How to Style for Every Body Type with Perfect Balance

One of the most invaluable tools we can have in our styling arsenal is the knowledge on how to style different types of bodies, which enables women everywhere because they will feel much more secure and great with their clothing. Your most comprehensive balanced design and styling guide for every body type.

With that in mind, we tell you how you can adopt these strategies from your closet to strike a subtle and fashionable balance. If you put something on and it breaks all the “rules,” but makes YOU feel good — wear that out with confidence. And definitely wear whatever you want.

RECTANGLE BODY TYPE

If your shoulders, hips, and waistline are about the same width, and your waist has little to no definition, you have a rectangle body shape—shared by about 46% of women. This shape is characterized by a balanced, straight silhouette.

How to Identify?

Balanced Proportions: Your hips, waist, and shoulders are roughly the same width, giving you a straight, athletic build.

Even Weight Distribution: You tend to accumulate weight evenly, but sometimes more through your upper body or neck.

Straight Shoulders: Your shoulders are relatively straight without much slope.

Flat Appearance: Your buttocks may appear flatter due to the straightness of your body.

Styling Tips:

• Peplum Tops and Jackets: These pieces are perfect for adding volume to your hips while cinching in at the waist, creating the illusion of curves and a more defined waistline.

• Ruffled and Detailed Necklines: Adding ruffles, embellishments, or other details to your neckline enhances your bust and helps balance your overall silhouette.

• Wide Belts: Cinching your waist with a wide belt can add definition and shape, making your figure appear more hourglass-like.

What to Avoid:

Oversized Styles: Avoid oversized clothing that can make you look boxy or shapeless.

Extreme Puff Sleeves: Skip extreme puff sleeves, as they can overwhelm your frame and make your shoulders appear broader.

Boxy Cuts: Steer clear of boxy cuts that can hide your natural shape and make you look more rectangular.

OVAL (ROUND) BODY TYPE

If you have an oval body type, your midsection is fuller, with a less defined waist, often accompanied by slimmer legs and arms. Your shoulders are broad, and your hips are narrower. You might have a larger bust, though that's not always the case.

How to Identify?

Broader Shoulders: Your shoulders are broader compared to your hips.

Full Midsection: You carry more weight around your midsection, with a less defined waist.

Slimmer Lower Body: Your hips are narrower, and your legs and arms are typically slimmer.

Styling Tips:

• V-Necklines and Wrap Styles: Opt for V-neck and wrap-style tops to elongate your torso and draw attention away from your broader shoulders. These styles help create a more balanced silhouette.

• Flared and Wide-Leg Pants: Adding volume to your lower body with flared or wide-leg trousers balances out your broader upper body and gives you a more proportionate look.

• Empire Waistlines: Dresses with empire waistlines that cinch just below the bust can create the illusion of a more defined waist and a balanced silhouette.

What to Avoid:

• Exaggerated Details: Avoid tops with overly exaggerated details on your shoulders or bust, as these can make your upper body look larger. Skip ruffled front tops and jackets that add bulk where you don’t need it.

• Crew and Turtleneck Lines: These neckline styles can shorten your neck and make your shoulders look broader, so it’s best to say no to them.

• Pleated and Tie-Waist Pants: Stay away from pleated front pants and tie waist pants, as they can add unnecessary volume to your midsection.
  

  
  

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Remember, fashion is about expressing yourself and feeling good in what you wear. By following these guidelines, you can build a wardrobe that’s not only stylish but also perfectly suited to your body type.

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