Choosing the right look for your body type

Dressing according to your body type can have a significant impact on your self-confidence and how you carry yourself throughout the day, which can make finding the right fit for your body shape a daunting task. However, paying attention to your form, and utilising a few tips and tricks can quickly turn it into a fun and enjoyable activity. Everybody, and every body is different. We are constantly evolving and changing, and it is important that we adapt to the new version of ourselves by embracing the change with positivity. The following is a guideline to help set you on the path to always looking and feeling your best!

How to determine your body shape?

Knowing about different body types lets us be fully acquainted and accepting of our body, encouraging us to pursue our own personal sense of style. The idea is to ensure that the clothes we choose to wear elevates our look and in turn, boosts our self esteem.?

Give your reflection some serious thought by paying attention to your body. Are you curvy with a defined waist, or do you have a straighter, more athletic build? Are your hips broader than your shoulders, or are they in perfect alignment with your bust. Use this insight to define your body shape and learn how to best dress yourself.

The Pear?

If you have a way of making every pair of jeans look like they were just made for you, then congratulations on having a pear shaped figure! Your lower body is much more defined than your torso, with wider hips and narrow shoulders.?

Pear shapes look fabulous in dainty tops that draw the eye upward and highlight the waist, back, or neckline. Go for wide-legged pants or A-line skirts with bold coloured tops. Dropped necklines, open backs, dramatic sleeves, and belted styles will all play up your more slender upper body, whilst the timeless combo of high-waisted jeans and crop tops help create the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. When it comes to dresses, Maxi styles are right up your alley. Pump it up with a statement necklace and chunky earrings for an irresistible look.

The Rectangle?

If you’re tired of hearing the term "boyish frame" when it comes to your figure, then you’ve probably got a rectangle body shape. Not particularly curvy, this body shape is usually in alignment from the shoulders, right down to the hips.

Looking great in most everything, you have the ability to flaunt or conceal as much as you feel comfortable with. Add definition to your hips by choosing dresses that naturally have an inverted V-look to them, and necklines that emphasize the upper body. Straight-cut jeans with strapless tops are definitely your thing. If you’re on the curvy side, give prominence to your shoulders, collarbone, and arms. Throw on a pair of statement earrings, layer some necklaces, or put on your favourite scarf, and get ready to conquer the world.

The Hourglass

Ladies, you know when you have an hourglass figure, and so will everyone else! Needless to say, this body type flaunts a balanced bust to hip ratio, accentuated by a well-defined waistline. However, having this figure doesn't mean that finding your personal style is a snap. The key lies in finding ways to define your waist.?

Embrace your curves in body hugging dresses that cinch at the waist and easily follow the outline of your natural curves. Perfect for structured, tailored designs, the beauty of this shape is that everything from your most basic tees, to buttoned-up workwear outfits look absolutely stunning. Channel your inner Marilyn and reach for iconic silhouettes like the wrap dress that will naturally play up your best features. Fitted jumpsuits are your secret weapon, as long as you go for waist flattering designs. Accessorize with skinny belts and clutches that can offer a nice contrast to your curves.

The Apple?

When it comes to styling the apple shape, it’s super easy! Since most of the weight is above the hips, the mid-riff could appear heavier than the remaining body. The idea here is to take the attention away from that part of the body and highlight your strengths instead.

Wear printed dresses or patterned jackets that add a layer and shift the focus. Monochrome or dark colors, full sleeve dresses, and flowy tops look super flattering. Fabrics like raw silk, linen and tweed will streamline your look, whilst wearing the right bra will do the same. Avoid figure-hugging dresses or tops and choose accessories that move the attention close to the face. Strike a balance with upper waist belts.

The Athlete

The inverted triangle is the most athletic-looking body type. Whilst your shoulders may be much broader than your hips, this figure looks best when drawing attention to your toned arms and defined shoulders.

The key to dressing an athletic body is to balance your broad upper half by accentuating your legs and curves. Padded jackets, horizontal stripes, and light colours can make the upper body really stand out, whilst pencil-cut skirts works wonders thanks to those narrow hips. Pair it with a high neck, open back top and some minimalistic jewellery to score some serious style points.?

Conclusion

Gone are the days of tediously trying to figure out how best to showcase your silhouette. Dressing up according to your body type can make you feel like your clothes were tailor-made just for you! Here at amanté, we understand that finding the perfect fit is no easy feat. And that is why we’ve made it our mission to ensure that you are equipped with the right inner-wear to define your silhouette.?

And remember, embracing body positivity and dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin is vital to your well-being. You are beautiful just the way you are! Wear your confidence, so nothing steals your spark.