THE SECRET TO DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE
As a stylist and consumer, I've been taught to dress for my shape. But lately with all the body positive messages going around, dressing for your shape can be restrictive. I get it, no one wants to be confined to a set of rules meant to distort one's body. Especially not when we're trying to love our bodies. But here's the thing about style rules: They can be very helpful, when taken with a grain of salt. It's good to learn the rules on dressing for your shape, but the secret is knowing when to break them. How would you know this?
First, Determine your shape
Start by measuring yourself. Note the measurements for your shoulders, bust waist and hips. Use this guide to help.
NOw, learn THE RULES
For the Shoulder Pronounced.
If your shoulders are wider than your hips (your waistline may be wider or smaller than your bust), try to accentuate your hips and decrease your upper body width. Go for:
Open neck tops including V or scoop necks that will elongate.
Patterns and bright colors on the bottom.
Wide bottoms such as boot cut jeans or flared (A-line) Skirts.
If your waist is = or > than your bust, work to define your waist with cinched tops or dresses but avoid fabrics that are too clingy.
For the hip-endowed.
If your Your hips are wider than your shoulders (your waistline may be = or > the width of your hips), try to create balance by opting for:
Bottoms that appear to slim your hips. These include high waisted pants, boot-cut jeans, and A-line (flared) skirts.
Detailed tops with open necklines. These will accentuate your upper body.
If your waist is > or = the width of your hips go for more of a mid-waist pant and avoid clothes that are too clingy.
For the curvy gals.
If your shoulders, bust, and hips are close in width and your waistline is defined. ( < your bust and hips), follow your body's curves and avoid looser clothing by selecting:
Open necklines on top.
Styles that hug your waistline like wrap tops & dresses.
Pencil or A-line skirts, flared or skinny jeans.
For the Strictly Straights
If your shoulders and hips and waist are close in width choose to:
Follow your body's natural shape by opting for looser styles such as shift dresses. In Contrast, you can opt for silhouettes with a more defined waist (not including those that are too clingy).
Wear open neck, detailed, and shoulder bearing tops.
Try flared pants or an A-line skirt along with boyfriend jeans (very easy to achieve for the strictly straights).
TRY THE STYLE CHALLENGE:
Incorporate the styles for your shape into your wardrobe for the next month. Try to stick to these rules as much as possible. Note how your confidence changes for each outfit you wear.
FINALLY, BREAK THE RULES:
Now you've learned all the rules and tried them, you're allowed to break them. If you're a stickler for rules and not sure when to break them, the below instances are perfect examples.
You have greater insight on how each silhouette works for, or against your shape. Value your personal insight vs. what's in the rule book.
Great style is also about following your instinct, if you know it looks good on you and you absolutely love it, then go for it.
If it "doesn't fit your body shape" but it works with your personal style, make it work! You can often style pieces that "don't work" for your shape in ways that will.
You tried a silhouette, which according to the rules should fit your shape. However, something's off. You know more than anyone what looks best on you, so throw that rule away.
Psst, feeling overwhelmed and like you can’t do this all on your own. Check out The Wardrobe Revamp where I coach you through building a functional closet you absolutely love.
