Sartorial Silhouette Shaping - Dressing for your figure

When it comes to our wardrobe there are no rules, you have the freedom to dress and wear whatever you feel best in. However, some of us like to have some direction when dressing ourselves and choosing an outfit. 

This article is for those who want some guidance or simply curious to know how they can dress for their body type. Even if dressing for your figure is not a priority, it can be helpful to know what styles and cuts flatter your figure the most. It allows the customer to shop smarter and invest in pieces that will look great. Having pieces in your closet that work with your figure, will make picking outfits more enjoyable and stress free. 

 

The Understanding...

Understanding your body type, allows you to choose better garments that compliment your silhouette. Understanding your body type is a wonderful way to give a more balanced appearance to your outfit. You can still love your wider shoulders for example but show them off in a way that does not look overpowering to the eye depending on your body type. Opting for a halter neck top rather than on off- the shoulder top can make such as difference.  

Common Questions and Comments we as women struggle with are:  

Why does it not look like that on me? 

 In this digital age we are living in comparison is sadly common, the temptation to purchase something because it looks good on the model. Women shopping online are more likely to make comparisons between themselves and the models when actively deciding to make a purchase, Lee & Johnson (2012 cited in Hollett et al (2023). Following celebs and socialites with a similar body type can be helpful when dressing for your figure but first we must identify what these body types are: 

 

1. The Rectangle Body Type 

This is when your body has a straighter appearance, with few curves. To be considered a rectangle your bust, waist, and hip ratios will be the same size. Fitted at the waist, flares. An example of this would be a ruched waist dress. 

Go To’s include - Fitted at the waist, flares. An example of this would be a ruched waist dress or a belted dress. 

Takeaway – Emphasis on defining the waist. 

 

 

2. The Inverted Triangle Body Type 

 This when the largest part of your body is your shoulders, your waist is often narrower but not defined as well as the hip region. Giving the appearance of an inverted triangle shape or the athletic build. 

Go To’s include - Fitted sleeves for slimming affect, flared wide leg trousers 

Takeaway – Add volume to the lower half of your body. 

 

 

3. The Inverted Triangle Body Type 

 

 This when the largest part of your body is your shoulders, your waist is often narrower but not defined as well as the hip region. Giving the appearance of an inverted triangle shape or the athletic build. 

Go To’s include - Fitted sleeves for slimming affect, flared wide leg trousers e.g., Palazzo pants. 

Takeaway – Add volume to the lower half of your body. 

 

 

4. The Pear Body Type 

 

If you have the pear body type the most prominent area of your body is your hip area, often much larger in comparison to your bust. 

 Go To’s include – Structured shoulders/ Top embellishment  

e.g., A Structured long blazer. 

Takeaway – Add volume and structure to the top half of your body. 

 

 

5.  The Hourglass Body Type  

 

For you to be considered on hourglass your bust and hips will measure similar, women who fall in this category will often have a well-defined waist. 

Go To’s include – Fitted at waist to enhance physique/ High rise to create balance. A bodycon dress would be very flattering on this body type. 

Takeaway – Form fitting clothing! Can not go wrong. 

 

 

6. The Apple Body Type (Round) 

 

You may be considered an apple if your waist and bust area is larger in comparison to your legs, with often broader shoulders. This body type is like the inverted triangle in terms of measurements. 

Go To’s include – Layering your outfits and Flowy styles are perfect for this body type. An example of something that would look great on an apple body type are peplum style dresses. 

Takeaway – Add some volume below the waist, for a curvier appearance and a more balanced look. 

 

Although there are many opinions and rules in fashion, discovering how to dress for your figure, can give you that edge that is missing in your personal style. 

 
Jessica Adamson

  

Reference -

Hollett, R. C., Panaia, M., & Smart, A. H. (2023)’ Gaze behaviour, body image in women and Online apparel shopping 'In International Journal of consumer studies, 475(5), 1999-2011. At: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12977.