How to dress for your body type - Our suggestions for a flattering outfit

Who else has the thought “Why can’t I find the right clothes to fit me?”

You're not alone!

Without standardised sizing it is extremely difficult to pick sizing with brands these days.

Whilst you may be one size in a brand you will be a completely different one with the next which can be extremely frustrating when trying to pick your size online.

Apple shape

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

Celebrity apple shapes: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tyra Banks

How to tell if you’re an apple:

• You are generally well-proportioned
• Your shoulders are broader than your hips
• You are not necessarily as curvy through your hips
• You don’t have a well-defined waistline (If you do, you’re likely an hourglass!)

Apple suggested outfits:

A-line silhouettes, flowy tunics, relaxed boyfriend button-ups, asymmetric tops and wrap dresses!

Some examples of our dresses for hire for your body shape:

Gabrielle Unicorn Robe, Zimmermann Sueded Robe, Rhapsody Wrap Dress, Fantasia Wrap Dress

Pear shape

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

Celebrity pear shapes: Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson

How to tell if you’re a pear:

• Your waist is wider than your bust
• You consider yourself to have fuller hips
• You have narrower shoulders in comparison to your hips
• You have a fuller rear

Try wearing a statement top or dress with an embellished neckline to draw attention to the upper part of your body. For pants, if you are going for a busy top go for bottoms that are fitted at your waistline and go for a darker shade, like navy or black for colour contrast.

Pear suggested outfits:

Sugar & Spice Dress, Jasmine Vines Dress, Manhattan Mini Dress, Martini Mini Dress

Hourglass shape

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

Celebrity hourglass shapes: Kim Kardashian, Dita Von Teese, Eva Longoria

How to tell if you’re an hourglass:

• You’d describe your body as curvy
• You have a well-defined waist
• Your bust and hip measurements are roughly even
• You may have fuller bust, hips, and thighs

Hourglass suggest outfits:

If you have an hourglass body shape – embrace those curves! Avoid baggy clothing and ruffles that appear around your shoulders and bust.

Florence Shirring Dress, Indio Short Dress, Paloma Midi Dress, Frederic Dress, Zimmermann Radiate Dress

Rectangle (or ruler) shape

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

Celebrity rectangles: Anne Hathaway, Queen Latifah, Cameron Diaz

How to tell if you’re a rectangle:

Rectangle suggested outfits:

Zimmermann Zippy Dress, Zimmermann Zinnia Dress, Zimmermann Melody Dress,

Inverted triangle shape

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

Celebrities with inverted triangle body shapes: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renée Zellweger, Miley Cyrus

How to tell if you’re an inverted triangle:

• Wide shoulders
• Big bust
• Undefined waist
• Body shape projects a sporty and athletic physique

Inverted body suggest outfits:

Gemma Asym Dress, Rhapsody Mini, Asymmetric One Shoulder Midi

• Soften the broad shoulder line with soft, draping, and weighty fabrics
• Avoid wide necklines that broaden the shoulders and other strong shoulder details (eg shoulder pads)
• Steer clear of patterns on your tops and scarves around your neck and shoulders
• Keep your upper body clean and uncluttered