It’s 2023, and we are here for body positivity! Gone were the days when women were being bullied by society to maintain a certain figure. Loving your own body is the new trend.
But in the aftermath of our newfound body positivity, most women still don’t know their body shape and how to accentuate their curves. We can help you there. Read on to learn which clothes will make you look and feel good!
Know Your Shape
Everybody is different but in general, there are four body types most women have. The first step in looking your best is knowing what you look like. Stand in front of the mirror and imagine you’re a mannequin in Project Runway and observe your figure.
The Apple Body
If you are top-heavy with broader shoulders, arms, and a fuller torso, you have an apple body shape. Also called the oval-shaped body, people often confuse this body shape with being fat, but that is not the case. That stereotype came about because women with an apple body tend to have bigger busts that bring attention to the torso. Some celebrity inspirations for this body type are Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, and Queen Latifah.
So what clothes look best for you? The key is to create an illusion that emphasizes what you already have without looking top-heavy. Switch your boat-neckline shirts with v-cut ones.
Dresses are your best asset and an effortless outfit of the day. Like your shirts, make sure to wear a v-neckline always. Make the illusion of longer legs and elegance with empire cut or a-line dresses stretching just below your knees. Also, make sure to wear dresses that separate the bodice from the skirt. This creates a longer torso and takes away bulk from your upper body. The goal is to create an illusion of division in your midsection.
If you are not a dress girl there are other options. Have your pants moment by wearing high-waisted pants that hug your legs but flare out at the ends. Pleated high-waist pants are also helpful.
Things Not To Wear
- Avoid round and boat-neck clothes. It will accentuate your torso, the opposite of what you want to happen.
- Body contour dresses are a no-no as well because they will confine your figure and swallow your natural curves.
- Skinny jeans are not your friend. It will restrict your legs and give you a heavier torso.
- Leggings won’t usually work for you unless you wear a top that will accentuate your bust and create a body division like cropped tops or workout tops.
Pear Shaped Figure
The pear body is the opposite of the apple or oval shape. Instead of a wider top, you have a wider bottom. In modern speak, girls with pear shapes are also called “thick.”
There are two ways you could bring attention to your body. First, by balancing out your upper and lower body, or second, by enhancing your bottom and legs.
You could balance any look by wearing a hugging skirt and a flurry shirt. Shirts with ruffled necks or embellishments will give the illusion of broader shoulders. Tight skirts will give you a curvy body.
High-waisted flared jeans are your friend! It looks great on the pear-shaped body because it will show your gorgeous curves.
As for dresses, you can wear body contour outfits to show your curvy figure. Think about how Kim Kardashian dresses because you have the same body type.
Things Not To Wear
- Avoid plain-sleeved T-shirts. As much as you can, wear shirts with ruffled or embellished short sleeves. This will make your shoulders look wider.
- Don’t wear V-line dresses or shirts. You want to create the illusion of a fuller torso and the v-line cut will not do that for you. Go for off-shoulders, boat necks, or round necks instead.
- Baggy pants will not help you out. It will make your hips and legs appear bigger instead of creating the curve you need.
- Don’t wear bottoms with many buttons or embellishments in the hip and upper leg areas. Your curves are enough, trust your body.
Rectangle Body Types
Models often have rectangle body types. Celebrity inspirations for women with this body type are Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman, among others.
The reason most models have this body type is, it’s very easy to dress. Boat-neck loose dresses cinched at the waist would look great on you. The goal is to create shapes with your shoulders and bottoms while maintaining a thin waist so you have the illusion of curves.
Wrap empire dresses would be great with your body shape. But if you feel smothered in a dress and wanted to have a casual outfit, choose loose high-waisted trousers paired with butterfly-sleeved cropped tops.
If you want to go the model route, you can definitely do that by donning monochrome loose or tight tops with baggy trousers as well. Take care to avoid pants with garters though, it’ll emphasize your waist sure, but it can also add unnecessary bulk.
Confidence is Key
Women empowerment is a goal that we strive for in this generation. We have gone so far as a society in terms of fashion. With so many clothes within our reach, we choose what to wear.
The key to slaying any outfit is not buying expensive brands. It is confidence. Be comfortable with your body and appreciate what it does for you on the fly. Showcase that confidence by wearing things that not only make you look good but feel good too.
At the end of the day, it’s just clothes, right? What’s the big deal? Well, when you’re wearing the right outfit, it could literally change how your day goes. When you feel great you exude an aura that makes people gravitate toward you. As the saying goes, dress for success every day! Choose the right clothes for your body type and start claiming, manifesting, and slaying it. Be confident in what you wear and attract positive vibes!