The best way to dress a pear-shaped body
Dressing for your body type is often easier than it sounds. There are no hard and fast rules – just a few clothing styles for women that will flatter your best features. If you have a pear-shaped body and are looking for more balance, this means drawing attention to your torso, shoulders and face.
But what is a pear shape, exactly? Women with this body type have a narrow waist and hips that are wider than their shoulders. If this sounds like you, take comfort in the fact that your body type is shared by most women. You shouldn’t any trouble finding cute and flattering outfits, but here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:
Bring attention to the neckline and bust
Tops that bring attention to the bust draw the eye upward and help you achieve a more balanced silhouette. You have a lot of room to play here, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Choose ruffled blouses that cinch in somewhere between the bottom of your sternum and your hips to create a more hourglass silhouette. Throw on a structured blazer or jacket, and you’re ready to head into the office.
For something more flirty and casual, play around with necklines, shoulders and arms. Boat neck shirts and tops with flutter or princess sleeves help balance your shoulders and hips, making you look less bottom-heavy.
Also, don’t be afraid to play around with jewelry. Bold statement necklaces frame your neckline and bring attention to your face. Try to stay between the princess and matinee lengths, or 18 to 24 inches. Chokers and collars are so short they won’t have much of an effect, and opera-length necklaces draw the eyes in the downward instead of up. A scarf looped to these lengths will have the same effect.
Show off your waist
“Wrap dresses and shirts are perfect for you.”
If you think you waist is your best feature, don’t be afraid to show it off! Wrap dresses and shirts are perfect for you; they bring the eye to the center of your body, making your waist look even narrower. You can also opt for a sleeved bodycon dress, as your covered arms and shoulders will again balance your hips.
You can also highlight your waist with an eye-catching belt. Choose one in a color that contrasts with your outfit – a plum dress with a skinny gold belt, for example. Alternatively, go big and find a belt that captures attention with its sheer size. Whichever you choose, make sure your belt sits at the narrowest part of your waist rather than across your hips.
Also, try an A-line skirt or dress. You might think this silhouette emphasizes your wide hips, but the flare actually brings attention right where you want it.
Choose a straight or wide leg
If you want to de-emphasize your curves a bit, opt for a wide leg or straight leg pant as opposed to leggings or skinny jeans. The former options create a clean line from hip to floor, so you don’t look overly wide in a particular area.
That said, if you want to flaunt your curves, don’t let anything stop you! Form-fitting outfits are great for a pear-shaped body, and they’re also a celebrity favorite. Both Beyonce and Kim Kardashian are pear-shaped, and neither are afraid to step out in a tight dress or skinny jeans and a tank. Overall, what’s most important is that you feel comfortable and confident in the clothes you wear.
Comments (1)
Colleen
Two things I consider:
Fabric suggestions that involve the body type and how fabric clings and drapes.
Length between torso and hip. I am only 5’4″ but my torso seems to be longer (based on peplum tops ordered and unfortunately returned).
From what I have ordered, your fabrics and descriptions are on target. It’s finding products that work for me. Thank you.