Discover The Most Flattering Outfit Styles For Your Body Type To Look And Feel Your Best

Sara Portnoy | November 3, 2024 10:00 am

Figuring out what to wear doesn't have to be stressful. Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, so finding the right clothing items can be a handful. Luckily, whether you are pear-shaped, hourglass, petite, or more, there are dozens of pieces made to fit your body. Continue clicking through to see what will look best on you.

Are You Apple-Shaped?

apple-shaped woman posing for a photo
Jade Destiny/Unsplash
Jade Destiny/Unsplash

Someone who has an apple-shaped body will be curvy, but have a less defined waist. Another way to put it is if your body is mostly round or circular.

These people will have an average to big bust size, a wide ribcage and back, fullness around the mid-section, and narrow hips.

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V-Necks Are Perfect For Apple-Shaped Bodies

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Danie Franco/Unsplash
Danie Franco/Unsplash
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People who are apple-shaped may have trouble finding clothes that fit them well or show off their good features.

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One of the best clothing items for people with apple-shaped bodies is V-neck tops. V-necks reveal your collarbone, which helps break up a uniformly shaped top half. Remember not to get it oversized because it should fit close to your body without being overly tight.

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Apple-Shaped People Should Get Belts

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Gabrielle Henderson/Unsplash
Gabrielle Henderson/Unsplash
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Apple-shaped bodies are known for not having a defined waist, but there are clothing items that can make it look as though you do.

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Consider adding belts to your wardrobe. They can cinch your waist in a dress, skirt, long jacket, or high-rise pants. Also, before buying a belt, think about how it will look with your shoes.

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What To Know If You Are Pear-Shaped

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Elijah M. Henderson/Unsplash
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The key factors that determine if someone is pear-shaped are if their hips are broader than their shoulders and they have a triangular frame.

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Some other characteristics include wide thighs and a defined and narrow waist. Some celebrities who are considered pear-shaped include America Ferrera, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. There are many outfits that look great on pear shapes.

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Pear Shapes Should Go For Boat-Neck Shirts

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Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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A boat neck is a wide neckline that runs horizontally across the front and back. It should hit along the shoulder points across the collarbone.

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Wearing a top with a boat neckline is perfect for those with pear-shaped bodies because the horizontal neckline broadens your shoulders. One helpful tip is to get one that has an eye-catching detail such as puffy sleeves.

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Pear-Shaped Bodies Look Great In Cropped Jackets

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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
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Jackets can be a frustrating item for people with pear-shaped bodies because they can take away from defining features.

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Cropped jackets are the way to go for pear shapes. They should hit above your waistline to avoid adding fabric at the hip. Try getting one in a patterned or textured fabric to draw the eye up.

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How To Tell If You Have An Hourglass Body

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Pietra Schwarzler/Unsplash
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Hourglass bodies are often considered the most desired body type. The key features in an hourglass body include shoulders and hips that are balanced and a defined waist.

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Someone who has an hourglass body isn't necessarily super skinny. They will most likely have a larger bust, bottom, and may be described as curvy.

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Hourglass Bodies Should Slip Into A Jumpsuit

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Paolo Blocco/WireImage
Paolo Blocco/WireImage
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One of the best outfits for those with hourglass bodies are jumpsuits. They are designed to show off your curves and add volume to your lower half.

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It's important to purchase a jumpsuit that fits your body well. Jumpsuits also look great when paired with a blazer or high heels.

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What's An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

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Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Critics' Choice Awards
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Critics' Choice Awards
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Another body shape to be aware of is the inverted triangle. This is someone who has shoulders that are broader than their hips.

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Other factors of an inverted triangle body shape include a larger bust and narrow hips and waist. An easy way to picture this is to place an upside down triangle going from your shoulders to your hips.

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Inverted Triangle Bodies Should Rock Scoop-Necks

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Jen Theodore/Unsplash
Jen Theodore/Unsplash
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If you have an inverted triangle body shape, then one of the best tops for you is a scoop-neck. These tops can make your collarbone the focal point of your top half and take away attention from your shoulders.

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The main way to tell if a neckline is scooped is if the neckline is rounded and lower than most traditional T-shirts.

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Chunky Heels Are Fabulous On Inverted Triangles

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Laura Chouette/Unsplash
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Those who have an inverted triangle body shape need clothing items that accentuate their lower half. One of them can be chunky heels.

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Whether they are boots, wedges, or something entirely different, chunky heels allow the bottom half to look a lot narrower. These can be paired with some cropped pants or glitzy bracelets.

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Vests Are A Statement For Rectangle Shapes

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Since people with rectangular-shaped bodies don't have too many curves, they need clothing pieces that are able to accentuate them.

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Vests can add an edge to any look and help draw the eye to the upper body. When wearing a vest, it's best to be minimal with the accessories.

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The Ins And Outs Of A Petite Body

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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While petite people come in all shapes and sizes, the key factor for someone who qualifies as petite is if they are five feet and three inches or under.

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However, height is not the overall indicator. Someone who is over five feet and three inches may have a shorter inseam on the top or bottom and wear a regular size for the other part of their body.

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Petite People Should Rely On Three-Quarter Sleeves

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Georgie Hunter/Getty Images
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While three-quarter sleeves are a shorter sleeve than long sleeves, they are actually designed to make your arms appear longer.

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The key for clothing items for petite people is to get tops and bottoms that will make them appear taller or longer. A three-quarter sleeve top can be paired with some pants and high heels for a full look.

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Things To Know For Tall Bodies

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Jenna Anderson/Unsplash
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Many tall people may struggle with finding clothing that fits them right. Sleeves and pant legs are usually too short, which can give off a goofy look.

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Someone considered to have a tall body shape will usually be five feet and nine inches or taller with an inseam at or greater than 32 inches.

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Tall People Can Show Off Their Legs In High-Waisted Jeans

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Alex Shaw/Unsplash
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Some tall people may be weary of high-waisted jeans because the legs on the jeans may be shorter than average.

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High-waisted jeans are actually designed to lengthen your legs and define your waistline, which can be hard to find in other styles of jeans. High-waisted flared or high-waisted straight are the best designs to choose.

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Creating A Look For Plus Size Bodies

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Chelsey Hendricks/Unsplash
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One of the most common body shapes in the United States is plus size. In the fashion industry, plus size is someone who wears a size 18 or over, which start at 1X.

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Someone who has a plus-size body may find clothing to be limiting. However, there are numerous options perfect for this body.

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Midi Skirts Elongate A Plus Size Body

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While being plus size may seem limiting, there are so many clothing options available. One look to try is a midi skirt.

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It gets its name because it's longer than a mini skirt and shorter than a maxi skirt. Midi skirts elongate the body to make you look taller. Try pairing them with a scoop-neck blouse and heels.