume, with details such as frills, fluted edges and ruffles.

- Boot cut jeans are perfect for you - the slight flare is flattering, and the slim fit shows off a petite waist and great bum.


- To create the impression of bigger boobs, look for chunky statement necklaces that fall around the bust area.








- Wear draping clothes, they will give soft lines across the body and will create volume in your more petite areas.

- Cinch it in at the waist with a belt: the material underneath will create a peplum effect, adding volume to the hips.

- Go for asymmetric styles, ruffles, unusual shapes and floaty fabrics that add softness and volume, but still look chic on you.





- Wear slim-fitted boyfriend blazers, they will look perfect on you, or try a simple, fitted jacket to add flattering definition to your body frame.

- Wear skinny jeans, they will show off your slim legs. Relaxed hipsters that graze the ground when worn with heels add elegant height and length, making the most of your slim figure.

- Go for flared, pleated or net skirts that kick out from the waist, they will emphasise your slim waist and add sexy curves.






NO NO's:


- Stay away from very large prints or voluminous clothes as they can drown your slender features. Go for fitted styles that you can further define and shape with simple accessories like belts, brooches and shrugs.





RECTANGLE (ATHLETIC):




WHAT TO DO:


 - Wear short, fitted dresses, show off your slender shape and long legs. Dresses with simple spaghetti straps instantly add dimension and femininity.










- Wear leggings, they look great as they show off your slim legs and allow you to wear something with more volume or detail on top. You can get away with skinny and straight-legged jeans too.






- Look for feminine details in your clothes to soften any hard lines. Ruffles on tops will work wonders.

- Give the illusion of a waistline - pull it in with a waist-cinching belt















- Use A-line skirts to add definition to your waist. You can experiment with lengths - show off those lovely legs. Flat waistbands on skirts will add some structure to your middle.



- Pay attention to the fabrics of the clothes you buy - look for feminine prints and soft materials. Animal print is great for athletic figures as as it gives a 3D effect, creating lots of lovely curves.



- Asymmetric necklines are great as they draw the eyeline away from the shoulders.


-  Look for ruched or draped cardigans to diffuse a square upper body. Knitwear is a fantastic way to create soft lines.









NO NO's:


- Stay away from round or plunging necklines - they will make your boobs look smaller - and opt for an empire-line cut instead.





BODY STRUCTURES


PETITE:



WHAT TO DO:

- Wear well-tailored, form-fitting clothes (nothing baggy), you will look stunning in them and showing lots of leg will make you look taller.

- Go for dresses in a single colour from shoulder to knee. You can get handy with a needle and
thread and alter the length of garments yourself.








- Draw attention to the top half of your body with stripes and patterns. Block colours on the bottom half will elongate your figure.


- Use large but delicate accessories to help draw attention to the top half of your body. Hooped earrings are ideal.



- A high waistline on skirts and trousers will work well for you. Draw attention to it with a belt.

- You look great in straight-legged jeans and skinnies, and pale denim will make you look taller.

- Wear heels, they are a great way to make your legs look longer and slimmer and give you a bit of extra height if you want it.
If your feet hurt when wearing heels, try platforms or wedges which are always easier to wear than a stiletto type heel.





- Choose skirts that hit at or above the knee. Calf-length and ankle-length skirts can make you look shorter than you are.

- Choose garments with strong vertical prints and details such as zip front, cable patterns, ribbed knits and vertical pleats.










- The Wrap Dress is the Universally Flattering Dress. Buy one. Wear it. You’ll look amazing. (Others varieties of dress that tuck in at the waist often look lovely on you petite gals, too)










NO NO's:


- Stay away from big patterns or embellishments (such a ruffles) which will overpower your small frame.

- Avoid colours that are too 'girly' - sugary pinks, lilacs etc - as they can appear childlike.







TALL:



WHAT TO DO:


- Try structured jackets that create dramatic angles and break up the long line of your body.

- Try simple, structured pieces in bold, striking colours or large patterns as they will complement your height.

- Dresses with flared, A-line or peplum skirts (skirts that have flaps or frills at the waist) help balance your shape and play up your femininity.




- Create horizontal lines across your body to help diffuse your height. Do this by using opposite colours - try neutral tones against brighter colours.

- Don't worry if dresses seem too short. Turn them into tunics by layering them with a pair of leggings or trousers underneath.

- Don't be afraid to wear heels. They can give you an extra confidence boost and show the world that you're proud of your body.






- Use large accessories - chunky jewellery and oversized bags  to make a real impact and flatter your proportions.


- Look for big bold patterns in tops and dresses, because smaller, dainty prints may get lost on you. Break the pattern up with a bright waist-cinching belt, which will also show off your curves.





- Wear floor-skimming maxi skirts and dresses to really show off your height.



















NO NO's:


- When it comes to fitted dresses, don't go for something that has just one colour or pattern from shoulder to knee - it could look severe. Break up your body with styles that span shoulder to mid-thigh or bust to knee.







FULL FIGURED:


It can be very frustrating for the woman with a full figure to find styles that fit well and make her look flattering and elegant. There are few tips that will help you decide how to dress and make it easier when you shop.


WHAT TO DO:


- Wear dresses and skirts a little bit bellow your knees

- Choose tailored suits

- Choose bold patterns and prints

- Pick dark colors as they create a slimming effect

- Wear the same tones on top and bottom






- Wear long necklaces, draped scarves and deep necklines

- Consider wearing clothes that have vertical stripes

- Wear loose fitting clothes that will flatter your body









- Wear heels that expose your ankles. Exposing your ankles gives a couple of extra inches to your legs instead of cutting them short with ankle boots/heels.

- Go for V-Neck or Scoop neck, they will lengthen your upper body, making you look longer and more proportioned.

- Cinching your waist at the smallest part of your mid-section will add shape to your body instantly. You can create an empire waist, directly under your bust, if you want to draw attention to your upper body. Another option is belts. You can wear one mid-waist to accentuate your feminine hourglass curves.


-  Once you know which features you like best about your body, show them off. If you like your hips, buy hip hugging dresses that accentuate your curves and bring focus to that. If you are a little insecure about your arms, sleeves will have you feeling more confident, and always remember to focus on the POSITIVE areas of your body.









 - Choose fabrics that compliment your body. Light flowing fabrics like silk, and non-clinging fabrics like basic wool and lightweight knit fabrics are a great choice,









- Buy the right size and fit. I know it is always so tempting to buy clothes that are one size smaller to encourage ourselves to diet or exercise, but buying the proper size for your current body can make the difference between a stunning outfit and a fashion blunder. You can always amend your clothes from a larger size to fit your body perfectly.








- Wear the right underwears. Wearing a great bra or panty can make all the difference in the fit of your clothes. This means that great dressing starts from the basics up; your bras should fit you well and the proper fitting panty will keep you from getting those hideous panty lines that we all dread showing through our clothes. Having a good slip in your wardrobe is also a great idea.





- Highlight your assets! With all fashion, the goal should be to draw the eye to the areas we choose to highlight. If you love your waist or your legs, choose clothing that will attract attention there. That means adding a belt, to show your curves, or wearing a nice calf length skirt to show off your legs. Patterns can be a great way to do this as well. Vertical lines are always slimming, but diagonal patterns and designs will do the trick just as well








-Make a clean line by wearing one color. Though a one color style isn't always the most fun, remember that black isn't the only way to go. However bright or light you want to wear your outfit, a simple long dress or pantsuit is a great way to give a clean silhouette and compliments every figure







NO NO's:


- Avoid wearing anything bulky especially around the hip and belly area

- Avoid anything too tight or too short

- Avoid clothes with small prints, these might visually add bulk to your figure

- Avoid too much texture, ruffles, and draping. Excess fabric and textured fabrics create bulk and when you are plus sized you may want to avoid that. Go for streamline cuts and smooth structured to create a slimmer silhouette.




These helpful tips will have you feeling and looking your best at any event. Feeling confident in your clothes makes you confident all around, and would bring out that queen that you are inside. Over time, you will eventually learn your body, it’s type, and how to dress it in the best possible way. If you are second guessing a piece of clothing, forget about it and find something else that makes you feel good! Remember, YOU ARE GORGEOUS JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!

Lots of Love......From my PurpleHeart! :*






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