Embracing Your Body Shape

I once read a study that showed nine in 10 women did not know their own body type—can you imagine the shopping frustration that would lead to? As a military spouse, we’re in the middle of PCS moves every couple of years. We’re meeting new neighbors, finding new hair stylists and seamstresses, engulfed in researching new school districts and doctors, and perusing new grocery stores—this isn’t an added stressor we need to add to the list.

However, new duty stations sometimes come with immediate coffees, gatherings, and meetings, all while our clothes are packed in random boxes we can’t seem to find. If we’re prepared and equipped with the knowledge of knowing our own body shape and having a few shopping skills, we can feel more comfortable and confident in our style selections. We can feel in control of our wardrobe and know it will be working for us and not against us.

So, let’s dive in to the four most common body shapes:

1. The Rectangle

Also known as a straight or an athletic figure, the Rectangle is the most common female body shape. It’s a very well-balanced silhouette with a less defined waistline, smaller breasts, and might even come with fuller calves and broader shoulders. You’ll find most runway models share this exact silhouette.

The main goal for a rectangle is to create balance and to add curves. Tailored pieces and skinny jeans are ideal for this body shape. Truth be told, the Rectangle is the easiest figure to dress, and it shows with the wide range of necklines and dresses that look great on this body type.

2. The Pear

This is the second most common female body shape. It can be mistaken for an hourglass figure due to the small defined waist followed by full hips and lower body.

This shape can definitely play with printed, embellished, or off-the-shoulder tops that draw the attention upward, creating the illusion of balance. A belted A-line dress or wrap dress are ideal for this body shape—the cinch allows the defined waist to be highlighted while striking a great balance in the body.

3. The Apple

Practically twins with the Inverted Triangle, the Apple is known to have broader shoulders—wider than the hips—and thinner legs when compared to the top half of the body. Weight will be carried in the midsection which results in a less defined waistline.

An Apple will have the task of drawing attention away from the midsection by emphasizing the bust or showcasing the legs. V-necks and A-line dresses will be an Apple’s best friend. Oh, and don’t hesitate to buy that great pair of pumps you saw online.

4. The Hourglass

The Hourglass is the most coveted and sought-after body shape. What’s ironic is that it’s also the least common body shape—less than 10% of women have a true hourglass figure. The best way I’ve heard it described is, “When you have an hourglass figure, you’ll know it and so will everyone else.” The hourglass body shape will have well-balanced bust and hips with an extremely defined waistline. It will also have very full curves—bust and hips.

The best way to dress the hourglass silhouette is to accentuate that narrow waist and embrace the well-defined bust. Bodycon dresses are a great way to showcase this figure’s curves while deep plunging necklines are ideal in minimizing the “too busty” look.

 

 

Now that you’re armed with a general idea of what your body shape might be and how to dress it, it’s time to get that surge of excitement when you stroll down the women’s section in a department store knowing you have a multitude of options to make you look and feel good!

xM