Dress for your shape
Women are like snowflakes, no two are alike. Especially when it comes to our body types.
That’s why the dress that looked stunning on your tall, thin co-worker, might not look the same on your noticeably shorter, curvier frame.
No matter what your size — be it a two or 22 — one of the simplest rules for style is to know your shape and how best to work it.
The Royal Gazette asked three women spotted this week in the city to tell us what tips and tricks worked best when it comes to styling an outfit to fit their particular body type. For more advice from the experts, see the story sidebar.
Nicky Hiles, 27, administrator
How would you describe your body type? Petite/ curvy.
What are the pros and cons of dressing for your shape? I have short legs so it’s hard to find shorts that fit properly and that’s a con. But one good thing about being petite is I have small feet, which means you can always find great shoes because those sizes don’t often get picked up by people.
Is there any advice you would give to other women of a similar size? My advice is for them to invest in nice pieces, rather than go for quantity. I find it’s better to get classic, nice pieces and avoid anything too trendy.
Sah-Shay Johnstone, 28, administrator
How would you describe your body type? Tall.
What are the pros and cons of dressing for your shape? One of the cons to my height is that I can’t wear too high of a heel to work or else I will tower over people. As a result I try to wear more conservative shoes, definitely no more than four inches. I’d say the pro is that I tend to look good in dresses and because of my height they look very classic and classy.
Is there any advice you’d give to other women of a similar size? Show off your best feature, but don’t show off everything at the same time. Especially if you’re a woman of class I would say it’s best to show off one feature. So whether it’s your shoulders or your legs, show that off, but cover the rest up.
Michelle Cardoso, 23, temp
How would you describe your body type? Slim.
What are the pros and cons of dressing for your shape? Here, it’s difficult because you can never find clothes that fit. They are usually too big. But the pro of being this size is when you do find things they tend to look quite nice and are styles that I like.
Is there any advice you would give to other women of a similar size? I suggest that people be open-minded to going away to shop. If you’re thin like me it can be easier to find pieces that fit out there. I usually shop online for things I like.
FIGURE YOURSELF OUT
Hourglass: These days curvy girls are the envy of the town. Instead of covering your shape with big, baggy clothes, the experts at Glamour magazine recommend you try more structured items like a peplum top that accentuates the thinnest part of your waist. Wrap dresses are also a great investment for women with hourglass curves as the fabric cinches in at the skinniest part of your waist and draws attention to your great figure.
Pear: Women with a pear shape tend to have a bigger bottom, with larger hips and thighs. This group can find it challenging to find the perfect bottoms, so an easy option is to look for breezy, feminine A-line silhouettes in a variety of vibrant prints and fun fabrics.
Straight: These thin gals don’t have much in the way of curves, so to make the most of your femininity Glamour suggests trying off-the-shoulder tops to show off your shoulders and collarbone. Drop waist dresses will also create the illusion of a smaller waist, while ruffles or pleating can also make it seem like you’re rocking more curves.
Petite: Look for pieces with vertical details that make the eyes go up and down, suggests online blog The Chic Fashionista. A dress with a zip-front detail or sweater with a cable knit pattern are a good bet. Or you can also add length to your frame with long necklaces or pendants. A V-neck top or dress can also help to elongate your body frame, especially your torso.
Tall: High-waisted styles, such as wide-leg pants, tend to make a long torso look more in proportion and can deliver an instantly more curvy look, said the experts at O, The Oprah Magazine. When it comes to skirts, look for one that falls at the knee rather than a long, maxi skirt, which will only give the appearance of longer legs.
