DRESS THAT BODY

Hello Dearies,

Hope you enjoyed the last post? I Want to say a BIG THANK YOU to you all for always taking time out to read my posts, also, am sorry have being missing in action for a while, it’s due to my business, will try to post more….moving on

Todays write is going to be quite long, straightforward and with less pictures so bear with me….have noticed that people especially ladies have problems dressing their bodies according to their shape, well have gotten quite a number of complaints, so I decided to do a research on it and here is the knowledge I gathered….Enjoy!

…..There are five types of female body shape, Apple shape (or round), Pear shape (or triangle/ bottom heavy), Strawberry shape (top heavy), Hourglass shape (or curvy) and Rectangle shape (also known as straight, ruler or boyish) women….. The styles of clothing that looks great on an hourglass figure might not flatter a pear shaped woman or an apple shaped woman so it’s important you find the one that suits you best, it is not about wearing what is in vogue, make your own fashion style and look beautiful…..

However, you may be familiar with the types of women’s body shape but may not know how to work out your own shape. Well, I have being able to make this easy. This write will be about the apple, pear and strawberry shapes for now so it doesn’t get boring…don’t want you all dozing off,  lol….  the other  three would be posted soonest….

…okay this is about the Apple body shape….

If you have the Apple body shape then you’re pretty in proportion, but tend to carry your weight around your mid section without a well-defined waist. You may also have fabulous legs or boobs, so dressing is all about showing off those best bits*wink*, avoid adding volume round your middle. Empire line and longer length tops will flatter your figure. Go for low-ish necklines to draw the eye upwards… It’s best to avoid Shorts, boxy jackets and pleated or tiered, trust me they are not your friends, cast them out now and feel better forever. If you’re a rosy round Apple go for dresses that highlight your bust and skim down over your tummy without clinging, you may have slender legs but don’t show them off in tight trousers as your middle will look bigger in contrast, use a supportive bra to emphasize your bust and good shape wear to slim your middle a little…….If any woman has a license to splurge on fabulous shoes it’s you, as they will divert attention from your mid-section.

…..to make it more accessible, I will highlight the major things you need to know….

What Apple shaped people should note:

• ·         Empire line and bias cut dresses hides your tummy
• ·         Flared maxi dresses and wrap styles will look fabulous on you
• ·         A low-ish neckline keeps eyes away from your middle
• ·         Stay clear of shapeless straight shift dresses
• ·         Avoid bows, belts and other waistline details
• ·         Be careful with clingy jersey and flouncy fabrics
• ·         Look out for dresses with embellishment around the neck and color or detail around the hem to draw attention to either end of your body.
• ·         Flat fronted, semi low rise trousers suit your shape
• ·         Boot cut or flared jeans/ trousers will bring balance
• ·         Choose styles with a little bit of stretch for comfort
• ·         Don’t go for tapered trousers or skinny jeans
• ·         High-waist styles add bulk where you don’t want it
• ·         Avoid pleats and gathers at all costs
• ·         If you love leggings wear them with an empire line tunic that skims over your tum and bum then team with some bold chunky wedges.
• ·         Knee or calf length skirts will suit you best
• ·         Try a bias cut skirt for a flattering shape on you
• ·         Asymmetric and hanky hem skirts adds interest

• Tiers, flounces and ruffles will only add volume
• Don’t pick tight, fitted skirts
• Very short skirts will make your body look blocky

·         Look out for A-line skirts with a band of color around the hem.

• Go for a low or embellished neckline, or a V-neck top
• Longer length tops and tunics are perfect
• Sleeve details will draw eyes away from your tum
• Bulky knits tops are a definite no
• Avoid round neck T-shirts either baggy or tight
• Never wear a top only part way buttoned down

·         Frills and ruffles generally won’t flatter you but look out for ‘waterfall tops’ as the long fall of draping fabric will have a streamlining effect.

• A fitted jacket that buttons below the bust is ideal
• V necklines and nipped in waists add shape
• Try a tailored classic long coat or light trench
• Stay clear of boxy jackets that finish at the waist

·         For slimming and streamlining effect wear jackets and longer coats open.

• Chunky wedges will draw the eye down
• Be bold and go for a bright colored  pair of shoes
• Don’t pick very pointy toes or spindly heels
• Don’t go too masculine with square toe loafers

·         Learn to walk well in heels. Don’t hunch - keep your head high and your shoulders straight. It will make all the difference!

·         Striking statement jewellery looks fabulous on Apple shapes so express you!

• Have fun with big necklaces and dangly earrings
• Choose bags with a long shoulder strap
• Avoid bulky bags that sit under your arm
• Chunky buckled belts will hinder, not help

·         A long textured scarf can make a great alternative to a necklace and will be flattering either knotted or worn loose and long.

Apple shaped Jennifer Hudson

Apple shaped

....that is it for the apple shaped ladies, moving on to the pear shaped…..

If you are a bottom-heavy beauty and you are bigger around the hips, bottom or thighs than you are up top then, like many women, you are a Pear! You’ve probably also got a fairly flat stomach, lucky you….. Work that womanly figure by adding more shape and structure above the waist.

Bring out your best, balance out your curvy bottom half with bold bright tops or tops with large collars, lapels or sleeves….Tube, pencil and fishtail skirts, especially tight-fitting ones will only emphasize your hips and behind so its best to avoid. Look for dresses that add volume and detail on your top half or bust and flare out over your hips rather than cling. When it comes to jeans & trousers, stick to simple shapes and darker colors to minimize your bottom half. Pears look great in skirts as long as you choose the right shapes; A-line and flared skirts will skim hips and thighs. Remember to keep the emphasis on your top half and you will look great in most feminine skirt styles, if you can wear them instead of trousers. Use layering to create a top half that balances with your bottom half and choose tops that highlight your bust. A good coat or jacket is an essential in a Pear wardrobe. Go for structured styles with well-defined shoulders.

•         A-line dresses will skim over those hips
•        Emphasize your bust with a low-ish neckline
•         Choose an embellished bodice with lots of detail
•          Tight stretchy dresses will make your bum look bigger so avoid
•          Avoid sheath dresses and bias cut dresses
•         Tiered flouncy bottoms will only add volume
•          Adding a structured bolero jacket to most flared dress styles will give a really flattering look for Pear shapes.
•          Go for wide leg, flat front trousers or flares
•         Clean lines and muted colors are best
•        Mid rise jean or trouser styles will be most flattering
•          Skinny jeans will bring out your hips more, so avoid them
•          Cargo pants with pockets on the thigh will broaden you
•          Steer clear of light or bright colored jeans and bulky buttons jeans
•          Pear shapes can still look great in straight jeans; just team with a long hip-skimming tunic top for a fab fashion look.
•          Go for volume - either structured or full and flowing skirts
•          A line skirts and full circle skirts are fab for you
•          Maxi skirts and gypsy skirts are also excellent
•          Tight pencil skirts and tube skirts are a no-no
•          Fishtail skirts will bring out your hips too much
•          Stay away from bias cut skirts too
•          Have fun with colors and striking necklines
•          Puff, kimono and bell sleeve tops will flatter
•          Try adding shrugs to a plain top
•          Avoid skinny lapels and small, dainty collars
•          Plain polo necks won’t give your top half that boost
•        Don’t hide your waist in big baggy tops
•        Ruffle blouses and tiered tops are perfect for Pear shapes. A puff sleeve ruffle blouse is your ideal top.
•         Go for wide lapels and structured shoulders jackets
•         Details like faux-fur collars look great on you
•          Voluminous sleeves jackets will balance you out
•          Skinny lapels will just narrow your top half
•        Straight funnel neck jackets will be tricky to fit
•          Slouchy shouldered styles don’t have enough structure
•          Try adding a funky brooch onto a lapel or adding a scarf to keep attention up top. 
•         Use good underwear to give your bust a boost and shapewear to slim those hips and thighs.
•          Consider a push-up or padded bra if you’ve a small bust
•         Thigh shaper control pants are a god-send, try them!
•          Get rid of any ill-fitting bras and saggy knickers
•          Don’t go for a MINIMISER bra ….. you want to MAXIMISE!

•          Go for a high heel if you can handle it
•         Choose shoes and boots with a medium to high heel to lengthen your legs and de-emphasize hips and thighs.
•         Knee boots draw the eye to lower legs instead of thighs
•         Don’t pick shoes with very pointed toes
•          Choose a sturdier heel than stilettos
•         Knee boots and an A-line skirt is a wonderful look for Pear shapes. If you’ve chunky calves look out for wide calf fitting boots.
•        Use unusual or chunky jewellery to draw the eye upwards and stick to handbags that sit under the shoulder. 
•          Make a statement with a bold necklace and earrings
•          Add color with a bright scarf
•         Low slung belts will make your hips look bigger
•        Don’t go for long strap bags that rest at the thigh
•         For a pretty look, why not try a bright hairclip or headband? You could even give a hat a go – try, a slouchy beret for starters.

pear shape in pictures.

…….About the Strawberry body shaped ladies…….

Sassy strawberry-shaped ladies have a figure that’s bigger up top than on their bottom half because of broad shoulders and/or big boobs in relation to their waist and hips. Broad shoulders or bigger boobs can make you look top heavy, but there are a few simple ways to soften your shape!

….Bring out your best…Fuller skirts and wide leg trousers will balance out your body shape beautifully. Don’t be afraid of bright color on your bottom half. ..Shoulder pads and tapering trousers are an absolute no-no! Also steer clear of puff sleeves, epaulettes and halter necks. If you’re a sassy Strawberry shape, aim to emphasize your lower half in dresses with simple bodices and full skirts. Nearly everything looks good on your slender legs, even skinny jeans as long as you keep your top half simple. Choose a fluted or flared skirt to add volume and balance out a broader top half and have some fun with color!

•      Fitted bodices with flared skirts will bring balance
•       Trendy one strap dresses narrow your top half
•      Tunic dresses and bias cuts will flatter your figure
•      Off the shoulder dresses only broaden your top half
•   Avoid frill sleeves and puff sleeves
•     Very fitted skirts may send you too top heavy 
•    A-line strapless dresses can look great on Strawberry shapes, try teaming with a drop pendant necklace to draw the eye in away from the shoulders.
•     Bootcut trousers, wide legs and flared jeans look fab
•      Cargos and combats add volume to your bottom half
•    Light colored trousers will be flattering      Avoid tapering trousers or high waist trousers
•         Leggings can be tricky to style well for your shape
•      Short won’t add the leg volume you need
•         If you’ve got great legs then there’s no reason not to wear skinny or slim leg jeans. Just play down your top half when you wear them.
•     A-line and fuller skirts will bring balance
•      Look for skirts that fall from the waist not the hip
•       Go for skirts in a bold color or pattern
•     Tight tube/pencil skirts can make you look top heavy
•       Straight sarongs won’t add the shape you want
•  Avoid very floaty, insubstantial fabrics
•      If you like the pencil skirt style then a trendy tulip skirt or peplum skirt with a bit more structure makes a great Strawberry-suiting alternative.
•    If you’re a fuller-on-top Strawberry and have a bigger bust choose tops that are soft and sleek rather than stiff and structured
•   Fashionable one shoulder tops are fab on you 
•      V necks will draw the eye down
•       Puff sleeves and ruche shoulders broaden you 
•     Chunky knits add volume where you don’t want it
•   Off the shoulder tops, shoulder slits are not good for you
•  Stick to stretchy fabrics that will fit your upper body neatly rather than adding unwanted volume. If you’ve got bigger boobs then you’ll be surprised to find a slightly lower neckline is more flattering than covering up.
• ·         Coats that flare from the waist are perfect
• ·         Strawberry shapes suit belted coats and jackets that create more volume below the waist and don’t add too much at the shoulders or bust.
• ·         Small lapels and collarless styles will flatter
• ·         Look out for single button coats too
• ·         Avoid big lapels, shoulder pads and epaulettes
• ·         Double-breasted jackets will make you look broader and bigger around the bust.
• ·         Don’t wear cropped jackets with slim fitting bottoms
• ·         A soft hooded zip top that’s fairly fitted makes a great alternative to a coat or jacket for Strawberry shapes on dressed-down days. Keep styles simple and use V-shapes to flatter strawberries with the busty body shape.
• ·         If you’re busty a minimiser bra can help
• ·         Choose underwear to suit your outfit, a plunge bra for cleavage or a minimiser to wear with a button-up shirt.
• ·         A slimming camisole or Basque may work well
• ·         Your slim hips don’t need magic knickers
• ·         Old unsupportive bras won’t do you any favors
• ·         A good multiway or strapless bra is essential to wear with one-shoulder tops.
• ·         Ruche/slouch knee boots are great with skirts
• ·         Go for a solid heel over a stiletto to look balanced
• ·         Platforms will make you look even more tapering
• ·         Nude shoes won’t give you that look
• ·         Metallic, high gloss or striking two-tone shoes are the perfect way for Strawberry shapes to big up their bottom half.
• ·         As you’re trying to balance broader shoulders or a bigger bust then you can have some fun with bold bright footwear!
• ·         Use the right jewellery and handbags to add more interest to the bottom half of your body and de-emphasizes the top.
• ·         Chunky bangles and rings will draw the eye down
• ·         Choose long strap handbags that rest at the hip
• ·         Keep necklaces neither too dainty nor too chunky
• ·         Avoid bulky bags that sit under your shoulder
• ·         A hip belt or even a tasseled scarf worn around your hips is an easy way to bring balance if you’re wearing jeans or a gypsy skirt.

….How much does the clothing affect you? More than we think. I've privately interviewed several ladies who admits that they feel better about themselves when they know that they look their best….Dress as though you might bump into that highly-esteemed someone on the street. Nothing imparts quite the same glow of satisfaction as knowing that we are properly dressed. This will affect your deportment. When you look your best, you will feel your best so DRESS THAT BODY. 

Thanks for reading and please note that this was a research, I paraphrased a lot, and the part 2 will be posted soon…..I really hope this has helped a Sister….

…kindly drop your comments both good and bad…

                                            XOXO

                                       @teeshogs