How to Dress for Your Body Type: A Style Guide for Everyone

No matter your shape or size, the secret to great style isn’t following every trend — it’s knowing what works for you. When you understand your body type and how to dress it, you unlock a whole new level of confidence and comfort.

This guide isn’t about putting anyone in a box — it’s about celebrating your body and learning how to highlight your favorite features. Whether you're curvy, lean, athletic, petite, or tall, there's something here for everyone.

Let’s dive in.

Pear-Shaped Body

(Wider hips, narrower shoulders and bust)

Style Goals:

Balance your proportions by drawing attention upward.

What Works:

• Structured or padded shoulders

• Statement tops (ruffles, bold colors, prints)

• A-line skirts & wide-leg pants

• Jackets that hit above the hips

Style tip: Highlight your waist with belts or fitted tops and balance your lower half with darker, solid-colored bottoms.

Apple-Shaped Body

(Wider midsection, slimmer legs and arms)

Style Goals:

Create shape and draw attention to legs and neckline.

What Works:

• V-neck and scoop-neck tops

• Flowing tunics and wrap dresses

• High-waisted pants

• Straight or bootcut jeans

Style tip: Play up your legs with skirts or slim-fit trousers, and choose tops that skim, not cling.

Hourglass-Shaped Body

(Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist)

Style Goals:

Celebrate your natural curves without hiding them.

What Works:

• Wrap dresses and belted styles

• Fitted tops and high-waisted bottoms

• Pencil skirts, bodycon dresses

• Tailored blazers

Style tip: Avoid oversized or boxy fits that drown your silhouette — let those curves shine!

Rectangle-Shaped Body

(Straight from shoulders to hips with little waist definition)

Style Goals:

Create curves and highlight your waist.

What Works:

• Peplum tops and flared skirts

• Layered looks with belts

• Ruching and gathered fabrics

• Bold prints and color blocking

Style tip: Use clothing to add volume and shape — think ruffles, pleats, and cinched waists.

Inverted Triangle Body

(Broad shoulders, narrow hips)

Style Goals:

Soften the upper body and add volume to the lower half.

What Works:

• A-line and flared skirts

• Wide-leg pants

• V-necks and open collars

• Minimal shoulder details

Style tip: Try color-blocking with dark colors on top and lighter/brighter ones on the bottom to balance your frame.

 Tall or Petite? Here’s the Extra Scoop:

For Petite Bodies:

• Tailored, fitted clothing avoids overwhelming your frame.

• Monochromatic outfits can elongate your silhouette.

• High-waisted styles add the illusion of length.

For Tall Bodies:

• Embrace longer hemlines and bold prints.

• Layering can help break up your frame.

• Own the length! Maxi dresses and wide-leg trousers look amazing on you.

Final Thoughts

There are no rules carved in stone — the best outfit is one that makes you feel good. These guidelines are just tools to help you enhance what you already love about your body. Try things on, mix it up, and most importantly, dress for yourself.

Because confidence? That’s always in style.