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Figure-Flattering Clothes for Women
When you are in the market for a new outfit, it is important to remember that no matter what your size, it is completely possible for you to look great! It seems only evident, then, that women would recognise the importance of wearing garments that best flatter their figures, call attention to their greatest assets, and successfully conceal any trouble spots. Of course, not everyone abides by these rules – take a walk anywhere in the world and you're bound to spot a fashion victim or two. You know the ones; they're decked out in clothes just a wee bit too small for their figures. The end result is never pretty.
Reconciling your desire to look stylish and collate a collection of clothes that will serve you well through your life's ups and downs, with the need to look well-kept, can often be challenging. Simply put, it can be difficult to dress for your body type if you aren't sure what your body type is or what really works wonders for your figure. Owning a great wardrobe just makes sense, though, and it's well worth the time to select pieces that really do you justice.
Determine Your Body Shape
First things first! Everyone knows that women come in an infinite combination of sizes and shapes, and all women have the potential to feel beautiful in their own skin. Hopefully you can also find items of clothing to highlight that beauty, not conceal it. Here are some tips for some of the most common body shapes.
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Hourglass You are: Curvy, with full hips and thighs, a well-defined waistline, and a medium or large size bust. What works: Steer clear of baggy styles, high necks, pleated skirts, and skinny jeans, which add the illusion of excess weight. You will want to emphasise your waist without adding any bulk to your balanced frame. |
Inverted Triangle You are: Larger on top, with a full bust and thick waist, but smaller on the bottom, with narrowed thighs and legs. What works: Avoid skinny jeans and anything that brings attention to your shoulders. You'll want to create the illusion of an hourglass figure by creating a balanced lower half to match your heavier top half. |
Rectangle You are: A straight shape with an undefined waistline, straight legs and torso, narrow hips, and a flat derrière. What works: This slightly squared (and seemingly boxy) shape can often be described as boyish, so avoid any bulk. The key is to define the waistline and shoulders with garments that lend the illusion of curviness. |
Triangle You are: Narrow in the shoulders and torso, with a small waistline and full hips. Any extra weight lies in the thighs. What works: Since triangles are bottom-heavy, the key is to create balance on top. This can be achieved by wearing apparel that calls attention to the upper body, while avoiding any pleats and/or tapered styles. |
Some Things to Remember
Choosing figure-flattering clothes can be frustrating. Just ask any woman who has struggled into a pair of jeans, cried in the swimsuit department, or searched in vain for that perfect dress. It doesn't have to be this difficult. If you don't overwhelm yourself, you may find that shopping for new clothes can be a lot of fun after all!
- Start with the basics. Build a wardrobe of clothes that you will wear regularly.
- From there, add only a few trendy items to spice up your wardrobe while adding some youthful fun into your style.
Related Guides
Check out some of our other buying guides to learn more about looking and feeling your best!
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External Links
- BeHolden.com: A blog from London full of body-conscious dressing tips and advice.
- LovetoKnow.com: A variety of fashion tips for women of all ages.