Know your body type

THERE’S that awkward moment when a plus-size woman passes by in skin tight jeans; the top of her derrière showing; in a blouse so tight the buttons look like they will pop spilling out her body parts.

THERE’S that awkward moment when a plus-size woman passes by in skin tight jeans; the top of her derrière showing; in a blouse so tight the buttons look like they will pop spilling out her body parts.

It’s bad enough to see someone looking that way, but what if YOU are that plus-size woman; it’s even worse, huh?

It doesn’t mean curvy women can’t wear skin tight jeans, or maybe it does? Maybe it means picking out the clothes that suit your body type.

Slender/slim women are always at an advantage of wearing almost everything and pulling it off. As for men, it’s a matter of choosing the right size and then they are good to go.

Choosing clothes for your body type can only be difficult if you have no idea which category your body falls under. Identifying your body type is the first step to you looking glam and fab every day.  There are five common body types that women have.

Pear: This is when your lower body is wider than your upper body. Hips will be wider than shoulders. With this body type, try to avoid print skirts and cargo pants, but wear A-line skirts.

Wear light-coloured tops and darker bottoms so that all attention is not directed to the bottom. Bright-coloured tops will give balance. Boat necklines and square lines will work well for the pear shaped woman.

Wedge: This is when your chest is broad and shoulders are wide, which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips (some call it the carrot).

It is recommended that you wear bright colours at the bottom and wide leg pants. This will make the bottom look wider so that it’s proportionate to the already wide shoulders. Full skirts will look good on you. Avoid spaghetti tops and boat necklines to avoid bringing out the chest.

Choosing clothes for your body type can only be difficult if you have no idea which category your body falls under.
Choosing clothes for your body type can only be difficult if you have no idea which category your body falls under.

Rectangle/Straight: This is where your hip, waist and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. With this body type, we have to create curves where they do not exist.

Wear tops with collars, ruffles and details that will flatter your chest. Wear a good bra as well that will make the most of what you have.

A good belt on a dress or skirt will create an illusion of curves. Long coats and long jackets will also create curves, especially with a belt on top.

Apple: This is where the weight accumulates above the hips, which means the back and shoulders are broad. For this body type you should wear V-necks.

Wearing belts at the smallest part of your waist will allow you to show off the better parts of your body. Wear boot cut and flared jeans to even the line from the shoulders down.

Hourglass: This is when your curves are evenly proportioned. The bust is proportional to the hips and the waist is small (every woman wishes they were an hourglass).

When you are an hourglass, don’t hide those curves under baggy clothing. Wear fitting dresses, even wrap dresses. Skinny and straight jeans will show off your best assets. If you need to hide love handles and lumps, then solid colours such as black, navy and purple will do the trick.

Now that you have your guide, pick your body type. When you wear clothes that fit your body type and show off your best assets, you feel comfortable and confident.

If you are that plus-size woman and you catch people staring at you, know that you have got the glam look, not another awkward moment.

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