When it comes to workwear, it can be a challenge to find work outfits that compliment your body especially if you’re unsure of your body shape. So, how do you figure out a style to complement your size? Well, the first step in establishing a flattering work wardrobe is taking your measurements. Key areas of focus include shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. If you’re unsure how to do this, here are a few videos that demonstrate how to best measure your core areas.
While there are many different body shapes, most women typically identify with one of the five: apple, pear, hourglass, inverted triangle, or rectangle body type. To provide a better understanding of the body shapes and clothing recommendations, continue reading below.
Apple Shape
The apple shape typically has a larger bust area and the waistline is not defined. The best clothing for this body type are wrap dresses and wrap shirts, specifically because they create a more defined waistline and peplum tops because they add definition or curves to a less defined area.
Pear-Shaped
If you think you’re a pear body shape, your hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust area. Additionally, your waist may be narrower and defined. The best clothing for body type are cowl neck tops as they provide symmetry for your top area, high waisted trouser pants to accentuate your waist to create a silhouette, and a-line dresses to balance out your bottom half.
Hourglass Figure
If you’re an hourglass figure, you have a defined waist, larger bust and bottoms and you typically define yourself as “curvy. The best clothing for this body type are fit-and-flare dresses to highlight the waist and balance your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips and sheath dresses to help accentuate hourglass curves in a classy and tasteful way, while still leaving enough room for comfort.
Inverted Triangle Shape
If you think you’re an inverted (upside down) triangle shape, your shoulder and busty area may be larger, and your hips and waist are narrower. The best clothing for this body type are scoop-neck tops to make your collar bone the focal point of your top half, midi skirts to add balance to your bottom half and v-neck tops to create a long, lengthened neckline.
Rectangle Body Shape
Last but not least, the rectangular shape is considered the most athletic of the shapes mentioned. If you identify with this shape, your shoulders, bust, and lower body area measurements are fairly similar. The best clothing for this body type are sweetheart tops to create curves, belted dresses to create an hourglass silhouette, and puff sleeves to provide a femeine neckline for the upper body.
Let me know in the comments you want me to follow up this post to share workwear garments for petite, tall, or plus-body types!
