PEAR OR TRIANGLE SHAPE BODY TYPE

This body type is usually characterized with a well defined waist, sloping shoulders(they may even have killer abs), the hips tend to be wider than the bust and they have prominent thighs.

Style Goals

The major style goal here is to accentuate the waist and also add volume to the upper body. This can be achieved through the following:
- on the upper body, fabrics with thick horizontal stripes works because it creates an illusion of a broader shoulder and draws attention to the upper body.
- To create an illusion of a slimmer silhouette and to take attention away from the lower body, opt for fabrics with vertical and narrow stripes.
- Fit and flare dresses are one of the flattering dress silhouette for this body type
- off shoulders and strapless dresses and tops work well. This is because strapless bodice clothes balances out your wider bottom and off shoulders creates an illusion of a broader shoulder.
- Go for tops or dresses with cowl necklines, boat necklines, wide V and U necklines
- Opt for darker colors to avoid attention being drawn to your lower body

DON'T

- Steer clear of skinny pants that taper at the bottom as this would highlight your wider hips.
- Avoid embellished bottoms that emphasize your wide hips
- Avoid details like pockets on the hip and thighs as this draws attention to the hip area.
- Except your goal us to draw attention to your hip area, avoid low waist skinny Jean

PICTURE CREDIT: Refinery29

HOURGLASS SHAPE BODY TYPE

- This type of body type is characterized by a full bust, a well defined waistline, proportionately balanced shoulder and hips, a perfectly rounded bottom and a curvy body.

The style goal of this body type is;

- To highlight the natural curves by proportionately balancing the upper and lower body
- Invest in a good bra
- Tops and blouses with oval and jewel necklines work best for this body type
- Accentuate the waist line with belts when necessary
- High waisted trousers are best for this body type as they defined the waist line
- High waisted skirts, body con skirts and skirts fitted at the hip works well as well since the goal is to also defined the waist line.
- Dresses that are not too tight works well as this also defines the waist

DON'T

-Having this body type, if you dont want to show off your bust, then avoid clothes with low necklines
- Avoid shapeless and loose fitting clothes
- Avoid straight cut clothes that conceal the waist

Photo credit: Lookiero

- This body type is also known as the oval or circle shape body type.

This body type is characterized by a round shoulder line, medium to large bust, narrow hips/butt, fullness around tummy and waist area and a fun fact about this body type is they usually have great legs(*winks*).

The goal of this body type are;

- show off your best assets which are your bust and legs
- pay attention to the shoulders. Clothing with low necklines are a good place to begin. V-neckline works best for this body type.
- clothes(dresses and skirts) with beautiful hemlines draw attention to your beautiful legs
- Wear clothing pieces with empire cuts, pleats and gathers

DON'Ts
- No to clothes with too much details around the bust area, tummy or hip
- No skinny jeans or pants as this can make you look heavy at your top region(bodice)
- Mini skirts are a no no for this body type as this can make you look funny.

I hope I've been able to shed a little light on the Apple shape body type and touch clothing that works best for this shape. Let me know what you think. Thank you.

In my years of experience in the fashion and style industry, I have come to realise that a lot of women get to confuse their body type or don't even know their body type thereby wearing the wrong outfit to suit their unique curves.

Every woman, no matter the age bracket you fall into or even size category, is usually grouped under five(5) main body type. The five main body types are:
1. Pear shape
2. Hourglass shape
3. Apple shape
4. Rectangle or straight shape and
5. The inverted triangle shape.

In my subsequent posts, I'd be writing about these different body shapes one after the other and giving tips and insights on what clothing style that best suits each body type.

Photo Credit: Everpretty blog

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I remain your able guide in all things fashion
Creative director @Identity_by_leemah (IDL)
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