If getting dressed ever feels like a guessing game, you’re not alone. Most of us were never really taught how to dress for our body shape — we just kind of wing it and hope for the best, right? But the truth is, once you know what works for your shape, getting dressed becomes so much easier (and honestly, way more fun).
This isn’t about changing your body or fitting into anyone’s mold. It’s about working with what you’ve got — celebrating your favorite features and feeling confident in your clothes again. Whether you’re a curvy pear, a straight-up rectangle, or somewhere in between, I’ve got simple styling tips to help you feel good in what you wear. And most importantly, help you stop shopping for the wrong clothes!
So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s dive into how to dress for your body shape — without the stress, the rules, or the fashion police 😅
*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!
The 5 Main Body Types – How to Dress for Your Body Shape!
Understanding your body shape is the first step to dressing with more ease and confidence. These five categories aren’t meant to box you in — they’re simply a helpful guide to show you which silhouettes might work best for your natural proportions.
Once you know your shape, you’ll start to see patterns in what flatters you (and what doesn’t), making getting dressed so much easier.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
🎯 Pear (triangle) Shape: Your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you tend to carry more weight on the bottom half. The goal: Balance your lower half by drawing attention upward with necklines, layers, and structure on top.
🎯 Apple Shape: You carry weight around your midsection, with a fuller bust and slimmer legs. The goal: Elongate your torso and highlight your legs with strategic shapes, layers, and soft fabrics.
🎯 Hourglass Shape: Your shoulders and hips are balanced with a clearly defined waist. The goal: Show off your natural curves with pieces that hug (not squeeze) your waist and follow your natural shape.
🎯 Rectangle Shape: Your shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly uniform, with little natural waist definition. The goal: Create curves and dimension with playful textures, layers, and waist-defining styles.
🎯 Inverted Triangle Shape: Your shoulders are broader than your hips, often with a fuller bust and narrower lower half. The goal: Soften the top half and add balance with volume, color, or detail on the bottom.
Not sure which one sounds like you? That’s totally normal! Most of us are a mix of shapes, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure it out.
A good place to start is by looking at your proportions in the mirror — focus on your shoulders, waist, and hips. And remember, this isn’t about labeling yourself — it’s about getting a general idea so you can dress in a way that feels really good.
🪞 Quick Body Shape Test (No Measuring Tape Needed!)
Stand in front of a mirror (preferably in something fitted, like leggings and a tank top or just underwear) and ask yourself these 3 questions:
1️⃣ Are my shoulders wider than my hips? → You might be an inverted triangle.
2️⃣ Are my hips wider than my shoulders? → You might be a pear (aka triangle)
3️⃣ Are my shoulders and hips about the same width? → Move to the next question:
4️⃣ Do I have a clearly defined waist? → Yes = hourglass. → No = rectangle.
5️⃣ Do I carry more weight in my midsection, with slimmer arms and legs? → You might be an apple.
This isn’t a science — just a starting point. The best way to figure it out is to notice which styles make you feel most confident, and use that as your starting guide. You know your body better than anyone else!
👉🏻 For reference, I have an hourglass body shape with a tendency to move towards pear (triangle) if I gain weight.
How to Dress for Your Body Shape: Pear Edition (aka triangle)
If you have a pear shaped body, you likely have hips that are wider than your shoulders and tend to carry more weight in your lower half. Sound familiar? Don’t worry — this shape is super common and super easy to dress once you know what to look for.
🎯 Main Goal: Balance the lower half with the upper body.
Tops That Work Best:
- Structured shoulders or puff sleeves to widen the upper half
- Boat necks and off-shoulder tops to visually broaden your shoulders
- Patterns, bright colors, or details that draw attention upward (like statement earrings)
Bottoms That Flatter:
- Darker colors to create the illusion of less volume
- Straight-leg or wide-leg pants to elongate the legs
- A-line skirts that skim the hips without clinging
⭐️ Styling Tip:
Add visual interest to the upper half to naturally draw the eyes up. Think bold earrings, statement necklines, or even a fun scarf. Keep the bottom half sleek and simple.
🏆 Winning Outfit Formulas:
Boat neck top + wide-leg trousers + bold earrings
➡️ Why it works? Adds width to your upper body and balances out hips beautifully.
Puff-sleeve blouse + A-line midi skirt + cute sandals
➡️ Why it works? Adds volume to the upper body to create the illusion of balance against the wider hips, creates definition at the waist and softens the lower half.
How to Dress for Your Body Shape: Apple Edition
If you have an apple shaped body, you likely carry more weight around your midsection, have a fuller bust, and tend to have slimmer arms and legs.
This shape is incredibly common — especially as we age or go through body changes. The good news? It’s also one of the easiest to style once you know what to focus on.
🎯 Main Goal: Elongate the torso and highlight your gorgeous long legs.
Tops That Work Best:
- V-necks and wrap tops to draw attention vertically
- Flowy fabrics that skim (not cling to) the stomach area
- Longer layers like cardigans, open button-downs, or duster vests to create length and movement
Bottoms That Flatter:
- Straight-leg or slim-fit pants to show off those legs
- Mid-to-high-rise jeans that provide support without squeezing
- Simple skirts in structured fabrics to avoid clinging around the tummy
⭐️ Styling Tip:
Use layers and vertical lines to create length and movement through the torso. A long cardigan or vest can instantly break up the midsection and help everything feel more balanced.
A long pendant necklace (ideally one that hits around the mid-bust to just above the belly button) gives the illusion of a longer torso.
My MIL has this body shape, and I gave her this dress for her birthday and it looks SO GOOD on her!
🏆 Winning Outfit Formulas:
V-neck top + straight-leg pants + long cardigan + long pendant necklace
➡️ Why it works? Creates vertical lines, lengthens your torso, and draws attention to your legs.
Wrap blouse + slim fit trousers + pointed flats
➡️ Why it works? Wrap styles define the waist and flatter the bust, while slim pants show off your legs without adding any unnecessary bulk.
Here’s a visual representation of these 2 outfit formulas to give you an idea. I didn’t feel comfortable recreating them because that’s not my body shape. But hey, if this is yours and you give these styles a try, and want to be featured on my blog, just send me a full body pic with good lighting! 📸 ([email protected])
How to Dress for Your Body Shape: Hourglass Edition
If you have an hourglass shaped body, your shoulders and hips are fairly balanced, and your waist is clearly defined. You’ve got curves — and the key to styling them is not to hide them, but to highlight them in the right way.
🎯 Main Goal: Show off your natural curves without overwhelming your frame.
Tops That Work Best:
- Wrap tops and fitted tees that hug your waist
- Button-downs and knits that follow your shape without being too tight (feel free to tie a front knot to highlight your waist even more)
- Waist-length jackets that hit at just the right spot
Bottoms That Flatter:
- High-waisted jeans or trousers to emphasize your waistline
- Pencil skirts or fit-and-flare silhouettes that follow your natural curves
- High-waisted wide-leg pants
⭐️ Styling Tip:
Highlight your waist! It’s your superpower. Use belts, tucked-in tops, or structured seams to draw attention to that natural curve.
🏆 Winning Outfit Formulas:
Fitted sweater + midi pencil skirt + belt
➡️ Why it works? The close fit keeps everything in proportion and highlights your hourglass shape effortlessly.
Fitted top + high-waisted anything + block heels
➡️ Why it works? Accentuates your waist and follows your curves without adding bulk.
How to Dress for Your Body Shape: Rectangle Edition
If you have a rectangle shaped body, your shoulders, waist, and hips are all fairly uniform, with little natural waist definition. Your shape is balanced and athletic, and the goal here is to create a bit of curve and dimension where it’s lacking.
🎯 Main Goal: Create curves and define the waist.
Tops That Work Best:
- Peplum tops, ruffles, or layered styles to add volume
- Wrap styles to fake a waistline
- Bold prints or mixed textures to break up straight lines
- A dress like this one would be perfect for you!
Bottoms That Flatter:
- High-rise jeans and belted trousers to cinch the waist
- Flowy skirts or paper bag waist styles to add shape
- Wide-leg pants that create contrast with a fitted top
⭐️ Styling Tip:
Mix textures and play with proportions! This creates the illusion of curves while keeping your outfit interesting and balanced.
🏆 Winning Outfit Formulas:
Ruffle top + paper bag waist pants + sandals
➡️ Why it works? Volume on top and a bottom piece with a cinched waist gives the illusion of curves.
Peplum top + straight-leg jeans + statement necklace
➡️ Why it works? Adds visual interest and builds shape through the middle section.
Here’s a visual representation of these 2 outfit formulas to give you an idea. I didn’t feel comfortable recreating them because that’s not my body shape. But hey, if this is yours and you give these styles a try, and want to be featured on my blog, just send me a full body pic with good lighting! 📸 ([email protected])
How to Dress for Your Body Shape: Inverted Triangle Edition
If you have an inverted triangle shaped body, your shoulders are broader than your hips, and you may have a fuller bust with a narrower lower half. This shape often has an athletic or strong upper body — and the goal is to balance it out by adding softness and volume below.
🎯 Main Goal: Soften the top half and create balance with volume on the bottom.
Tops That Work Best:
- Scoop necks, V-necks, or cowl necks to soften the neckline
- Raglan or dolman sleeves that minimize shoulder width
- Simple, minimal styles up top in solid or neutral colors
Bottoms That Flatter:
- A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, or anything with volume
- Bright colors, prints, or bold details on the lower half
- Mid-to-high rise bottoms that draw attention downward
⭐️ Styling Tip:
Keep it simple on top and have fun with your bottom pieces — this draws the eye down and helps balance out your silhouette naturally.
🏆 Winning Outfit Formulas:
V-neck tee + printed wide-leg pants + cute flats
➡️ Why it works? Slims the upper body and adds visual weight to your hips.
Scoop neck top + A-line midi skirt + crossbody bag
➡️ Why it works? Softens the neckline and brings focus to the flowy lower half.
Here’s a visual representation of these 2 outfit formulas to give you an idea. I didn’t feel comfortable recreating them because that’s not my body shape. But hey, if this is yours and you give these styles a try, and want to be featured on my blog, just send me a full body pic with good lighting! 📸 ([email protected])
Want a Closet That Actually Works for You?
Learning how to dress for your body shape is a great first step — but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If your closet is still overflowing with things you never wear (or nothing that makes you feel good), it might be time for a little reset.
🎯 That’s why I designed the ‘Closet Score Quiz’ — it’s quick, eye-opening, and the first step toward creating a wardrobe that actually feels like you. Get started by answering these easy questions ⬇️
Based on your answers, I’ll send you a free email series with simple, actionable steps to help you clean out your closet, define your personal style, and build a wardrobe you love getting dressed from.
🛍️ Shopping Tips For ALL Body Shapes!
Finding clothes that flatter your body shape doesn’t have to be overwhelming — whether you’re browsing online or trying things on in-store. Here are a few shopping tips to help you feel more confident (and a lot less stressed) when you’re looking for those “just-right” pieces:
💻 Online Shopping Tips:
1️⃣ Use the search bar to your advantage: If you know what you’re looking for (like “square neckline top” or “A-line midi skirt”), type it directly into the search bar. This helps you skip the overwhelm and find what actually works for your shape. (that’s why I always share the name of each specific piece!)
2️⃣ Read reviews — and look for photo uploads: Real women = real insights. Brands like Quince often have reviews with customer photos, which makes it easier to find someone who looks like you and see how a specific piece fits on them. It’s one of the easiest ways to gauge if something might work before you buy it!
3️⃣ Always check the rear and side view photos: Front photos don’t tell the whole story. Look for sites that show the outfit from multiple angles so you can better understand the fit — especially for structured pieces like jeans, jackets, and skirts.
🛍 In-Person Shopping Tips:
4️⃣ Bring your “hero” piece with you: If you’re shopping for tops, wear your favorite jeans. Shopping for skirts? Bring the shoes you’d typically wear with it. Trying things on with pieces you already love helps you immediately know if it’s a good match — and keeps your closet feeling cohesive.
5️⃣ Do the sit, walk, and stretch test in the fitting room: It’s not enough for something to look good when you’re standing still — try sitting, walking around, or even raising your arms. If it rides up, pinches, or feels restrictive, it’s probably not worth it (no matter how cute it is). Comfort + confidence go hand in hand — and you’ll thank yourself later.
6️⃣ Try on new styles and take photos + notes: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone in the fitting room! Try on silhouettes you wouldn’t normally choose, then snap a few mirror pics of what you do love and jot down quick notes about what didn’t work and why. It helps you get to know your shape better and makes future shopping trips way more intentional (and less frustrating).
Final thoughts about dressing for your body shape…
At the end of the day, style isn’t about rules — it’s about feeling good in your clothes. Learning how to dress for your body shape is just one tool in your style toolbox. The real magic happens when you start trusting your gut, letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and wearing what makes you feel like you.
So whether you’re cleaning out your closet, trying a new silhouette, or finally figuring out why that one dress never felt quite right — just know you’re not alone in this.
You deserve a wardrobe that fits your body and your life. One outfit at a time, you’ll get there.
Now go play dress-up in your own closet. 😉 You’ve got this.
XO,
Aimara
>>> Don’t forget to take the closet quiz! It’s the first step to decluttering your wardrobe and discovering your personal style — plus, you’ll get a free step-by-step email series to guide you through the entire process!
Hi, I’m Aimara 👋🏼
Hi, I’m Aimara — full-time traveler, capsule wardrobe enthusiast, and the voice behind Ways of Style. I’ve spent the last few years helping women simplify their closets, discover their personal style, and feel more confident in what they wear (without having to buy a whole new wardrobe).
Whether you’re learning how to dress for your body shape or finally ready to clean out that closet once and for all, I’m here to make the process feel fun, doable, and totally judgment-free.
Because getting dressed shouldn’t be stressful — it should be one of the easiest (and most joyful!) parts of your day.
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