When it comes to choosing the right attire, there are a lot
of elements to be taken into consideration; body shape, scale, proportion,
colouring and personality being some of them. It is the body shape and
proportions that we are going to be addressing to in this section.
Just how important is finding that dress that fits you
impeccably and glamourizes your good features at the same time? It is
unquestionably a quintessential factor that determines how well-dressed you are
at any event or place.
Well, easier said than done. We know it’s challenging, but
we are here to help you out.
In the words of Hubert de Givenchy- “The dress must follow the body of a person, not the body follow the shape of the dress.”
Fit and style should not be mutually exclusive. That
irresistible and expensive designer dress that you fell in love with as soon as
you saw it is not going to do justice to your wardrobe if it does not
compliment your body, is it?
Before you know what clothes to buy and which styles to
choose from, you need to know what your body type is. It is all about erecting
the illusion that you have an almost perfect body. (Now before you scream fowl, let me reassure
you this; there is nothing unfair about it.)
Each of us are different and so are our bodies but nonetheless,
our body shapes are generally narrowed to the following four.
- The Triangle or Pear body shape
- The Inverted Triangle or Apple body shape
- The Rectangle or Banana body shape
- The Hourglass body shape
You might fit either one of them or you might be a blend of
any two or even a combination of several. These dressing guidelines are a key
to understanding the basics and it’s all about mixing and matching until you
find what’s best out there for you. Here are some tips and tricks to play up to
your favourite features and make the most of everything you’re working with.
THE TRIANGLE OR PEAR
The pear body shape is characterized by a broad hip and tiny
waist. You tend to easily gain weight in your thighs and arms, so be careful
not to draw attention there; however, your legs and lower arms are worth
flaunting. The fact that you are blessed with a naturally small waist is
something you would definitely want to emphasize.
 |
| The Triangle/Pear body type |
WHAT TO WEAR
- Boat necks and wide necks,
- Short bottom wear to show off your legs,
- Shoulder defining styles,
- Torso embellished patterns to add volume to your bust line,
- Waist- accentuating patterns,
- Subtle prints on tops
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
- Anything that adds volume to your hips,
- Tapered ankle trousers,
- Short sleeves,
- Round necks,
- Narrow- shouldered tops,
- Loud prints on skirts or pants,
- Over-sized tops or bottoms
 |
| Wrap dresses that cinches the waist and shoulder defining patterns work fabulous on the pear body type |
THE INVERTED TRIANGLE/APPLE
The apple shaped body generally has fuller bust, narrow hips
and slim legs. You might want to create
an illusion of a lengthened torso and direct the attention away from your
waistline. Also, be sure to flaunt your legs.
 |
| The Inverted Triangle/Apple body type |
WHAT TO WEAR
- A-line dresses,
- Wrap dresses that create a small waist,
- Pants and skirts that are nipped in at the waist,
- Soft textured fabrics that fall lower than the hip bone,
- Cuff sleeved tops,
- V-neck dresses,
- Scoop tops,
- Ruched shirts that emphasizes your waist.
WHAT NOT TO
WEAR
- Boxy or sheath fitted dresses,
- Large prints and over-sized tops,
- Tight skirts or trousers with minimal details,
- Broad belts,
- Boat necks or off-shoulders
 |
| Waist cinching and V-neck designs are a YES! |
THE RECTANGLE
If you have equal measurements throughout your body, you
have a rectangle or a banana body type. This body type tends to look a bit too
straight at times. However, you can look just as ravishing with the right
choice of clothes. Your arms and legs are your best assets. So don’t be too shy
to show them off and create curves where it is minimal.
 |
| The Rectangle/Banana body type |
WHAT TO WEAR
- Pencil skirts with side slits,
- Crop tops and skirt sets,
- Belts to define the waistline,
- Patterns that build curve to your frame,
- Collars and ruffled details
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
- Rigid and shapeless patterns,
- Double breasted blazers or coats,
- Anything with too much embellishments or frills
 |
| Added curves and volume redefine the rectangle body shape |
This body type is probably the most enviable of all the body
types. If you’re an hour glass, lucky you! Your buttocks and bust lines are
very well balanced and your waistline is beautifully defined. Your shoulders and
legs are in proportion with the rest of your body. But in spite of all this, you
can go wrong if you don’t opt for the right clothing styles.
 |
| The Hourglass body type |
WHAT TO WEAR
- Patterns and styles that show off your perfect curves,
- Well fitted jackets,
- Pencil skirts and 3/4th skirts, with side or back slit,
- Fitted and tapered trousers,
- Sheath fitted dresses,
- Wrapped blouses,
- Sleeves that make your shoulders look wider
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
- Shapeless, loose fitting dresses,
- Short jackets,
- Tapered skirts or trousers,
- Angular designs
 |
| Well fitted designs are just right to flaunt those curves |
When it comes to looking good, it’s not your size or shape
that matters, it’s the fit of your clothes. Wearing the right clothes isn’t all
about the latest fashion or trend but choosing something that suits you and
makes you feel comfortable and confident. Now that you have an idea about what
to wear and what not to wear if you have a particular body type, sorting out
your wardrobe should be a tad bit easier. But don’t forget- these are just a few of the
many body types and you don’t necessarily have to fit into one of them, so
don’t panic! You are always open to using your own measurements to decide what
aspects you want to hide and highlight to bring out the best of you and hence,
bespoke clothing.
- Aswathy Joshy
Fashion Designer
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