Body Types
We can all agree that there are just certain things our body types don't agree with. That's completely okay because there are certain things that do and don't work for everyone's body type. For example, my short and curvy body doe NOT under any circumstances agree with horizontal stripes. I love then absolutely love them and I used to buy them and then never wear then because I looked so frumpy and homely. If you turn those stripes sideways, however, that works. Vertical stripes make me look taller, along with the heels I'm more than likely wearing with the outfit. Amazing how just turning a stripe makes a difference for your body type. Keep Reading to find out what the best thing for you body type is!
In the fashion industry we use letters to describe body shape instead of the typical pear shape, hour glass, etc.
We'll start with "A" shape, which is more commonly known as a pear shape. If that is the body type you feel that you have here are ways to "balance" your body type. You want to enlarge your shoulders by wearing wider boat neckline style collars to emphasize your upper body, another way to do that is to wear scarves and chunky necklaces. Another thing to do is to use vertical patterns to make your body appear longer, another way to do this is by elongating your legs by wearing high heels.
Next, is the "V" shape; which would consist of wider shoulders and narrower hips. This is typically the build of athletes. To "balance" this body type it is important to emphasize the lower body. The use patterns is also a good way to do this by adding horizontal patterns at the hip to add width and vertical lines on top to narrow shoulders.
The "X" is the most. commonly known body shapes and often viewed as the most desirable body type, this is known as the hourglass. The best way to work with this body type is by accentuating the small waist; this can be done by emphasizing the contrast between the waist, hips and shoulders.
The last body shapes are "H"and "O" body shapes. The "H" is very straight and lean and looks it is described, straight like an "H". The "O" is the same. but has a little more fullness in the front. With both of these shapes it is good to de-emphasize the waist adn not have lines under the waist area, you can also emphasize the upper and lower torso. For the "H" body type specifically it is good to create curves by buying clothes cut on a bias or flare styles. For "O" types I suggest a more monochromatic scheme, loose fitting garments and smaller patterns.
Side view body types are also more important than most people realize. So, here are a few more tips.
The "i" shape is more of a straight front shape with little bust protrusion. One way to accentuate the bust is to create horizontal and curved lines at the bust level, you can also add layers of fabric to add texture at the bust level.
From the side the "r" shape is a a much more full bust than the "I" shape. If this makes you uncomfortable you can reduce the fullness at the bust by creating vertical lines and avoiding horizontal and curved lines, also do not accessorize with a belt. You can also wear looser tops and jackets and add pops of color and bright patterns to the bottom of your outfit to detract the attention from the top.
Everyone's least favorite to talk about is the side view "b", this means tummy and midsection fullness. You can also lump "d" body type with it which is a fuller bum. The balancing techniques for both of these body types is similar. Wearing longer jackets, one piece dresses and loose flowing fabric are a few ways. you can also wear straight lines, smaller patterns and accent your neck with chunky jewelry or scarves.
All this being said we are all unique and beautiful, but sometimes we aren't completely confident in how we look and that is okay! I wake up some mornings and look in the mirror and cringe, we all do it. No matter what you wear you are what makes "the look", your confidence , smile and charisma and no one can take that away from you. I wrote this to help you on the days you don't feel so great, maybe this will help you pick th perfect outfit.
Go out and look fierce today and every day!