Body shapes and figure types and style tips

HOURGLASS:

Shoulders and Hips with a Smaller, Well-Defined Waist.

If you have an hourglass body shape, your bust & hips are about the same circumference, and your waist is at least 9 inches smaller; your legs are tapered, with smaller ankles and muscular calves.

You have strong bones, a lot of muscle mass, and great flexibility throughout your entire body.

Hourglass shape problem areas:

• Your triceps (backs of the upper arms), inner & outer thighs, the saddlebag area (below the hips, outside of the upper thigh), and the lower abdomen.
• You tend to put on weight evenly throughout your entire body (sometimes a little more on the lower half), but less at the waist.

Goal: Maintain Your Natural Balance While Accenting Your Waist.

• Define Your Waist by Wearing Dark Belts on Light Fabrics and Cropped Tops with Straight or Full Skirts.
• Drop-Waist Styles are Flattering For You as Well as Jackets Cropped Above the Waist.
• Avoid Oversided Tent Dresses or Any Styles that have Only a Minimal Amount of Shape.

OVAL:

Bustline and a Less Defined Waist With More Narrow Shoulders and Legs.

Goal: Draw Attention Away From the Midriff / Tummy Area by Redirecting the Eye to Your Face or Legs.

• Wear Shoulder Pads to Create the Illusion of a Small Waist and Draw Attention Upward.
• Create Strong, Vertical Lines Using Long Jackets Over Short or Straight Shirts.
• V-Necks and Long Necklaces are Flattering for You.
• Avoid Wearing High Heels with Short Hemlines.
• Avoid Tight Waistlines that Emphasize a Prominent Midriff.

RECTANGLE:

Roughly the Same Width at the Shoulders, Waist and Hips.

Goal: Create the Illusion of a Waistline.

• Reduce the Straightness and Boxiness of Your Shape by Wearing Clothes that Suggest a Waistline.
• You can Wear any Combination of Prints, Patterns and Solids as Well as a Variety of Silhouettes.
• Add Interest at the Neckline with Jewelry or Scarves.
• Avoid Oversized Tent Dresses or Any Styles that Have Only a Minimal Amount of Shape.

TRIANGLE:

More Narrow Shoulders and a Smaller Bustline with Wider Hips and Legs.

Main Goal: Create a Visual Balance Between Your Narrow Upper Body and Wider Lower Body.

• Use Shoulder Pads, Embellishments and Accessories to Draw Attention to the Upper Body.
• Ruffled Collars and Bold Jewelry Draw the Eye Upward.
• Hips and Thigh Areas Should be De emphasized by Wearing Dark Solids or Smaller Prints that Flow Smoothly and Gracefully Over the Lower Body.

INVERTED TRIANGLE:

Slightly Wider Shoulders and a Larger Bust line with Narrow Hips and Legs.

Goal: Create a Visual Balance Between Your Wider Upper Body and Narrow Lower Body.

• Wear Fuller Bottoms and Prints, Bright Colors, and Flaired or Pleated Skirts.
• Wear Darker, Less Embellished Tops to Minimize the Upper Body.
• Choose Heavier, Chunky Shoes and Keep Accessories Close to the Face.
• Avoid Shoulder Pads (or Wear Only Small Ones)