Style Your Body Shape

If you have broad shoulders, wide hips and not a lot of waist in between then you’re a rectangle, or as the fashion industry would call you an Apple. You might be tempted to cover up with shapeless, baggy clothes but then you’d be missing out on a whole lot of fun creating curves right where you want them to be…

• For you it’s all about creating the illusion of a waist by using clever tailoring and styling tips to create interest elsewhere.
• Wide belts are your friend, you lucky devil. It’s a great look and you can carry it off with ease. Sit them a little higher than your natural waist line for best effect.
• Prints on dresses are a great way to create some interest and distract from a straight up and down torso, BUT beware, make sure your prints are in proportion.
• Layering is another great way to create interest. A hint of silky camisole showing through the neckline of a great dress will look fabulous and draw the eye.
• Choose wrap dresses – the wrap belt will give you a definite waist and the deep v-neck will slice up your torso and make you look thinner.
• Volume on the sleeves of shirts will make your torso look slimmer. Sleeveless tops make your torso seem even straighter.
• Avoid slash neck tops or boat necks – you need a v-neck or u-neck to break up your body.
• Look for details around your waist.
• Go for fitted styles that have a definite waist line. A corset style is perfect.
• Tops should finish at the hemline and if they have a little flare at the hem it will give the illusion of curves.
• Avoid skinny straps that will make your body look huge in contrast.
• Another great dress is a strapless A-line. It will broaden your shoulders and balance out your hips giving the illusion of an hourglass.
• Avoid any straight up and down dress or jacket – it will emphasize your shape rather than break it up.
• Avoid empire lines as the fall of fabric will emphasize your lack of waist.
• Choose straight leg or wide leg trousers to make your waist look smaller.
• Wear your trousers slightly too long and wear with pointy heels. It will make you look taller and curvier.
• A low slung waistband will make you look shorter and your body longer, which draws the eye to your waist.
• A curved waistband will give the impression of …well curves.
• Avoid elastic waist bands – they add inches where you’re trying to take them away.
• Avoid pleated pants for the same reason.
• Avoid straight pencil skirts or you’ll turn into a giant ruler.
• Choose A-line skirts or a gored skirt with a slightly flared hem. It will soften your silhouette and make you look curvy.
• Choose a high stance jacket with a peplum hem. The higher button will make your waist look longer and the curvy hem-line will give the appearance of a waist.
• Jackets should finish just below the waist.
• A cropped jacket that sits on your waist will draw attention to your waist.
• Wear your jacket open to give a long vertical line of clothing underneath which makes you look slimmer and longer.