Body Type Guide — 2 of 5
The Athletic
Strong, defined, and powerfully elegant
About Your Shape
Your Shape, Celebrated
The Athletic body type is characterised by a strong, toned frame with shoulders and hips that are similar in width and minimal natural waist definition. Your body is powerful and lean — and with the right styling, you can add softness, create curves, and look effortlessly feminine while celebrating your strength.
Key Characteristics
- Shoulders and hips similar in width
- Minimal waist definition
- Toned, muscular build
- Straight up-and-down silhouette
- Lean, athletic frame
Styling Advice
Your Styling Principles
Dressing the Athletic figure is about creating the illusion of curves — adding volume at the hips, defining the waist, and softening the shoulder line with feminine details.
01
Necklines That Flatter
Off-shoulder and bardot necklines soften strong shoulders beautifully and add a romantic, feminine quality. Ruffled and frilled necklines add softness. Avoid sharp, structured necklines that emphasise the width of the shoulders.
- Off-shoulder styles soften and feminise the shoulder line
- Bardot necklines are romantic and flattering
- Ruffled necklines add softness and femininity
- Cowl necks drape beautifully and add curves
- Avoid sharp, boxy necklines that widen the shoulders
02
Silhouettes That Work
Fit-and-flare and peplum styles are your best friends — they nip in at the waist and add volume at the hips, creating the curves your frame naturally lacks. Wrap styles and draped fabrics add femininity. Belted styles at the waist create definition. Avoid boxy, straight silhouettes that emphasise the straight frame.
- Fit-and-flare dresses create beautiful curves
- Peplum tops add volume at the hips
- Wrap styles add femininity and waist definition
- Belted styles at the waist are always flattering
- Full, voluminous skirts add hip volume beautifully
03
Bottoms and Trousers
Full, voluminous skirts add the hip volume your frame naturally lacks. Wide-leg trousers create a dramatic, fashion-forward silhouette. Avoid straight-leg and skinny styles that emphasise the straight frame — unless paired with a peplum or voluminous top.
- Full midi and maxi skirts add beautiful hip volume
- Wide-leg trousers are dramatic and flattering
- Pleated trousers add volume at the hips
- Ruffled hem skirts add movement and femininity
- Avoid straight-leg styles without a voluminous top
Materials
Fabrics and Cuts
Best Choices
Fabrics to Avoid
Color Strategy
Color and Pattern Strategy
Use color and pattern strategically to create the illusion of curves. Darker tones on top and lighter, bolder tones on the bottom draw the eye downward and add visual volume to the hips. Horizontal patterns on the lower half add width where you want it.
- Lighter, bolder colors on the lower half add visual hip volume
- Horizontal patterns on skirts and trousers add width at the hips
- Darker tones on top balance the shoulder line
- Bold prints on full skirts are dramatic and flattering
- Color-blocked outfits with a defined waist band create curves
- Floral prints add femininity and softness to the frame
Ready-to-Wear
Outfit Formulas That Always Work
Peplum blouse + wide-leg trousers + pointed-toe heels
Fit-and-flare dress + strappy sandals + delicate jewellery
Off-shoulder top + full midi skirt + block heels
Wrap dress in soft lace + wedge heels + statement earrings
Belted blazer + pleated trousers + ankle boots
Get Your Complete Athletic Style Guide
The full Athletic Body Type Style Guide includes detailed outfit formulas, a complete what-to-wear and what-to-avoid breakdown, shopping tips, and a curated capsule wardrobe — all beautifully designed and instantly downloadable.
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