Styling Different Body Shapes

Understanding your body shape is the first step towards knowing how to dress it right. It's important to remember that size does not determine shape. By measuring the width of your shoulders, waist, and hips, you can determine your body shape.

This guide will help you identify your body shape and provide essential style tips for each.

Rectangle Body Shape

If your shoulder, waist, and hip measurements are similar, meaning you have no defined waist, then you have a rectangle body shape. The goal for your style should be to create the illusion of a defined waist and curves.

Wrap dresses can create a waist-snatching silhouette without having to add volume to the shoulders or hips. Pairing an off the shoulder top with wide leg pants can also add volume and draw attention away from the waist. However, avoid square and boxy shaped items, as they will only draw attention to the square frame of the body.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If your shoulders are the widest part of your body in relation to the waist and hips, you have an inverted triangle body shape. Your style goal should be to accent the lower body to balance out the volume of your upper body.

Fit & Flare styles draw in the waist while adding volume to hips. Deep necklines such as v-necks and deep scoop create the illusion of a narrow upper body. Also, wear your bold colors, prints, and embellishments on the lower body to balance out your shape.

Triangle Body Shape

If your hips are the widest part of your body in relation to the waist and shoulders, you have a triangle body shape. Your style goal should be to accent the upper body to balance out the volume of the lower body.

Off the shoulder tops and dresses visually broaden the upper body. Keep the waist defined to avoid a rectangle shape. Avoid tunics, cardigans, jackets, and any other pieces that stop at the hip or low waist. Instead, wear your bold colors, prints, and embellishments on the upper body.

Circle Body Shape

If your midsection (waist) is the widest part of your body in relation to the shoulders and hips, you have a circle body shape. Your style goal should be to create the illusion of a longer body while adding volume to the upper and lower body.

Monochromatic looks are a great way to elongate the body. Avoid embellishments or hem lines that draw the eve to the waist such as crop tops and high-waist pants. Themore detail up top, the better. Think deep v necklines and empire cuts paired with flat front pants with side zippers.

Hourglass Body Shape

If your midsection (waist) is the narrowest part of your body in relation to the shoulders and hips, you have an hourglass body shape. Your style goal should be to support the balance of the upper and lower body.

Waist belts help to maintain the balance of the body shape while also adding embellishment to the look. Be careful with oversized pieces as they will eliminate body shape definition. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other. Pair those wide leg pants or flared skirt with an off the shoulder top or a jacket with bold shoulders.

Your body shape is unique, and dressing it should be a story you love to tell. For more style tips and tricks, follow me on social media at @_ellefuller, check out my store at www.shopltk.com/explore/ElleFuller or drop me an email at Ellefullerstyling@gmail.com. You can also visit my website at www.ellesfullerstyling.com for more inspiration.