As humans, we’re naturally attracted to symmetry. So finding what fits best is as much about body proportion as it is body shape. If one proportion of a body is bigger, smaller, longer, or shorter than another, the key is to visually even things out, adjust the proportion to create that beautiful balance. Before you make that purchase, make sure that you aren’t buying just anything. Make sure that you buy pieces for your body type, so that you can flaunt your best features and tone down the problem areas that you may think that you’re having.
Shopping Tips for all body types:
Petite:
There are so many outfits that petite women can wear to focus on exactly what they want to change or improve. Summer is all about bright colors and short shorts. But if you’re like me and don’t want to wear a shorts all season, then kick it up with a dress or a romper.
Hourglass:
If you’re the person who has an hourglass shape, you want to accentuate your waist and slightly lengthen your legs. So what you want to stay away from are dresses and tops that are shaped in a straight line. Don’t be afraid of your curves and try to hide them, I guarantee you that everyone is envious of them anyway.
Curvy:
Not all curvy girls are the same. Maybe you’re a triangle or an hourglass, a diamond or an oval, a figure eight or inverted triangle. Size ain’t nothin’ but a number, and sizes often aren’t consistent among brands. We all know that a 14 isn’t a 14 everywhere. If you’re like me, your size range probably encompasses the single digits to the double ones, depending on the brand. I definitely encourage everyone to experiment with sizes!
Whatever your shape, this handy guide can help you find styles that flatter.
Tops
Petite:
If you’re kind of a gym rat, or if your body is just naturally athletic-looking (lucky), then you can’t really go wrong in the crop top category. But for maximum chicness, you’ll look best in a crop that’s more of a midi-length than a true, right-under-the-bra cut.
Cropped blouses are also flattering for the petite frame. Paired with the right bottoms, the flowy and loose fitting details show off your figure.
Simple and subtle vertical lines on details are enough to give you that elongating effect that every petite body type needs every once in a while.
Hourglass:
Although it can hide your feminine figure, hourglass styling tips show that pleated blouses work for cute ladies as well. Just make sure to pick a style with a banded collar as it can help elongate your torso.
A striped peplum top is fun for summer, an easy statement piece that you can pair with basics from black pants to distressed jeans.
I love high, yet interesting necklines. They are sexy in their own way. They look beautiful, sophisticated and very trendy. Women should buy more of these tops because they will be staples in your “going out wardrobe”. Perfect for a date to a nice restaurant or going to a bar with friends….
Curvy:
If you are apple-shaped or tend to carry weight at your waistline, opt for the ubiquitous off-the-shoulder top. Its roomy silhouette skims the tummy and focuses the attention on your upper body.
Rock that crop top and show off what you are working with. Crop tops can be for any size and shape it depends on how you coordinate pieces.
The circular cut-outs at the shoulder give you a restricted flash of skin which has a slimming effect by showing you a sexy little window of skin while keeping the bulk of your arm covered up. The looser styles can also help to disguise the overall shape of your arm but still keeps your look fresh and flirty.
Shorts
Petite:
If you’re broader on top and blessed with slender legs, try wide-waistband shorts with a tucked-in blousy top to define your waist. And go girl—you have the legs, so show them off!
If you’re more slim-hipped, create curves and a defined waistline with shape-making pleated shorts. The paper-bag-waist cinch is especially on-trend (and slimming)
Add inches to your frame with a high-waisted silhouette and super-sleek vertical stripes
Hourglass:
Lucky you! Play up your coveted features with a contour waistline and slightly flared shape. Don’t be afraid of a flirty, summery print either!
High-waist jean shorts are a big fashion story this summer and look great on your body shape. This style highlights your tiny waistline and is great for showing off a flat tummy if you’ve got one.
Wear shorts with pocket details or pleating. Otherwise, steer clear of volume adding details in the hip area as it will make you look bigger.
Asos
Curvy:
Instead of itty-bitty cutoffs, try longer boyfriend shorts in a relaxed but streamlined fit. A structured, tucked-in top is great for adding a little definition to your body elsewhere.
Try boyfriend shorts to keep your booty covered without hiding your curves. Short shorts can be a little uncomfortable if you have a curvy booty — they ride up and basically become underwear. Cuffed boyfriend shorts that hit at your mid-thigh are totally on-trend and still show off your gorge curves.
Whatever shorts length you choose, you’ll look best in solid, dark washes of denim that help to minimize your lower half, especially when worn with a lighter-colored top. Avoid faded denim washes or busy prints that can visually add extra pounds to your figure. You should also skip shorts with side pockets, which add bulk to your hips.
Old Navy
Dresses
Petite:
The waist and hip shape should hit you at the right spot on your shorter silhouette. This helps give create that hourglass shape and show off your figure.
Try to avoid bulky dresses. That kind of shape doesn’t usually work for petite figures because they make you look broader instead of making you look taller.
A fitted jumpsuit is a trendy alternative to any dress. This garmet shows off your cute shape and can help elongate your figure.
Hourglass:
Hourglass and pear shapes do well with wrap dresses as they cinch the waist and form an A-line around the hips. Opt for a breezy version perfect for weekend jaunts and brunch dates.
Wear A-line dresses that show off your hourglass figure. These should be in your wardrobe. They’re perfect for adding just the right touch of playful, flirty girliness to your look as well.
This waist detail creates an invisible belt and ideal waist line. The loose material gently skims over the hips and lets the dress fall just above the knees, showing off the legs.
Curvy:
If you want to be modest about the curves, a flowy maxi dress rendered in a vacation-ready print is a fabulous option that won’t cling to your backside.
Show off those curves and waistline with a belt and flared skirt-dress. This will help form an hourglass shape and bare those legs.
Patterns can be tricky when it comes to certain areas but diagonal lines are always safe. They help accentuate curves and make curves look flattering.
Swimsuits
Petite:
Sometimes a petite figure makes finding the right suit a challenge. The bottoms are usually too big or the bust can sort of not fit right. This is why a string bikini usually works best to cinch the side ties for a snug fit.
ShoponeillUSA
Jessica Simpson, Macys
Hourglass:
With that fabulous hourglass shape, you can wear a bikini in a bold print that plays up sleek curves without overpowering your frame.
BetseyJohnson
A flattering two-piece can make any figure look flawless. This feminine suit creates an hourglass silouette with a tummy-control bottom and horizontal patterned top.
CupShe
Curvy:
Aeropostale
Are there any tips or tricks you have found shopping for your body type?
Brittany 🙂
