It’s no secret that your outfit can play a significant role when it comes to your outward appearance and overall confidence. As someone who takes pleasure in dressing professionally, both at work and beyond, I find that understanding your body shape can assist in finding the perfect pieces to enhance your professional image. You may find it challenging to categorize your body into a single basic shape, so it’s always a good idea to be open to the possibility of a secondary body shape.
Now let’s go through the various body shapes commonly found in women and suggest an outfit that I think would highlight its best features.
THE PEAR BODY SHAPE
Women with broader hips and a narrower upper body tend to fall within this category. Some features may include narrow shoulders and a smaller bust, wider lower body with full hips and/or thighs and a defined waist.
So what would I wear?
While some may aim to redirect attention upwards to achieve a more balanced look, personally, as a pear-shaped woman myself, I’m all for accentuating the bottom-heavy silhouette and highlighting the waistline. That’s why you’ll often find me wearing a tailored, high-waisted trouser with a fitted blouse, which I consider a must-have staple in my professional wardrobe.
THE APPLE BODY SHAPE
If you tend to carry extra weight around your midsection you might fall into the apple category. Some distinguished features may include a larger upper body with broad shoulders and a fuller bust, a less defined waist and a smaller lower body with slimmer hips and legs.
So what would I wear?
I would definitely want to showcase my legs and create a sleek midsection. So a wrap dress, preferably with a belt or side tie, hemmed above the knee, would undoubtedly be one of my go-tos for a professional and chic look.
THE INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE
If you find that you have an inverted triangle shape, it means your upper body, including your bust and shoulders, is noticeably broader than your waist and hips. There is little to no definition in the waist and thighs are typically slimmer. However, legs tend to appear more toned.
So what would I wear?
For a professional look I would opt for a wide-legged trouser with an oversized fit that is tailored at the waist to add volume to the lower body. Pair them with a high-neck sleeveless top, and for added balance and symmetry, drape a cardigan stylishly around the neck.
THE RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE
With a rectangle body shape, your bust, waist and hips are relatively similar in width. Your physique tends to have more of a straight and athletic build with less pronounced definition in the waist area and minimal curves.
So what would I wear?
In my opinion this body shape can pull off so many looks. However, my personal preference leans towards a structured off-the-shoulder top paired with a pleated flared skirt. This combination not only adds volume to both the upper and lower body but also creates flattering curves while defining the waist.
THE HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE
The hourglass figure is characterized by balanced proportions of bust and hips, with a well-defined waistline creating a curvaceous silhouette.
So what would I wear?
You can’t go wrong with a fitted midi dress that emphasizes your waistline and highlights your curves. Not everyone can pull this look off seamlessly so I would take full advantage of this figure flattering outfit in any professional environment.
Taking everything into consideration, it is important to bear in mind that no outfit is truly complete without the right accessories and footwear. So now that I’ve shared my personal outfit choices for each body shape, I’m curious to know which professional pieces you would select for each body shape. Feel free to share your fashion influences and let’s continue the conversation!
