Did you know that majority of woman today don’t have a clue about what body shape or type they are and how to dress to accentuate their best assets?
But with a few easy tips and little hints, I’m sure we can have you looking and feeling your best in no time!
There are five main types of body shape, each with different characteristics. Now ladies, to really find your type and shape you have to be truthful with yourself and put yourself in the category that best defines you.



Let’s start with “The Apple”.
Apples tend to have an average bust, bigger stomach, relatively flat behind and OK legs. They are more likely to carry weight around their mid-section but have fabulous boobs or legs to show off! An empire line or longer length top is perfect for Apples, as they don’t cling. It is best to stay away from short, boxy jackets as they will just cut you in half and accentuate unwanted areas. And don’t worry Apples, you are not alone! Oprah Winfrey and Catherine Zeta Jones are both Apples who flaunt what they have proudly and always come out looking great.

“The Column” has a slight waist with long legs and same width shoulders and hips. They are fairly straight up and down, but may have a bigger bust and crave more curves. A structured coat that cinches in at the waist will give the illusion of curves or use a belt with loose fitting tops. Avoid low rise jeans or pants, as they will make your torso look longer and like you have no shape. Look at celebs like Cat Deely and Rachel Hunter for Column style inspiration.

Ladies with “The Hourglass” shape may go in at the middle and have a fuller bust and hips but with a smaller waist. Make sure you bring out your wrap dresses, waist cinching belts and wide legged pants. Keep those baggy jumpers in the back of your closet! You no longer need them! We want to flaunt the sexy shape you have been given, not hide it! Scarlett Johanson and Nigella Lawson are two “Hourglasses” that make dressing for your shape look effortless!

Now ladies with “The Vase” shape, you want to try and take the focus away from your top half. Broad shoulders and slender hips can give you an athletic look, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine! Fuller skirts and wide legged trousers balance out your shoulders, but make sure you keep away from halter-necked tops and shoulder pads!
Look to celebrities like Charlize Theron and Renee Zellwegger for style inspiration and don’t be afraid to wear bold colours on the bottom half of your body.

“The Pear” is bottom heavy and bigger in the hips. They have a fairly flat stomach and their top half can look disproportioned to their bottom half.  Pears, there is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to shirts with detailed shoulders or large collars. Bold, bright tops are your best friend as they take away the focus from your bottom half. Being bottom heavy, it is best to stay away from tight fitting skirts that are going to emphasise your behind. Kate Winslet does this perfectly, and depending on how confident you are with your curves, you may look to Beyonce for some ideas. Shop online for Plus Size Clothing and you'll be pleasantly surprised that online stores have the latest fashion to fit all sizes.

There is nothing wrong with being a different shape to all of your girlfriends or the ladies in your family, just as long as you are comfortable and you feel great with the shape you have, who can stop you? I hope these tips have helped.

By Morgan Sutherland
Image from Novo Autumn/Winter Collection

Posted by Brooke at 11:22 in Fashion & Beauty The author does not allow comments to this entry