Prolific designer Coco Chanel once said “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.”
Though each woman is physically unique, there are 6 distinctive body shape categories that each woman falls into. Each of these shapes offers the key to looking effortlessly chic as dressing by body shape provides the most flattering, style-conscious looks.
Hourglass
Dubbed the “perfect body shape,” an hourglass has equally-proportioned bust and hips with a well defined waist. 34-24-34 is an example of an hourglass silhouette.
Hourglass Celebrities: Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Dita Von Teese, Marilyn Monroe
Triangle
Also known as the Pear, the Triangle has a small upper body with a defined waist, fuller thighs and a round behind.
Triangle Celebrities: Lucy Liu, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce
Inverted Triangle
This body shape has broad shoulders and/or a large bust with narrow hips and a well-defined waist.
Inverted Triangle Celebrities: Alyssa Milano, Reneé Zellweger, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore
Oval
Often referred to as the Apple, this shape looks round overall with an undefined waistline. Hips are wide and thighs are full.
Diamond
Also called an Apple this shape has an undefined waist with a large, high stomach where as the Oval has a large, low stomach.
Oval or Diamond Celebrities: Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O’Donnell, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liz Hurley
Rectangle
Otherwise known as the Ruler, bust and hips are equal with minimal waist definition. Rectangles generally have a small bust and long, slender arms and legs.
Rectangle Celebrities: Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst, Mel C, Keira Khightly
What to Wear
- Hourglass shapes look great in fitted clothing, loose flowing fabrics, dresses with defined waists and straight pants and shirts with a slight flare.
- Triangles look great with statement accessories that help draw attention to the upper body, as well as padded shoulders to help bulk up their upper half. Clothing that helps to emphasize the waist (think empire waist) is great, as well as bootleg pants.
- Inverted Triangle shapes should invest in a good fitting bra, and look great in flowing fabrics, dresses and tops. This shape also looks good in ¾ length sleeves.
- Oval and Diamond shapes look great with accessories that draw attention up to the face and neck. Semi-fitted and loose fitting clothing as well as a good fitting bra and supportive underwear works wonders. Tops and bottoms that flow through the waistline an un-tucked tops work best.
- Rectangles look great in sleeveless tops and dresses to showcase their slender arms, wrap dresses, A-line shirts, and gently flared pants.
What Not to Wear
- Hourglass shapes should avoid stiff, bulky fabrics, high necklines, tapered pants, and baggy clothing.
- Triangles should also avoid stiff, bulky fabrics and items that add weight or draw the eye to the hips.
- Inverted Triangle shapes should stay away from styles that draw attention to the shoulders, as well as big collars and high necklines.
- Oval and Diamond shapes should avoid fitted, clingy clothing, large patterns, tops tucked in, belts and tapered pants and skirts.
- Rectangles should avoid clothes that are too clingy or too baggy, low necklines, and narrow skirts.
Change Shape
There are ways to change or alter body shapes through exercise. Work with a personal trainer to establish an exercise routine that can help flatten a tummy, slenderize legs and hips, or firm and tone a flat behind.
Whatever the body type, there are styles that make each look terrific so that women can feel their best, most confident self.
