Body Types

BODY TYPES

Estrogen have a significant impact on female body type. A low waist-hip ratio is a sign of good health. Women with 0.7 WHR is generally considered attractive.

To calculate your body type 

• Measure your bust size
• Measure your waist size
• Measure your hips size
• And voila you can get your body type 

The main body types are pear, wedge, rectangle, apple and hourglass

The following are different types of body type :

Pear body type

This is the most common type of body type. You can be tall, short, heavy or skinny and still be pear shaped. 

Characteristics of pear shaped body:

• Your shoulders are narrow and maybe be sloped.
• Given your bigger lower body, your waist is defined.
• Legs are likely to be full or muscular.
• Smaller bust compared to bottom.
• Thin and slender neck.

Your best assets:

• Shoulders, torso and flat stomach.

Pear-shaped celebrities: 

• Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Katherine Heigl 

Your fashion goals:

• Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Dos and don'ts:

• If your body is pear-shaped, then you want to minimize your lower half and focus attention upward.
• DON'T wear clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs, such as cargo pants or print skirts.
• DO try a-line skirts, which camouflage wider hips.
• DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips.
• DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
• DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
• DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
• DO try styles with ruffles on top.
• DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
• DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.

Wedge body type (inverted triangle body shape)



Wedge-shaped celebs:

• Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renee Zellweger, Teri Hatcher

 Wedge body traits:

•  Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.

Your best asset:

• Your legs  

Your fashion goals

• Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Dos and don'ts

• If you have a wedge body then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.
• DO wear bright colors on bottom.
• DO wear wide-leg pants.
• DO wear full skirts.
• DON'T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
• DON'T wear boat neckline tops.
• DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
• DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
• DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.

Rectangle body shape

Rectangle-shaped celebs

• Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank

Rectangle body traits:

• The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.

Your best assets:

•  Your arms and legs — and you don't have to minimize any body features. 

Your fashion goals:

• Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Dos and don'ts

• If your body is rectangle-shaped then you want to create curves where they don't necessarily exist.
• DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
• DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
• DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
• DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
• DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
• DO layer to add more dimensions.
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO have fun with colorful bottoms... feel free to experiment.

Apple body shape

Apple-shaped celebs:

• Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson

Apple body traits:

• Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. 
• Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.

Your best asset:

• Those legs!

Your fashion goals:

• Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Dos and don'ts

• If you have an apple-shaped body, then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist.
• DO go for monochromatic looks.
• DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
• DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
• DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
• DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses.
• DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
• DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

Hourglass body type

Hourglass-shaped celebs:

• Beyonce, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo

Hourglass body traits: 

• Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.

Your best assets:

• Curves, curves, curves!

Your fashion goals

• Show off your curves... without going overboard.

Dos and don'ts

• If your body is hourglass-shaped, then you're a lucky girl! Your shape is all about tastefully showing off those curves: not too baggy, not too tight.
• DON'T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
• DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
• DO wear fitted dresses.
• DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
• DO try wrap dresses.
• DO go for high-waisted skirts to show off your hips.
• DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
• DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.

Pear shaped body type

PEAR SHAPED BODY

Pear shaped people can usually lose fat in the upper body, so their overall shape doesn’t change much when they lose weight. I personal know pear shape women that have lost so much weight up top in an effort to get rid of some bottom only to find that the bottom hasn’t gone anywhere. Your fashion goal is to elongate your figure so that you look less bottom-heavy.

Pear Shape Dont's

It is important to know what looks good on your pear shape to flatter your curves. However, it is equally important to realize what kinds of clothing will work against your shape.

• Do not choose pieces that will make you look wider on bottom, minimizing what is best about your fantastic curves. Here are a few additional don'ts for plus-size, pear-shapes:
• Don't wear loud prints or light colors on bottom
• Don't wear pants that settle above your waist
• Don't wear pants that narrow at the bottom (this will draw attention to your hips – making them stand out more than usual
• Don't wear short skirts that fit tightly around your lower half

The Goal for Pear Shapes Is Balance

Pear shapes aim to achieve more balance for their overall figure. To achieve this, utilize the following tips:

• Choose A-line skirts and dresses. The skirt should closely follow the contours of your curves to keep it from looking baggy and unshapely.
• Boot-cut is your best choice in jeans. The roominess below the thigh area will make your hips look smaller.

How to Dress Your Pear Body Shape

Since your lower body is your "biggest" issue here, there are some basic strategies that you need to base your personal style and closet on.
One of them is drawing attention away from your curves by highlighting your upper body - from waist and up. This is based on the golden style principle of the "Enhance & Minimize"-trick that helps adding width and volume to your upper body.
However, if you're proud of your curves and want to enhance them when you're out clubbing then by all means, show 'em off!

Styling strategies to apply when putting together outfits:

Choosing flattering fabrics for your Pear shape body

• If you're looking at clothing styles to suit your A (pear) shape, make sure that you take the fabric into consideration.
• Look for fabrics that drape softly over your curves without clinging. Fabrics that stand out from your body will make it look bigger.
• Look for fabrics that are not shiny (over your bottom half), so satin is not great for you, and sequins should definitely be avoided on your bottom half.
• Leather is too stiff a fabric to work for your shape too, it will add unnecessary bulk (unless, it's that really buttery soft leather, which you can get away with wearing).
• Fabrics need some weight, anything too flimsy will show up every lump and bump.
• You may find denim jeans very hard to buy, the fabric is stiff and your shape is often not catered for by clothing designers. Look for softer denims with stretch, they are more likely to work better for you.

Downplay Your Curves

• Dark colors, from dark navy blue to the classic black. Ex. dark wash jeans or black dress pants.
• Vertical details will slim down the hip-area. Eg. pleats, stitches and visible zippers
• Tops, sweaters and jackets that extend just below your hipbone (helps skim over your hips. Hip-length tops only draw attention to the area it hits). However avoid lengths across the widest part of your hips/legs - your thighs
• Hip and thigh hugging shapewear
• Heels elongate your lower body and make your hips, thighs and legs look slimmer
• Also make sure to invest in garments with stretch. Stiff fabrics tend to make you look boxy. Boxy = bigger.
• Another great investment is pants, jeans, skirts and dresses with a slight flared hem. Compared to a skinny and pencil hem, a flared style will draw attention away from your lower bottom.
• If you're very curvy, the longer and wider you'll need to wear your bottoms - it helps with your body proportions! 

If you love Your Curves

• Do the opposite and bring the spotlight to your lower half and really highlight your Pear body shape! The way to do this is to accentuate your curves with details or anything that highlights them.  This is something celebrities often do to emphasize their trademark so we'll remember them, however they will also add some slimming effects at the same time. 
• Examples are: Skirts and dresses with flirty bottom details (ruffles, drape, tulip cut, etc.). Pencil skirts also emphasize your curves
• Light and bright colors (hot pink skirt, white denim pencil skirt, etc.)
• Prints and textures (lace, floral, polka dots, etc.)
•  Note: Curves should be downplayed in professional settings. Research has shown that accentuating your womanly parts can make you appear too sexy and distract the opposite sex, and in most cases people will take you less seriously. So think twice about putting on that super fitted pencil skirt for work ;-)

Other Factors to Consider

• You also need to take your vertical body shape (are you short legged/long waisted or long waisted/short legged?), as well as your height and body scale into consideration. 
• If you're Petite or a Plus Size then some rules may have to be customized.
• If you have short legs I highly recommend that you work on elongating your legs to slim and flatter your curves! Add heels or simply style your outfit so that your legs look longer! 

Trousers tips:

• Many women with a bootylicious body find it hard if not impossible to find a pair of trousers that fit them. Either they fit your waist, but not your hips and thighs, or the waist gapes (particularly at the back) and often you get lots of creasing a the crotch.
• It's always best to fit your booty and thighs, rather than your waist, it's a simple alteration to take in the waist band, and if you are an A or Pear shape, it's best to accept that this is what you'll need to do for each pair of trousers or jeans you buy.
• Look for a darker trouser, and in a fabric that has some weight (not thin or floppy) so that it falls smoothly over your gorgeous curves.
• Styles that suit are the bootleg or flared shape in a mid-rise or high rise, so you can happily sitting down without the pants riding too low.
• A fabric with some stretch will be much more comfortable for you.
• Make sure your trousers and jeans are as long as possible (without dragging on the ground) always try on with the kind of shoes that you'll wear with them. The longer your leg-line looks, the more balanced you appear.
• If you've been and tried on many pairs of trousers and nothing fits, consider having a pair of trousers made for you, it's often not as expensive as you may think and you'll get a beautifully tailored fit that enhances your shape.
• Get a little structure. Structured pants are a great fit, especially those that skim the hips and thighs of a pear-shaped body. Avoid flashy embellishments like cargo pants, funky pockets or embroidery. In the cooler climate layer it up. Layering garments can balance a pear-shaped body by adding visual interest to the top half of the body.

Top Advice:
Details help draw the eye away from your wide hips and can visually add more volume and width to your upper body. Choose light bright and bold colors.

• Best tops and blouses for pear body shape:                                                                           Ruffles, Puffed/ruched sleeves, Prints, Pockets on bust (except if you have a large bust), Embellishments, Large collars, lapels or sleeves, Shoulder pads help widen your shoulders as well as make you appear taller, Structured shoulders, Puffed sleeves on tops, Fluted/flared sleeves that end just below your bust, Shoulder details - from epaulets to sequined shoulders, these details rock on your body, Wide necklines also flatter as they draw a line out and up. Try boat necks, sweetheart necks, large cowls and wide v-necks, wrap neckline(adds interest to your bust), Bell and kimono sleeves.
• Create Curves on Top ::: Wear anything that visually adds more weight to your shoulder and bust area and brings attention to your upper body. This makes your body figure look more proportional like an Hou
  
  rglass, as well as de-emphasizing your hips and thighs. 
• Avoid tops that have narrow v-necks, dolman sleeves, raglan sleeves and heavily gathered necklines, which can all reduce the width of your shoulders.
• Details that accentuate your upper body:Details such as stripes, polkadots, sequins, zippers, large collar/lapels, other eye catching embellishments, Bust-enhancing necklines such as bustier and sweetheart, A good push-up bra, Scarves, scarves, scarves, Rounded/Wide Necklines (These visually widen your shoulder and bust area. )
• Examples: Boatneck, Strapless/bandeau ,Square, Scoop neck, Cowl neck Neckline that visually "lifts" and emphasizes your bust (eg. sweetheart and bustier neckline). You can also wear slimming necklines (ideal if you have a short upper body) - they help bring attention to your defined waist. But make sure to add a statement necklace or a pair of eye catching earrings to balance it out on top. 
• If you have a short neck and/or are well endowed wear a slim/oblong (preferably V-shaped) pendant necklace (or a long chain) to counter the shortening effect of the straight neckline. Long earrings will also work. 

Pants that Streamline Your Bottom

• They help balance out your prominent bottom and make it look smaller. Basically these leg styles create a lean line on your lower body (hips down) and offset your curves. 
• Examples:Best jeans and pants for pear body shape, Wide leg, Flare leg, Bootcut, Straight and skinny (if you're comfortable in your curves but don't want to go all out with skinny jeans), Pants with simple waistbands, if you decide to wear skinnys, make sure to wear something that will draw the attention back up to your upper body. A-line tops with the skinnys will also work with your body proportions.
• For dress pants, I suggest that you select a pair that skim past the contour of your thighs (slight flare from your hips).

Shorts

• Also, your ideal shorts styles are simple and tailored that extend past the thickest part of your thighs. Anything shorter is ok as long as you pair them with heels to help slim and elongate your legs and thighs.

Dresses and Skirts with Width and Volume at the Hem
It sounds contradictory but volume helps camouflage your curves. However, skirts and dresses with a shape that is wider at the bottom are more effective in balancing out your hips. Try to steer away from too-full skirts and skirts with heavy horizontal details that exaggerate your body shape such as frilly tiers. 

• Examples: A-line shape (a good investment because of its versatility, but it's flop proof on your pear body shape), Flared shape, Full circle skirt, Maxi and gyspy skirts
• Make sure you select skirt styles that are free from details that bunches up the front part. Mid-rise is your best bet (this same rule applies to pants and jeans!)
• You can of course wear pencil skirts but you need the confidence or else it will look wrong on you. Heels, accessories (statement necklace, earrings, headbands) and tops that add interest work well with a pencil skirt for your pear body shape. 

Push-up Bras

• Push up and padded bras help to boost your bust and fill out your upper body. 
• Push up bras help balance out a pear body shape proportions
• You don't need big breasts for this. If you have a small bust a padded bra will create cleavage. This helps balance out your hips.

Statement Jewelry

• Eye catching necklaces and earrings draw the eye upwards. 
• Example: Metal discs, Gemstones always get attention, Cluster beads and pearls, Chandelier earrings, Feather earrrings.
• Any eye catching accessory worn from your waist up will help draw attention away from your hips. For example: A bright color or print scarf, cute headband or a cool hat. 

High Heels

• High heels will visually elongate your legs and make your hips look slimmer. If you want to wear a pencil skirt then a pair of heels will help counter the widening effect of the hem shape. Heels and knee-high boots can help do just that by creating an elongated silhouette. Not only will you likely stand taller, with better posture, but also you will look smoother and leaner.
• Your thighs and legs need shoes that are simple and help lengthen your lower body. So avoid ankle straps (however T-straps are slimming) or details that visually shorten your legs. 
• Examples: Shoes in similar as your skin tone, Cone heel, Wedge heel, Open toe to elongate your legs, Sturdy, pointy toes and slightly rounded toes heels are your best investments. 

Belt

•  Most women who have an A shape body have a small waist. This provides an excellent area to highlight with belts.
• You will need to try on a variety of belts to find out which work best for you, wide or thin, but creating a focal point at your waist with a belt will draw attention away from your hips.
• If you don't want to draw too much attention don't contrast the colour of the belt to your clothes. If you want to highlight it more, think about an interesting belt buckle or a different coloured belt from your clothes.
• Just remember, that a great fitting bra that keeps 'the girls' up high will make you waist look slimmer and create a flattering silhouette.

Accessories Belong On Top

• Most accessories for pear shapes should begin and end on top. The idea behind your entire look is to draw the eye upward. So, avoid belts and embellishments on your lower half and instead focus on accessorizing the upper portion of your body.
• Scarves and necklaces are a great way to decorate your neck area; funky earrings can make any outfit sing and many bracelets, either chunky or bangle, make you look flirty and fun!
• Do not overload yourself with too many different pieces, because you do not want to look busy. The idea behind accessorizing up top is to create balance by add embellishments to your best body parts.

Short Jackets That Hit a Few Inches Above Your Hipline
The hips don't lie and in this instance, they are your fashion truth serum! The hipbone is the line when all tops and jackets should end on a plus-size, pear shaped figure, because this visually divides your body into two halves, minimizing the lower half. They expose more of your lower body and help make your legs and thighs look longer and thinner.

• Jackets that catches you right on the widest part of your body accentuate the area and can make you look shorter and bigger. However a hip-length jacket can work on your pear body shape as long as you wear a bottom that downplays your hips. Eg. A pair of black dress pants or a dark blue A-line skirt. 
• Stay away from any jackets that are too long and do not give you that visual break, they will only make your bottom half look bigger.
• Likewise, avoid cropped tops because they have the same effect. Balance is the key to plus-size, pear shape fashion and a hip-length top or jacket will make it happen!
• Plus-size women with this shape should pay attention to how clothing flatters their best assets and choose pieces for how they help balance out their fuller, pear-shaped figure.

Tankinis Best For Pear Shapes

• Bathing suits are often a source of contention with pear shapes. It is hard to find a suit that fits well for the top and bottom portion for the body. This is even more complicated when you are also plus-sized.
• Someone with this body type would look best in a tankini. Tankinis offer the coverage of a one-piece suit with the advantage of purchasing two pieces in different sizes to accommodate your body shape.
• Pear shapes should look for bold color on top and darker colors on the bottom. The idea for this shape is to draw attention upward.   

Try A Pair Of Shoulder Pads

• A great way to add some balance to your appearance is to perk up your clothing with padding. Be it through a padded bra or modest shoulder pads, the extra lift will help your clothing wear in a more flattering way. These days, shoulder pads are more modest with a natural-looking, rounded shape.
• Slip on a pair of shoulder pads underneath your clothing and see what a different it makes in how your clothing looks on your shapely figure. The top half of your body will likely look like it better matches your lower half, which will definitely help dissolve some of your clothing dilemmas.
• Shoulders are a great and sexy part of a woman’s body. Especially if you’re pear-shaped, you want to show them off by wearing off-the-shoulder tops that expose one or both shoulders. 

Dresses

• Go for A-line dresses and tops emphasize the upper body while slimming the wider hips that have the characteristic of a pear-shaped body.

Wear A Wrap Dress:

• A wrap dress is a perfect addition to a pear-shape's wardrobe. It drapes over the body in such a way that the lower portion is hidden, allowing the best curves to show.
• Avoid busy patterns, opt for a solid-colored dress, and let your accessories be the accent. While darker colors usually look best to de-emphasize the lower half of a pear shaped body, you can go lighter with a wrap dress because of its A-line design.
• Another wrap dress benefit is that it makes the most of your cleavage, no matter how big or small. It dips just low enough to make the dress sexy, without revealing too much, making the most of your overall curves. So, be sure you wear a proper-fitting plus size bra that gives your breasts optimal support when you sport this kind of dress.