Summer is the season of light fabrics, effortless styling, and embracing your personal style while staying cool. But let’s be honest, dressing for summer isn’t always as simple as throwing on a sundress and calling it a day.
Finding chic summer outfit ideas that flatter your body type while keeping you comfortable AND confident can be a challenge.
⭐️ The good news? With a few simple outfit formulas and the right styling tricks, you can create chic summer outfit ideas that enhance your best features and make getting dressed a breeze.
Whether you have an hourglass, apple, triangle, rectangle, or inverted triangle shape, I’ve got the perfect outfit combinations for you. Let’s dive in!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
General Styling Goals for Each Body Type (to always keep in mind)
Before diving into specific outfit ideas, it’s important to understand the key styling goals for each body type.
Knowing what works best for your shape helps in selecting the right fabrics, cuts, and colors to create balance and highlight your best features.
- Triangle (Pear Shape): Always try to balance the silhouette by drawing attention to the upper body with structured tops, ruffles, and lighter colors while keeping bottoms streamlined.
- Hourglass Shape: Highlight the waist with fitted and wrap-style pieces while choosing soft, draping fabrics that enhance curves.
- Apple Shape: Elongate the torso with V-necklines and empire waist pieces, opting for flowy fabrics that don’t cling to the midsection.
- Rectangle Shape: Create curves with peplums, belts, and layered outfits while choosing high-waisted bottoms to add definition.
- Inverted Triangle Shape: Soften broad shoulders with V-necks and flowy fabrics while adding volume to the lower half with wide-leg pants and tiered skirts.
⭐️ Pay attention because I’m providing the best tips for each body type, all with the goal to help you shop for the RIGHT things. The ones that make you feel like a million bucks!
Just so you know, I have an hourglass body shape and lean towards pear/triangle if I gain a little weight because it all goes to my hips!
Chic Summer Outfit Ideas For Each Body Type (With Outfit Formulas)
1️⃣ Triangle (Pear Shape): Balance Your Silhouette
If you’ve got a triangle (pear) shape, your hips are the star of the show. Wider than your shoulders and naturally curvy. The key to creating chic summer outfit ideas is to create balance and enhancing your best features.
Your styling goal? Draw the eyes upward with fun details like ruffles, off-the-shoulder tops, and bright colors while keeping your lower half sleek and stylish.
🛍️ Styling & Shopping Tips:
✅ Look for tops with ruffles, puff sleeves, or off-the-shoulder styles to add volume to your upper body.
✅ High-waisted bottoms define your waist and elongate your legs for a balanced look.
✅ A-line skirts and wide-leg pants create a flattering silhouette by skimming over the hips.
🏆 Best Outfit Formulas For Triangle Body Shapes:
- Breezy blouse + Wide-leg linen pants + Statement earrings + Flat Leather Sandals
- Off-the-shoulder top + A-line midi skirt + Espadrille wedges
- Flowy sundress + Minimalist sandals + Tote Bag
- Fitted tank + High-waisted shorts + Espadrilles Wedges
2️⃣ Hourglass Shape: Flaunt Your Curves & Accentuate Your Waist!
If you have an hourglass shape, your curves are your best asset! Your bust and hips are naturally balanced, with a waist that deserves to be highlighted.
The key to chic summer outfit ideas for an hourglass body? Stick to fitted silhouettes that enhance your natural shape without overwhelming it.
Think wrap dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and soft, draping fabrics that move beautifully with your curves.
🛍️ Styling & Shopping Tips:
✅ Wrap dresses and belted pieces accentuate your waist beautifully. (wrap dresses like this one are actually GREAT for ALL body shapes!)
✅ Soft, draping fabrics highlight your curves without adding bulk.
✅ Fitted tops paired with high-rise bottoms enhance your shape while keeping everything streamlined.
🏆 Best Outfit Formulas For Hourglass Body Shapes:
- Wrap dress + Minimalist sandals + Straw hat
- Fitted bodysuit + Midi Skirt + White Leather Sneakers
- Fitted crop top + Wide-leg trousers + Statement earrings + Sandals
- Fitted tank top + Silk Skirt + Strappy heels + Crossbody bag
3️⃣ Apple Shape: Flaunt Those Legs & Define Your Waist
If you’ve got an apple shape, your legs are your secret weapon! You tend to carry more weight in your midsection, while your arms and legs stay on the slimmer side.
The key to nailing chic summer outfit ideas? Keep things light, airy, and flowy up top while showing off those gorgeous legs. Think empire waist dresses, breezy tunics, and V-neck tops that elongate your torso for a balanced, effortlessly stylish look.
🛍️ Styling & Shopping Tips:
✅ V-necklines and wrap styles help elongate your torso and create shape.
✅ Empire waist and flowy tops skim over the midsection for a comfortable yet chic look.
✅ Lightweight, structured fabrics keep your outfits polished without clinging.
🏆 Best Outfit Formulas For Apple Body Shapes:
- V-neck wrap top + Straight-leg pants + Sandals
- Empire waist maxi dress + Strappy heels + Statement Earrings
- Flowy tunic + Slim-fit shorts + Strappy sandals
- Lightweight kimono + Fitted tank + Wide-leg linen pants + Flat Leather Sandals
👗 Struggling to Build the Perfect Summer Wardrobe? The Closet Quiz Is Here To Help!
You’ve got the chic summer outfit ideas—now let’s make sure your closet is working for you! Do you have the right balance of versatile pieces? Are there hidden gems in your wardrobe you’re not taking advantage of? Or maybe you’re stuck in a cycle of feeling like you have nothing to wear (we’ve all been there!).
That’s where my Closet Quiz comes in! In just a few minutes, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what’s missing, what’s working, and how to refine your wardrobe so getting dressed is a breeze. Ready to make every outfit count? Take the quiz now and build a closet that truly works for YOU!
4️⃣ Rectangle Shape: Create Curves & Add Dimension
If you’ve got a rectangle shape, your body is naturally balanced from shoulders to hips with little waist definition. The key to rocking chic summer outfit ideas is all about adding curves and dimension with strategic silhouettes.
Think belted styles, layered outfits, and structured details that give your shape more movement and visual interest.
🛍️ Styling & Shopping Tips:
✅ Opt for tops with peplums, ruffles, or cinched waists to create the illusion of curves.
✅ High-waisted bottoms and wrap dresses help define the waist.
✅ Layering with structured vests or lightweight jackets adds dimension.
🏆 Best Outfit Formulas For Rectangle Body Shapes:
- Peplum top + Cropped wide-leg pants + Mules or Loafers
- Cinched-waist romper + Block heels + Layered necklaces
- One-shoulder top + Paper-bag shorts + Espadrilles
- Wrap midi dress + Strappy sandals + Statement earrings
5️⃣ Inverted Triangle Shape: Balance Your Upper & Lower Body with These Outfit Formulas!
If you have an inverted triangle shape, your shoulders are the broadest part of your body, tapering down to a narrower waist and hips.
The key to flattering summer outfits for an inverted triangle? Create balance by softening the upper body and adding volume to the lower half with flowy skirts, wide-leg pants, and relaxed silhouettes.
🛍️ Styling & Shopping Tips:
✅ Opt for V-neck or scoop-neck tops to elongate your upper body and create a balanced look.
✅ Wide-leg pants, flared skirts, and tiered designs add volume to your lower half.
✅ Soft, flowy fabrics help downplay broader shoulders while keeping your outfits light and breathable.
🏆 Best Outfit Formulas For Inverted Triangle Body Shapes:
- Halter top + Tiered maxi skirt + Slide sandals
- Flowy tank + Tailored Wide Leg Pants + Statement belt
- Sleeveless wrap top + Pleated shorts + Tote bag
- Relaxed-fit blouse + Linen pants + Strappy sandals
General Shopping Tips: How to Find Clothes for Your Body Shape
Shopping for clothes that flatter your body shape doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Here are some easy ways to make sure you’re choosing pieces that highlight your best features:
✅ Use the search bar wisely – When shopping online, be specific! If you’re looking for a peplum top, try searching “peplum top” instead of just browsing all the “tops” to narrow down the best options for you quickly.
✅ Check the ‘Similar Items’ section – Many online stores suggest similar styles based on what you’re viewing. This can help you discover variations that might suit you even better! Use this to your advantage to find cuts that work for your shape. Especially if you use the search bar to find the right things for you!
✅ Read the reviews – Customer reviews often include fit details, fabric quality, and even real-life photos, helping you decide if an item will work for you. So keeping a note of your exact measurements ensures a better fit. (I always do this! Find a photo of a reviewer that has a similar body shape than you)
✅ Know your measurements – Sizes can vary across brands, so keeping a note of your exact measurements ensures a better fit.
✅ Invest in alterations – Sometimes, the perfect piece just needs a small tweak. If something fits well but isn’t perfect, a simple hem or waist adjustment can make all the difference! (this is a game changer)
Final Thoughts: Confidence is Always Your Best Accessory!
At the end of the day, style isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about dressing in a way that makes you feel amazing. Whether you love bold prints, neutral classics, or airy summer fabrics, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits ⭐️
Fashion is meant to be fun, and your body is already perfect—your clothes should celebrate it!
Now that you have these outfit formulas and styling tips, I hope you feel empowered to step into summer with confidence.
Try out a new silhouette, experiment with colors, and most importantly, own your unique style.
Thanks for reading and for being here!
XO,
Aimara
P.S. If you’re ready to make your wardrobe work for you, don’t forget to take the Closet Quiz! It’s the easiest way to uncover what’s missing, what’s working, and how to create a wardrobe that makes getting dressed effortless. Click here to take the quiz today!
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Check Out These Articles Next:
🎯 The 5 best fashion accessories to elevate any outfit!
🎯 How to create a summer capsule wardrobe (body shape advice for each piece!)
🎯 7 timeless pieces you can wear all year! (and that will never go out of style)
🎯 How to find your personal style
🎯 Everything you need to know about outfit formulas
🎯 How to dress for your body type? Styling tips for ALL seasons!
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