The Ultimate Guide to Understanding your body shape

March 18, 2025

…….And How to dress it!

Introduction

Welcome to your ultimate guide to dressing for your body shape! Understanding your unique silhouette can transform the way you approach your wardrobe. This guide is designed to help you embrace your individuality and feel confident in your clothing choices. Remember, fashion should be fun, and finding styles that highlight your best features is key. Let’s dive in and discover how to dress for your shape!

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How to Analyse Your Body Shape

Identifying your body shape is the first step to dressing successfully. Here’s how you can do it! You will need a soft measure tape

Take Your Measurements

Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust.

Waist: Find the narrowest part of your waist and measure around it.

Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips.

Do the Mirror Test

Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Take note of your natural silhouette. Do you have broader shoulders, a defined waist, or more straight lines? This visual assessment will help you confirm your measurements.

Measure yourself on a photograph

This is my personal favourite way to analyse a clients body shape at a quick glance but should not be done in isolation. The other suggestions above are useful in addition.

Take a full-length front picture, back picture, and side profile. Use the tools on your phone to draw lines across the shoulders, bust, waist and hips. This will clearly illustrate your widest and narrowest points.

And hence where you need to create balance to bring proportion when dressing

Identify Your Proportions

Compare your measurements. This will help you determine your shape. For instance:

If your bust and hips are similar in size with a defined waist, you may be an hourglass.

If your hips are wider than your bust, you might be a pear shape.

What are the different body shapes?

There are lots of different interpretations of what the various body shapes are. And these are mine!

You will notice that for each definition of shape I am referring to balance or unbalanced, curve and no curve. These are the core elements that we are looking for

Dressing for your body shape

Strawberry

You may be a combination of top-heavy with slight or no waist and slim hipline.

I recommend you minimise detail in your clothing on your top half, and, depending on where your waist is, more detail on the lower half, to balance out the curve. Go for v-neck styles, or open neck shirts to enhance and compliment your fuller bust area. This will elongate your top half.

If you are a strawberry you may not have a waist and there is a short space between you under-bust and where your waist should be.

Waist belts can sometimes make this worse by shortening and creating an unflattering silhouette.

Try tucking in, or half tuck, which will help lengthen the look of the leg and create a more balanced silhouette

Wardrobe Heroes

Underwear

Essential investment in a professional bra and lingerie fit. Wearing a correctly fitting bra will make a world of difference. It pushes your breasts up and lengthens your waist.

Jackets & Coats

Single-breasted styles. Look out for styles that have a button under the bust.
Neat styles semi-fitted to the waist create the illusion of an Hourglass shape.
Longer jackets’ shoulders finish at hip-length – no longer.
Fasten under the bust, two or three buttons at the point where the waist should sit.
A-line style creates a balance between a top-heavy top and a slimmer bottom half.
Sleeves should finish where you want to draw the eye. Don’t wear the sleeves too long and consider pushing them back to show some wrist

Shirts, Tops & Tees

Neat fit around the bust, slightly lower, open neckline with wide V, scoop neck.
A wrap-style top can work too, to lengthen and separate the bust line.
The addition of Lycra or elastane content for the perfect fit can flatter beautifully.
The Empire line cinches in at the narrowest part under the bust line.
Ensure empire seam only gently gathered, definition part under the bust.
Wider straps and/or shoulder detailing to balance top-heavy bust.
Wider straps that disguise wider bra straps. Unless pretty detail.

Dresses

Structured shapes work well
Added Lycra or elastane content to help the garment move with your body.
Necklines lower or open with V-neck or scoop-neck add length to minimise bust.
Empire line gently gathered, flatters the generous bust, narrowest part under the bust.
Straight, A-line, fuller through the skirt. Fuller the better to proportion shape.
The sleeve detail not tight-fitting, slightly looser to complement the generous bust.
A longer sleeve will flatter her top-heavy shape. Shorter sleeves that finish at bust line highlight bust.

Skirts

A-line or fluid creates balance with the top-heavy bust.
A fluted hemline accentuates her slim legs.
Tulip-shaped skirts (shaped like a flower) will add volume to the narrow hip.
The pencil skirt, and the fitted style will highlight her slimness below the hip.
Low waistbands lengthen her short waist and lessen her appearance top-heavy bust.

Trousers

Boot-cut, wide-leg trousers add curve on narrow hip to create a better balance.
These styles will also show off your long legs.
Can opt for skinny and slim fit styles too – But be aware will highlight top-heavy bust line.
Lower waistlines create length between where the waist should sit bust line.

Accessories

Earrings close to the face and finishing no longer than the jawline will flatter.
Necklace styles away from the bust line falling on the collarbone.
Aim minimal detail at the bust area, drawing the eye away from the top-heavy shape.

Footwear

Usually long, slender legs, you can experiment with many styles. Heels extend and accentuate her legs’ shapeliness if this is her goal.
Perhaps consider avoiding stiletto style heels as this can accentuate your heavier top half.
Steer towards the chunkier, curvy or stacked heel to complement your shapely leg.

Print & Pattern

Medium-sized prints are the most flattering.
Smaller prints can get lost in your top-heavy bust.
A larger print can overwhelm.
Vertical stripes above the waistline to lengthen the upper body.
Horizontal stripes below the hip to add width.

Not so Hot

Tops and shirts that are too tight around the bust line will add inches.
To accommodate fuller bust may result in garments being too big elsewhere.
A good dressmaker is key for all body shapes. They will help you create a garment that fits your body shape perfectly.
Crewnecks, polo necks, and higher necklines make the bust look larger.
Spaghetti straps make a bust, shoulders look larger.
Detailed ruffles, pleats, embellishments, and high shine increase the size of the full bust.
Smock, shift styles, double-breasted, chunky knits, oversized add volume.
High waistlines draw the eye to the bust line, so best avoided.
Delicate tops and accessories can be lost in the bigger bust.
Long necklaces, pendants styles sitting on the bust draw attention were not wanted.

Hourglass

Wardrobe Heroes

Underwear/Lingerie

Invest in a professional bra and lingerie fit to ensure correct sizing. With a generous bust and a short waist generally, the aim is to lift the bust to separate from the waist.
Waist definition will be hidden without correct underwear and shape wear.
Supportive briefs help lift and smooth your silhouette.

Jackets & Coats

Single-breasted jackets and coats work best, with one or two buttons on the waistline to keep all streamlined.
Emphasise a shapely waist with buttons and minimise detail over the total bust.
V-shaped neck opening flatters add length to the upper half and lessen the total bust.
Longer styles fit at the waist. Glide, flare over a hip, and gently emphasise the curve.
Pockets are discreet, not a feature—emphasis at the waist. Avoid pockets at the hip.
Soft, curvy shape, so select pockets, lapels with curved edges, emphasise curve.
Fabrics, soft to the touch, with Lycra or elastane content, encase her curves.

Shirts, Tops & Tees

Fitted or semi-fitted styles highlight your beautiful waistline.
Belted styles define the waist—wrap styles flatter curves for a neat silhouette.
Lower necklines, scoop neck, V-neck, and open-neck styles add length to the bust area, minimising the effect.
Detail draws the eye away from the bust area, sleeve, embellishment, and sheer fabric.
Tuck in or tie to highlight the waistline. All top styles finish waist length.
Unbutton tops to create an opening V shape to flatter and lengthen décolletage.
Be aware short sleeves that finish at the bust line will emphasise the bust.

Dresses

Styles that are defined at the waistline, plus corset or body con styles.
Fabric with movement to flow with the curves to reflect the client’s style and personality.
Lower necklines, gentle scoop, separate bust from waist flatter décolletage.
Semi-fitted belted and wrap styles with Lycra for movement to encase curve.
Be aware light fabrics don’t hold curves, and medium-weight fabrics encase them.

Skirts

Pencil skirts this shape lets the Hourglass shine with the neat approach to dressing.
Added Lycra or elastane content will help support the curve to create seamless fit.
Flat-fronted, A-line, and wrap styles are all waist-defining styles that look good.
Avoid pleats at the waist or hips, as they add volume and figure-crushing bulk.

Trousers

. Assess how styles behave with your shape.

Flat-fronted waisted styles, movement, drape, added elastane skim over the hip.
Wide-leg-waisted styles to hug and balance curvy hips and bust proportions.
Skinny fit can work well – you will look curvier in more fitted styles.
High-waisted styles work if you have a long waist (space between waist and bust).
Jeans trouser styles in stiffer fabric with no movement – can be too restrictive.
Select tailored, flat-fronted styles with a fitted leg

Accessories

- Belts to define the waist – your Hourglass finest feature encourages a collection.
- Keep jewellery, especially necklaces and earrings, minimal.
- You shine with simplicity. Too much detail will clutter your curvy shape.
- Curvy, rounded shapes reflect your body shape,
- Necklace styles that extend slightly to sit above the bust line draw the eye up.
- Longer earrings lengthen the face, which is helpful for a round face shape or fuller bust area.

Footwear

Celebrate curves with wedge or platform heels, round or peep-toe.
Stiletto can contrast curves beautifully, too.
Bows or details on toes draw the eye down and lengthen the silhouette to flatter.
Select ankle straps or ankle detail for slim legs only as it draws the eye to the ankle.

Colour

Blocking colours show off this proportioned body shape in full glory.
Move from dark colours to lighter or vivid tones.
All colours selected as one colour worn head to toe are flattering.
Contrasting belt colours highlight a fabulous waist.
Play to highlight elements of your curvy proportioned shape.

Print & Pattern

Keep prints small, medium, or large, depending on personality.
An all-over pattern will highlight the even proportions of this body shape.
Be aware large patterns can sometimes swamp your Hourglass shape.

Not so Hot

Pleats around the hips and tummy will add bulk where it’s unnecessary.
Side pockets, especially with detail on trousers, add extra bulk.
Double-breasted jackets add width and make a total bust appear even fuller.
Boyfriend-style jeans add bulk around the bottom and leg. Explain how fitted or less-fitted styles impact shape.
Blouse tops with bows and ruffles add fuss and volume.
Boxy, straight-cut clothing hides your curvy shape, making her look more expansive.
Stripes running horizontally add width.
Exception: skinny jeans, with narrow leg-width, will emphasise the curvy hip; although some of you will embrace this and look fabulous in it

Pear Shape

Wardrobe Heroes

Underwear

Invest in a professional bra and lingerie fit to ensure correct sizing.
Small Pear Shapes with petite busts, will benefit from lightly padded styles.
Create better proportion with added fullness with the style of the bra.

Jackets & Coats

The top half of the Pear Shape is where you will focus most detail if you have a small bust. If you have a curvier bust, play down the detail to flatter while balancing with the hip for better proportion

Jackets, coats, wide lapel styles buttons to the neckline add width and create balance.
Puffed sleeves, gathered shoulders, epaulettes, embroidery, embellishment.
Waist styles, big lapels, and shoulder pads draw the eye upwards and broaden shoulders.
Double-breasted styles increase width above the waist.
All high necklines, including funnel style, create the illusion of volume at the bust.
A-line styles skim over thighs and glide over the wider bottom half.
Waist belt focal point at the fabulous waistline. Contrast colours dramatic effect!
Top styles finish at the waistline highlight the slender waist Pear shape.

Shirts, Tops & Tees

A wider neckline and broad shoulders create balance with wider hips.
Boat-neck, slash-neck styles.
The embellishment of shoulders and sleeves creates the illusion of wider shoulder balance hips.
Narrow horizontal stripes above the waistline will create a wider/curvier top half.
Contrasting coloured band on waist shortens body and legs look longer.
Styles pretty, delicate/sheer fabrics with detail, including bows, ribbons etc.,
Use top detail to add femininity to the smaller top half of the pear shape.

Dresses

The best styles are those that highlight their slender waist and disguise heavier hips and bottom.

Styles can be fitted above the waist to show off your beautiful shape.
Waisted styles, fuller A-line skirts, and full-skater styles glide over hips.
Wrap options, avoid those in lightweight jersey fabric, as this clings.
All detail should focus above the waistline, including embellishments.
Wide shoulders, exaggerated sleeves, to broaden shoulders.
Wide necklines, boat-neck or slash-neck, bows, ribbons and embroidery.

Skirts

Fitted styles emphasise curvy hipline and bottom.
Include Lycra or elastane content for great fit and comfort.
A-line or fuller styles in fabrics that glide disguise curvy hip and bottom.
Fitted-at-the-waist styles will accentuate your fabulous waistline.

Trousers

Wide-leg styles, straight-legged (the same width from thigh to ankle).
Accentuate the waistline with a straight leg while balancing the curvy bottom.
Skinny fits, slim-fit trousers, and jeans accentuate the curvy hips and bottom.
Many clients will be happy to embrace this effect so explain the impact.
Avoid side pockets, and make your hips look wider.
A flat front without pleats is best to slim down the bottom half.

Accessories

Waist belts work as a treat to highlight your slimmest asset.
Necklaces, earrings and scarves create personality and detail above your waist.
Use to draw the eye upward to your best features.
Select bold, colourful statement necklaces and earrings, bling and sparkle!
Focus on her personality through accessory choices,
Scarves in a variety of colours and prints focus the eye above the waistline.
Select fabric, print, and pattern to flatter, and wear a scarf to complement your personality.

Footwear

Work to your client’s leg and ankle shape, as well as her proportions, shape and contours.
Pear Shape clients can be predisposed to heavier legs.
Selecting styles that are simple, with less detail, (avoid ankle straps).
Heels help to slim and balance a heavier leg because they add length to the leg.
A straight heel is best, and one that is chunkier.
A stiletto heel can be too delicate against a heavy leg.
Keep colour choices the same as an outfit to elongate.
A slender ankle and leg can take detail with contrasting colours too.
Knee-length boots create a column of colour adding length. keep
Keep the boot the same colour as the garment, it will slim for confidence boosting.

Colour

Darker colours have a slimming effect, so use these below the waistline.
One colour as a column including brighter or lighter colour is lengthening and flattering too.
Light and bright colours above the waistline draw the eye to her best assets.

Print and Pattern

The patterned fabric takes attention away from unbalanced curves.
Pattern darker background worn below the waistline creates better proportion.
Vertical patterns, and stripes below the waist, create the illusion of lengthened shape.
Horizontal patterns and stripes on the top half create added width.

Not so Hot

Coat, jacket, dress, skirt styles straight-cut hide defined waist.
Narrow necklines reduce the width of the shoulders.
Jackets that finish at the hip draw the eye to her widest point.
Jersey or bias-cut skirts cling to wider hip lines unflatteringly.
Side pockets or front pleats on trousers or skirts accentuate the width of the hips.
Pencil skirts and skinny trousers are tricky unless the client wants to emphasise her hip.
Ankle straps, T-bar shoes, sandals, and shoe detail emphasise heavy legs.
Bulky, stiff, shiny fabrics and sequins below the waist add inches.

Apple

Wardrobe Heroes

Underwear

Invest in a professional bra and lingerie fit with you present to ensure correct sizing.
A supportive bra lifts the bust to create separation and space between the bust and midsection.
The aim is to create shape and definition for your body.
Shape wear creates lift and separation and if chosen well can act as a genius support.
Try on a selection of bras in clothes to visualise the difference.
Supportive briefs help minimise and smooth the midsection too.

Jackets & Coats

Emphasise under the bust line, as one of your narrowest points.
Empire line lightly gathered under the bust line skims over midsection.
Button under bust single-breasted, tie or seamed under the bust work well.
Tie belt just under the bust, with a fluid shape beneath to glide over the mid area.
Straight-cut style, preferably worn open with a contrasting colour underneath.
Divide the body into two long, slim slices with contrasting colours to elongate.

Shirts, Tops & Tees

Blouson or floaty, tunic style skims over the tummy.
Sheer sleeves will create some flattering visibility of arms.
Empire-line styles gathered under the bust draw attention to the bust
Finished length at hip length, no longer. Show the legs.
All choices are long enough to cover the midsection and short enough to show legs.
Open necklines, V-neck, scoop neck, elongate slim your generous bust.
Styles that are ruched and draped over the middle section flatter and disguise.

Dresses

This is not the easiest garment for this shape to wear.

The shift style is a triumph, the straight cut glides over her widest point.

The finished hemline should end leaving more than a glance of your fabulous legs.
Empire-line style, seamed under the bust with light gathers, deserves a place.
Added ribbon and embellishment at the empire line draw the eye from the widest part.
Wrap style tin midweight fabric, hat hugs your midsection with an open v neckline.
Necklines open, V neck, scoop, to lengthen and flatter the bust and décolletage.

Skirts

Styles low-waisted to avoid mid-section or high-waisted mid-section support if you have the space between end of bust and midsection.
Keep fastenings to the side for a neatly finished effect.
Flat-fronted styles will be best to smooth out the midsection.
The pencil skirt is top of the list, opt for a cut that supports your midsection.
Box pleats fluid styles with movement, skater work, sit below the waistline.

Trousers

Flat-fronted, with a side fastening, to avoid extra bulk around the midsection.
Wide-legged creates a balance between the wider upper and narrower lower half.
Consider cropped or Capri pants to show off your long legs, and slim ankles.
Skinny styles, can work and can really show off your slimness
Work hard to flatter the wider top half with less detail for increased proportion.

Accessories

Chunky accessories will harmonise with your wider top half.
Encourage to explore wearing only earrings or only a necklace to avoid clutter.
Bold statement designs flatter wider top half.
Necklaces do not sit on the bust, to draw the eye away from the full bust, and wider mid-section.
Longer earrings lengthen yourface her bust line instant slimming effect.

Footwear

A wide range of shoes, sandals, boots, and sneakers complements your slender legs.
Explore exciting shapes, and intricate detail that embrace your personality.
Strappy, sexy heels, kitten heels, ankle straps with small calves and slim ankles.
Wedge or chunky shoe to balance and proportion your heavier top half.
Fashion styles can adda a contemporary element to a classic wardrobe.

Colour

Darker colours worn above the hipline minimise the wider middle section.
Lighter, brighter colours worn as a column head to toe, or tonally head to toe.
You can opt for lighter and brighter colours below the hipline, at the narrower point.

Print & Pattern

Medium- or large-scale, all-over pattern to balance the top and bottom half.
Shiny bright sparkly fabrics above the hipline add volume just so you are aware.

Not so Hot

Tight Tees, tops or dresses cling to highlight a wider mid-section and lack of waistline, Focus on fit, fit fit.
Oversized tops, shirts, tees with no definition can overwhelm.
Puffa, quilted styles, and voluminous tops emphasise the wider top half
Dramatic detail adds width, as do ruffles, puff sleeves, and shine.
Dark-coloured skinny jeans and trousers make legs look slimmer, top half bigger.
Pleats gathers or fastenings on the tummy area will add inches.
Long tunic tops and jackets cover the slim legs. and shorten legs.
Don’t hide your best asset. Select styles that finish at the hipline to reveal the leg.
Tiny or delicate accessories will be lost on your generous top half.

Rectangle

Wardrobe heroes

Underwear and Lingerie

Priority invest in a professional bra and lingerie fit to ensure correct sizing and support.
Build a lingerie wardrobe as she learns to wear the correct size and style to flatter and support your proportions, shape and best features.
Ideal shape, lightly padded style to enhance your natural shape

Jackets & Coats

Impeccable fit to flatter.
You wear a masculine, tailored cut well.
Darts at the waist create shape and a tailored fit for female shaping
Wider exaggerated lapels make much-needed shaping on the top half.
Double-breasted styles or other embellishments at the bust create width.
Jackets and coats, an A-line shape will make the appearance of a curve.
Select oversized styles with care, as they can create a shapeless appearance that overwhelms you.

Shirts, Tops & Tees

Impeccable fit to flatter.
Add a curve with feminine shaping. Embellishment gathers extender shoulder lines, ruffles, neckties, lace details or pockets on the bust.
Detail adds inches to upper and lower body shapes, creating shaping and curves.
Tuck in at the waistline or add a belt to accentuate the waist.
Smock styles, empire lines (gathered below the bust), and puff sleeves add softness.
High necklines add inches to a smaller bust.
Pleating, gathering details add fullness and softness at the waist and top of the sleeve.
Volume creates added curves and shapes.
Play with sleek layering for increased fullness and added femininity.

Dresses

Neat fit or fluid shapes not too voluminous create shapeliness or femininity.
Sharp tailoring in double-breasted styles pays homage to long, slender limbs.
Chiffon, jersey or other fluid fabrics create the illusion of a curve.
Styling with print, florals and floaty styles softens angular shapes and adds femininity.
Halter-neck styles emphasise curves in her shape, a beautiful option for the evening.

Dress lengths to be adapted to your client’s taste, height, shape and leg length. Do recommend styles that flatter most and maintain her proportions if she wants while working with her personality.

Skirts

Styles that are neat in fit, including pencil styles, will highlight your slight frame.
Opt for styles with volume -tulip, A-line, floaty to add shape and curve.
Styles in heavier fabrics. Pleating, gathering, and fuller styles will add curves.

Trousers

The Slender shape can carry off almost any style of trousers.
Select slim-fitting to a straight cut, cropped, full-on flare, creating shapeliness.
Skinny styles, including cigarette styles, will hug hips, adding great definition.

Accessories

Emphasise your waist, even over cardigans and jumpers.
You can effortlessly carry the bulk of layering.
Have fun with an eclectic mix of accessories, and break up a long line of your shape.
Layering necklaces and other accessories works brilliantly for volume and impact.

Footwear

Delicate and intricate styles will best show off slim legs and ankles.
This body shape has long, lean limbs and can wear most styles.

Colour

Use blocks of contrasting colour to break up your long, slender body shape.
Bright and light colours draw the eye to the area worn.

Print & Pattern

Print (more abstract like floral, splashes of colour or paisley).

Pattern (repeating designs like stripes or polka dots).

Print adds interest to this shape and distracts from the lack of curve.
Select the size of the pattern to the frame of the body shape.
Small pattern Slender or Petite frame, Medium pattern Medium frame.

Not so Hot

Baggy, shapeless garments create a shapeless silhouette
Be open-minded; you may carry oversize with impact!