The Best Trends That Flatter YOUR Body!

LADIES! Want to know what is right for YOUR body type but don’t exactly know where to start? Our advice is for you not to follow any trends, but rather, to dress for the perfectly amazing and adorable body shape you already sport.

How to do that, you ask? With the help of Margaux Tartarotti’s The Fine Art of Dressing, we’ve compiled a list of body types that you can refer to and then shop for what looks exquisite on YOU.

PEAR SHAPE

If you’re typically characterized by having a slender neck, narrow shoulders, small bust, refined rib cage, shapely waist, generous lower hips, and full thighs, then you have a fabulous waistline that is feminine and perfect for all those waist accentuating styles!

•  Straight skirts should be tapered toward the hemline to avoid a square look.
•  Pants should be made of flowing fabrics and drape loosely around the hips.
•  Shoulder pads are your friend, but DON’T wear them as often.
•  Blouses and jackets should be either long or short, avoiding the hip.
•  Enhance your upper body with semi-fitted or tailored tops.
•  Softly gathered waistlines for skirts and trousers keep lines smooth and comfortable.
•  Handbags should be worn above the hip area to avoid drawing attention to it.
•  Cowl necks and square necklines help broaden the shoulder area.

DIAMOND SHAPE

If you have narrow shoulders, a small bust, broad hips and generous thighs, and gorgeous curvy hips and thighs (think J.Lo), you can can wear all those tops that accentuate your shoulders and her face!

• Stay away from pants that are “bottom” heavy because they will weigh you down and visually shorten your legs.
• Stick with pants that slightly taper toward the hemline.
• Make sure jackets are loose enough that they don’t pull across the hips/bottom area.
• Tops with extra details like epaulettes, puffed sleeves, pockets or simply a boatneck collar will draw attention up create the illusion of generous curves.

ROUND SHAPE

If you have a generous bust, wider rib cage, round or fuller back, generous middle, narrow lower hips, and often shapely slender legs, then you have great legs and narrower hips which means you can show off lots of leg and those styles that accentuate hips! Kate Winslet is a good example of a slender round shape.

•  Avoid fitted tops which will accentuate a larger middle.
•  Steer away from bulky or gathered skirts, a more tailored fit will flatter your assets (legs).
•  Avoid wide belts that divide your body, look for a narrow belt that blends with the colors you are wearing.
•  Wear handbags at hip level and lower.
•  V-Necklines or necklines that are elongated will help slenderize your neck.
•  Keep collars and lapels narrow and small so as not to accentuate a full top.
•  Longer tunics will help hide a generous middle and, again, draw attention down to those lovely legs.

INVERTED-TRIANGLE SHAPE

Characterized by broad shoulders, a medium to full bust, average waist, narrow hips and shapely long legs, your body type shows your great legs and hips that allow you to wear those hip-“enhancing” styles. You’ve also been blessed with a flattering top so you can show off the curves! Jamie Lee Curtis is a good example of an inverted triangle shape.

•  High set in sleeves, such as raglan or dolman sleeves, visually narrow wide shoulders.
•  Patch pockets balance wider shoulders.
•  Try flared skirts to balance the wide shoulders or pants flared at the hemline.
•  A low slung belt will help attract attention to the hips, balancing your figure.

STRAIGHT SHAPE

• If you have an upper and lower torso that are equal in width, an average bust, a large rib cage, undefined waist, flat bottom, and slender legs, then your legs are a great asset so you must show them off!
•  Avoid belts which will accentuate your thicker waist.
•  Dresses that are looser in the mid-section are a great option. Try a sheath dress or shirtdress type style!
•  Try V-necklines which are slenderizing and elongate the neck. Any neckline that falls below the collarbone will help to elongate your neck.
•  Try longer jackets with a shorter skirt to help visually lengthen the upper torso.
•  Dropped waist skirts elongate the upper torso and will help slenderize.
•  Avoid very gathered or heavily pleated fabric at the waist.
•  Try straight long tailored skirts paired with a longer tunic top or semifitted pants/jeans with a longer top.

HOUR-GLASS SHAPE

This body type is characterized by a pronounced bust, small bone structure, a defined waist, curved hips, sometimes protuding buttocks, and shapely legs. If your body resembles that description, then you’ve got curves, so you should show them off! Halle Berry is a good example of an hour-glass shape.

•  Avoid oversized and baggy styles which will disguise your delicate bone structure.
•  Do draw attention to your waist with waistbands, belts, or wrap tops that tie at the waist.
•  Avoid wearing clothing too fitted, semi-fitted is the most slimming and tasteful for your figure.
•  You have a dream figure (really!), so make sure to never complain and take advantage of your curves and the clothes they allow you to wear!

How do YOU follow/not follow trends? Which tips were your fave?