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How to Dress for Your Body Shape: A Guide for Men & Women

  • Writer: Mikaela Armstrong
    Mikaela Armstrong
  • Feb 14
  • 3 min read

Two girls posing in dresses

When it comes to personal style, fit is everything. Dressing for your body type is all about creating balance, highlighting your best features, and feeling confident in what you wear. Whether you want to accentuate your curves, elongate your frame, or create a more structured silhouette, these tips will help you dress in a way that complements your natural shape.


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Now lets get back to what you came here for...


For Women: Finding the Perfect Fit

Hourglass Shape

Defined by a well-balanced bust and hips with a naturally cinched waist.


  • What to Wear: Opt for fitted silhouettes that highlight your waist, like wrap dresses, belted tops, and high-waisted bottoms.

  • Best Styles: Bodycon dresses, A-line skirts, and tailored blazers.

  • Avoid: Oversized or shapeless clothing that hides your waistline.


Girl in cream tube top dress

Pear Shape

Narrow shoulders with wider hips and thighs.


  • What to Wear: Balance proportions by drawing attention upward with statement tops, structured shoulders, and wide-necklines.

  • Best Styles: A-line skirts, bootcut jeans, and peplum tops.

  • Avoid: Bottom-heavy styles like skinny jeans with tight-fitting tops, which can exaggerate the lower half.


Apple Shape

Fuller midsection with a less-defined waistline.


  • What to Wear: Focus on elongating the torso with V-neck tops, empire waist dresses, and structured outerwear.

  • Best Styles: Flowy tunics, wrap dresses, and straight-leg trousers.

  • Avoid: Boxy tops and low-rise bottoms that cut across the widest part of the waist.


    Girl in long checkered dress

Rectangle Shape

Straight silhouette with minimal waist definition.


  • What to Wear: Create curves with fitted tops, belted pieces, and peplum styles.

  • Best Styles: Ruffled blouses, high-waisted bottoms, and flared skirts.

  • Avoid: Overly straight or shapeless clothing that lacks structure.


Inverted Triangle Shape

Broad shoulders with a narrower waist and hips.


  • What to Wear: Soften the upper body with V-neck tops and balance proportions with A-line skirts or wide-leg pants.

  • Best Styles: Scoop-neck tops, flowy skirts, and flared jeans.

  • Avoid: Padded shoulders or clingy tops that overemphasize the upper body.


    Girl in scoop neck top and black jeans

For Men: Dressing for Proportion & Structure

Athletic (V-Shape)

Broad shoulders with a tapered waist.


  • What to Wear: Highlight your naturally structured physique with fitted shirts, slim trousers, and structured blazers.

  • Best Styles: Polo shirts, tailored jackets, and straight-leg jeans.

  • Avoid: Boxy or oversized clothing that hides definition.


Rectangle Shape

Shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width.


  • What to Wear: Create definition with layered looks, structured outerwear, and tapered pants.

  • Best Styles: Bomber jackets, fitted shirts, and chinos.

  • Avoid: Long, shapeless tops that make the frame look boxy.


    Boy in a cream t-shirt and dress pants

Oval Shape

Fuller midsection with a rounder torso.


  • What to Wear: Slimming silhouettes like dark-colored shirts, vertical stripes, and structured outerwear.

  • Best Styles: V-neck tops, tailored blazers, and dark wash jeans.

  • Avoid: Tight or overly loose clothing that accentuates the midsection.


Triangle Shape

Narrow shoulders with wider hips.


  • What to Wear: Balance proportions with structured blazers, vertical stripes, and dark-colored bottoms.

  • Best Styles: Layered looks, tailored jackets, and straight-leg pants.

  • Avoid: Skinny jeans or overly tight shirts that emphasize hip width.


    Boy in boxy fit tee and straight-leg pants

Final Tips for Every Body Type


Invest in Tailoring – A well-fitted outfit always looks better, regardless of body shape.

Stick to Balanced Proportions – Whether creating curves or elongating the frame, balance is key.

Play with Textures & Layers – Layering can add structure and create visual interest.

Confidence is the Best Fit – No matter your shape, wearing clothes you feel great in makes all the difference.


Dressing for your body type isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about finding what makes you look and feel your best. Have fun experimenting with different styles, and remember that fashion is an extension of your unique personality!


 
 
 

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