Dressing up is a very tricky art. It may appear very simple to some, while it may seem like a big challenge to the others. Some might effortlessly slide into anything with mix and matches, while it may not be that simple for others. Dressing up and personal styling has become a very important aspect in today’s world, where women are stepping out and shouldering multiple roles in day to day life. So how do we decide what looks good on us, without getting trapped in this question. Your choice of clothes has to complement your body type and your personality, so your dress has to be a perfect blend of both.
Let’s broadly divide the whole process of dressing up into two parts – Body shape and Personality.
While we really can’t have any set formula for this as everyone’s bodies are different. However, one can just look at the body proportions and identify the body shapes broadly. Although there can be lot of variations within one type as well, some of the most common types are:
Rectangle Shape
You are rectangle-shaped if your waist measurements are about the same as your hip or bust, and your shoulders and hips are about the same width. In this case, you need to give definition to your waist. Just adding a contrast belt at waist with your dress will do all the magic. Also, off-shoulder dresses will work well for you, as it takes away the attention from the waist. You can create the illusion of curves with an A-line skirt or dress that adds volume to your hips. V-neck dresses or tops will also work well for your shape.
Triangle or Pear
You are triangle-shaped if your shoulders and bust are narrower than your hips. In this case, the trick is to draw attention to the torso and keep the focus away from the hips and thighs. Dropped and embellished necklines, open backs, dramatic sleeves, and belted styles will all play up your more slender upper body. A-line shaped dresses and skirts will look fantastic on you. Any hemline that hits right below the knee will elongate your frame and slenderize the hips and thighs. Layered tops or dresses, which evens out your body’s proportions work well.
Inverted Triangle or Apple
You are an apple shaped if your shoulders and bust are larger than your relatively narrow hips. In this case, the trick is to take focus away from your middle body, and highlight your slender legs. Dresses that highlight your body at the slimmest point, which is often just underneath your bust are often very flattering. They should have enough space for your belly but not be too wide. You can also try wearing a shorter tunic style dresses. Shift dresses work very well. Avoid clingy shirts or dresses, which will draw attention to the middle. Any plunging necklines or V necks will go well for you.
You have an hourglass figure if your hips and bust are nearly equal in size and you have a well-defined waist that’s narrower than both. You can flaunt more tailored silhouettes. Since hourglass figure is slimmest at the waist, clothes that are nipped in at your waist will help show your curves to their best advantage. Tops and dresses that wrap around or tie at the waist are especially flattering, as are belted wrap dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and peplum tops. Avoid wearing ruffles or pleats around your waist or hips. Your figure being already curvy, it would be a good idea to not add extra volume to these areas as it will make you appear heavier than you are.
These above tips will help you create illusions by camouflaging the fuller part of your body and by highlighting the slimmer body parts, but the other important deciding factor while selecting the dress is your personality and your lifestyle. Dressing up is not just about looking slim, a dress talks about you and it defines you. Not only should it aesthetically appeal the eyes but it has to tastefully blend with you and your lifestyle.
Staying in tune with fashion is good, but it should not be the sole deciding factor. So just keep these points in mind and go for THAT dress!!! Isn’t shopping more fun and easy now?
