what to wear to work
So at the risk of stating the obvious, no two women are shaped the same. The rules of body shape dressing haven’t changed but with the start of a new year, it’s a good time to review some possible new options available for your body type.
To recap on the whole body type thing….. although there are an infinite number of specific body types, generally we fall into one of 4 main categories:
Apple Shaped Body Type
You may be this body shape if…
– You are well proportioned
– You carry the most weight through your bust and mid-section
– You are not necessarily curvy through your hips
Pear Shaped Body Type
You may be this body shape if…
– Your waist is larger than your bust
– You have proportionately slim arms and shoulders
– You tend to have wider hips
Rectangle / Athletic Shaped Body Type
You may be this body shape if…
– You’re not particularly curvy
– Your shoulders and hip measurements are nearly the same
– Your weight is evenly distributed throughout your body
Hourglass Shaped Body Type
You may be this body shape if…
– You’ll describe your body as curvy
– You have a well-defined waist
– Your bust and hip measurements are roughly even
In these times of body shaming and the unrealistic pursuit of body perfection, it’s really important that we celebrate the many different body types of women, starting with our own.
We need to play to our strengths which means being aware of which areas of your body you want to emphasise or minimise.
In fact, knowing how to dress in a way that shows off your body and makes you feel most confident is a game changer—especially in the workplace.
It will also help you decide what you no longer need in your wardrobe, as well guiding new purchase decisions and minimising wastage.
Based on the body categories above, I’ve suggested an outfit for each should you feel like the described shape aligns with your figure.
By no means are these rules or facts. Only you know your body best, the purpose of this guide is to give you a helping hand should you feel a little lost on what you think feels and looks best on you.
APPLE
SWING DRESS + CROPPED BLAZER
A swing dress easily flows over your midsection and accentuates the smallest parts of your body, which are your bust and shoulders. A cropped blazer on top will add structure and a strong focal point up toward your narrower shoulders.
source: api.shopstyle.com
make it your own
PEAR
FORMFITTING TOP + WIDE-LEG PANTS
The aim is to draw more attention to the top part of your body so try a more formfitting top and wide-leg pants or culottes on the bottom. Avoid cuts that are snug through the hips and thighs. A patterned top with a plain bottom also keeps the attention at your upper half.
Forever21.com
make it your own
RECTANGLE
PENCIL SKIRT + WRAP TOP
Odds are you have strong shoulders and a tiny waist. The best way to show off those assets is with a wrap top that will accentuate your waist and a pencil skirt to show off your straighter midsection. Alternatively you could try a wrap skirt with a tie at the waist.
source: jcrew.com
make it your own
HOURGLASS
MIDI SKIRT + V-NECK BLOUSE
Opt for a midi skirt that will flow away from the tiniest point of your body: your waistline. The pairing of a V-neck blouse will draw the eye down toward your cinched waist.
source: looktastic.com
experiment to see what works for you.
Try on some new items that you’ve never considered before or take a fresh look at your existing clothing - maybe tying a shirt at the front or having a hem length altered can make all the difference.
If you have any specific questions about dressing to your body type (short legs is my issue) then leave a comment and I’ll do my best to provide some useful advice.
ED xx
(Thank you shopee.sg for the lovely body shape illustrations and explanations)
