The Right Clothes for Your Body Type

Getting dressed is a whole lot easier when you know what pieces work best for your shape. Most women fall into one of four categories: circle (thick around the middle), triangle (larger at the bottom), hourglass (curvy but evenly proportioned), and rectangle (straight up and down).

1. Circle/Round - this body type has a lot of weight around the tummy and will likely have large breasts. The waist line is not well defined. Many women fall into this category due to weight gain or natural changes in the body with age. Shoulders and hips appear narrow. Weight gain would deposit around the waist with this body type.
 Dress Tips ---
 Many round shaped women will go with a dress that covers a lot of skin. You don't have to take that route. Showing a little skin can make you appear slimmer often times, not to mention sexy. The trick is to look for slimming styles. Look at the waistline first. To disguise a thicker waist you'll want to raise, lower, or eliminate the waistline of your dress. Choose an A-line dress that slims throughout the waist and lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your midsection. An empire style dress is also an excellent choice since it helps to conceal your waist and hips. Showing your arms and neck can have a slimming effect, so go with a deep v-neck, sweetheart or scoop neckline.

2.Rectangle - this body type has very little curve. Rectangle bodies have small frames and are considered athletic or slim. These are those "skinny" bodies that will many times wear petite or tall sizes. They also often times have a small chest size. The rectangle body looks straight up and down. Weight gain would deposit evenly throughout the body.
Dress Tips ---
You want to add the appearance of curves since you don't have them naturally. To do this you will want to choose a dress that draws attention to your bust. Go with a beaded neckline or bodice.
 Another option to create the illusion of curves is to draw attention to your waist. To do this try a ball gown (full skirt, form-fitting bodice) as this will draw attention to your waistline and give you a curvier look. A ruched or embellished waistline is also a nice choice. Ornaments, belts, wraps, darts and ribbons are just a few examples for waistline embellishment. Fuller sleeves are yet another way to add curves, and a dress with detailing and patterns can help to break up your straight body line.

3. Hourglass - this body type is the one that most women want. It is considered curvy but proportional. Hourglass bodies have well defined waists with hips and shoulders that are well balanced. Weight gain distributes evenly throughout the body with this body type as well.
Dress Tips ---
Thiis the easiest body shape to dress. Nothing needs to be hidden or enhanced since your shape is already proportional. You can pull off just about any dress you choose. Two-piece dresses and corset bodices look great with this body shape as they will enhance your natural curves. The corseted bodice will work well for your bust as well. Accentuating the waist is always a good idea so you may want to go with a ball gown. A strapless or off-the shoulder neckline is perfect for an hourglass shape. You really do have a lot of options so feel lucky to have been blessed with such a great body shape. Stay away from heavily beaded dresses however since they tend to make you appear heavier than you actually are.

4.Triangle-

Look for clothes that emphasize your waist. Lucky you, you have a well-defined waist, so play it up with belts, cinched jackets and tops, and empire waists.

Find A-line skirts and dresses that cinch in at the waist and then flow away from the body. This will draw attention to your small top and away from your fuller thighs and hips.

Wear short-sleeved tops to show off your narrow upper body.

Look for jeans that are straight leg, boot leg or low rise fit. These will create a fluid line from your hips down to your feet and will help your legs look streamlined.

Don't wear baggy clothes in an effort to hide your bottom half. Instead, find darker or neutral shades in pants, jeans and skirts and brightly colored or patterned tops. Wear necklaces and earrings that keep the attention focused on your face and upper body.