How To Dress For Your Body Type

One of the most important factors that determines how your clothes will look on you is your body type. We sometimes get consumed with trends and we forget how they will flatter our bodies.

At Tag Privé we believe that knowing your body type will make your shopping and getting dressed much easier. You’ll become less likely to fall for trends that don’t suit you and you’ll be much smarter when shopping for new pieces to add to your wardrobe.

But most of all, knowing your body type will guarantee you looking at your best, and will boost your confidence.

Body Measurements

First step in determining your body type is to measure 3 key parts of your body:

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Your bust: Measure the fullest part of your bust. Place one end of the tape at the fullest part and wrap it around from under your shoulders; do not let the tape squish your breasts.
Your waist: Find the slimmest part of your waist, this is above your belly button, and below the rib cage. This is your natural waistline.
Your hips: Measure the circumference of the fullest part of your buttocks to get the measure of your hips.

The 5 Most Common Body Shapes

Once you’ve determined your measurements, you can then determine your body type and dress accordingly.

1. Rectangle

If your waist measurement is similar to your bust or hip, you have a rectangle body shape. Focus on items that define your waist or create the illusion that you have a waist. Look for waist-defining pieces such as a belt, a cinched-in jacket or colour blocking pieces that will break up the rectangle.

Don’t forget to have fun with your silhouette and add volume to your body by wearing shoulder details (e.g. a puff sleeve or oversized one-shoulder top), A-line skirts or wide-leg jeans to accentuate the curves.

2. Apple

If you’re curvy with a less defined waist, you’re likely an apple shape (also known as a circle or round body type). If you have a heavier upper body in comparison to your lower part of the body, you need to focus on driving attention to your assets in your body. An A-line dress or an empire waistline can help minimise roundness. Avoid shapes that mimic your silhouette e.g. scoop necklines. Try V-necks to accentuate your chest. Avoid belts that draw attention to your waist, focus on accentuating your legs with short skirts.

3. Pear

If you have hips that are wider than your upper body, you are pear shaped. You will typically have narrow shoulders, a small waist and a heavy bottom part.

Statement tops or dresses with an embellished neckline are great way to draw attention to the upper part of your body. Stick to one colour palette to create a leaner, overall shape. If you want to divert the attention off of your hips, look for full skirt dresses that will help balance out your proportions.

4. Triangle / Athletic

If you have broad shoulders that tend to be wider than your hips, you have an athletic build. Balance out your broad upper half and keep the volume on the bottom. Show off your well-defined top with halter necks, off-the-shoulder, strapless and racerback styles! Wear wide legged trousers or long flowy skirts to balance out your proportions.

5. Hourglass

An hourglass-shaped body is when you have evenly proportioned shoulders and waistline with a smaller waist. If you have an hourglass body shape – embrace those curves! Avoid baggy clothing and ruffles that appear around your shoulders and bust. High waisted trousers and pencil skirts are a great staple item for your wardrobe. Look for items that define your waist, such as wrap dresses and peplum tops.

Now that you know your body type, you can confidently go shopping and wear clothes that flatter you.

Shop our collection on www.tagprive.com.

Main Photo Source: Nordstrom