Body Type Styling

Find Your Body Type

Understanding your silhouette is the first step to dressing with confidence. Discover which of the five body types is yours — and the styling secrets that will transform how you look and feel.

Why Body Type Matters

Every woman's body is unique and beautiful — but certain silhouettes share proportions that respond to the same styling principles. When you dress for your body type, clothes fit better, you look more polished, and getting dressed becomes a joy rather than a struggle.

Body type styling isn't about hiding anything. It's about understanding proportion, balance, and how to use clothing to highlight your best features and create the silhouette you love.

How to Identify Your Body Type

1

Measure Your Shoulders

Measure across the fullest part of your shoulders, from the outer edge of one shoulder to the other.

2

Measure Your Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

3

Measure Your Waist

Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button.

4

Measure Your Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

5

Compare Your Measurements

Compare your shoulder, bust, waist, and hip measurements to identify which body type description fits you best.

Apple body type fashion styling editorial

Body Type 1 of 5

Apple

Fuller midsection, soft and rounded

Apple body types carry more weight in the midsection, with shoulders and hips that are roughly similar in width. The waist is less defined, and the bust may be fuller.

Key Characteristics

  • Fuller midsection and bust
  • Shoulders and hips similar in width
  • Slimmer legs and arms
  • Less defined waistline

Styling Tips

  • Draw attention upward with V-necks and open necklines
  • Empire waist styles elongate and define
  • Wrap dresses create the illusion of a waist
  • A-line skirts skim the midsection beautifully
  • Avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection
Athletic body type fashion styling editorial

Body Type 2 of 5

Athletic

Strong, defined, and straight-framed

Athletic body types have strong, defined shoulders and a straighter frame with minimal difference between the bust, waist, and hip measurements. The body is toned and powerful.

Key Characteristics

  • Shoulders and hips similar in width
  • Minimal waist definition
  • Toned, muscular build
  • Straight up-and-down silhouette

Styling Tips

  • Add curves with peplum tops and ruffled details
  • Belted styles create waist definition
  • Full skirts add volume to the hips
  • Off-shoulder styles soften strong shoulders
  • Wrap styles and draped fabrics add femininity
Hourglass body type fashion styling editorial

Body Type 3 of 5

Hourglass

Balanced proportions with a defined waist

Hourglass body types have balanced bust and hip measurements with a significantly narrower waist. The silhouette is naturally curved and symmetrical.

Key Characteristics

  • Bust and hips roughly equal in width
  • Clearly defined, narrow waist
  • Rounded shoulders and hips
  • Curves are the defining feature

Styling Tips

  • Fitted styles showcase your natural curves
  • Wrap dresses are made for your shape
  • High-waisted bottoms highlight your waist
  • Avoid boxy or oversized silhouettes
  • Belted styles always work beautifully
Inverted Triangle body type fashion styling editorial

Body Type 4 of 5

Inverted Triangle

Broader shoulders, narrower hips

Inverted triangle body types have shoulders that are noticeably wider than the hips. The bust is fuller, the waist is relatively straight, and the hips and legs are slimmer.

Key Characteristics

  • Shoulders wider than hips
  • Fuller bust
  • Straighter waist and hips
  • Slim legs and lower body

Styling Tips

  • Add volume to the hips with A-line and full skirts
  • Wide-leg trousers balance the upper body
  • V-necks and scoop necks soften the shoulder line
  • Avoid boat necks and cap sleeves
  • Bold prints on the lower half create balance
Pear body type fashion styling editorial

Body Type 5 of 5

Pear

Narrower shoulders, fuller hips and thighs

Pear body types have hips and thighs that are noticeably wider than the shoulders. The waist is defined, the upper body is smaller, and the lower body is fuller and curvier.

Key Characteristics

  • Hips wider than shoulders
  • Defined waist
  • Fuller thighs and seat
  • Smaller bust and upper body

Styling Tips

  • Draw the eye up with bold tops, bright colors, and statement necklines
  • Structured shoulders balance the silhouette
  • A-line skirts skim the hips gracefully
  • Dark colors on the lower half are slimming
  • Avoid clingy fabrics on the hips and thighs

Ready to Dress for Your Shape?

Each body type guide is a complete styling resource — outfit formulas, what to wear and avoid, shopping tips, and more. Beautifully designed and instantly downloadable.

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