No matter your shape or size, the right fit and style can highlight your strengths, provide balance and boost your confidence.

Let’s dive into some practical tips on how to dress for your body type, so you can feel comfortable and look amazing in any outfit you choose.

Why it Matters

When it comes to personal style, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What looks great on one person might not work as well on another, and that’s perfectly okay! Dressing for your body type is all about understanding how to highlight your best features and create balance, so you feel confident in every outfit you put on.

Understanding Body Types

Most people generally fall into one of these categories:

Hourglass - Shoulders and hips are about the same width with a defined waist.

Triangle - Shoulders are narrower than the hips. Sometimes referred to as “pear-shaped.”

Inverted Triangle - Shoulders are broader than the hips. This shape is common among athletes.

Rectangle - Shoulders, waist and hips are about the same width. Often called “athletic” or “straight.”

Oval - A rounded silhouette, often with a fuller midsection and less defined waist.

Once you identify your body type, you can start selecting clothing that enhances your shape and highlights your best features.

Dressing for Each Body Type

No matter your body type, the key to dressing well is knowing how to highlight your best features and create balance. Here’s a quick guide to choosing clothes that work with your natural shape—whether you’re shopping for workwear, casual outfits, or evening attire.

Hourglass

Defined Waist, Balanced Shoulders and Hips

If your waist is naturally defined, your goal is to highlight your curves while maintaining balance. Clothing that nips at the waist naturally flatters this shape. Go for wrap dresses, fitted tops, pencil skirts, high-waisted trousers, and tailored jackets. Avoid oversized or boxy clothing that hides your silhouette.

Triangle

Narrow Shoulders, Wider Hips

To balance this shape, focus on emphasizing your upper body with garments like boat neck and off-the-shoulder tops, statement necklaces, structured coats and A-line skirts. Try shirts with patterns, embellishments or bright colors to add volume up top. Make sure to stay clear of bottom-heavy pieces like tight, straight-cut pants without balancing details on the upper body.

Inverted Triangle

Broad Shoulders, Narrower Hips

If your shoulders are wider than your hips, aim to soften your upper half and create volume below. Flared pants, pleated skirts, tapered trousers, and slim-fitting tops, peplum tops and layering can add balance to your look. Tops with shoulder pads, exaggerated puff sleeves, or heavy shoulder detailing can emphasize, rather than draw attention away from your upper half.

Rectangle

Straight or Athletic Build

If your shoulders, waist and hips align in similar proportions, the goal is to create definition and highlight curves. Go for structured blazers, tailored jackets, belted tops, wrap dresses and high-waisted trousers. Look for clothing with detailing at the shoulders, hips or waistline, such as ruffles, pleats or color-blocking. Avoid boxy or shapeless silhouettes that don’t define your waist or create visual interest.

Oval

Round or Apple-Shaped
If you carry more weight around your midsection, focus on creating definition and elongating your frame. Empire waist tops, V-necklines, straight-leg pants, structured blazers and tunics that flow away from the waist are all great options. A-line styles and vertical patterns can help elongate your shape. Get rid of any tight-fitting tops or shapeless, oversized clothing that adds bulk.

Universal Tips

Regardless of your body type, there are a few key principles that can help you look and feel your best. Whether your favorite feature is your shoulders, legs or waist, choose styles that draw attention to the areas you feel most confident about.

Pair fitted pieces with looser styles to play with proportions and create balance. A tailored jacket with relaxed-fit jeans can create a well-balanced look.

Fabrics that drape well, like cotton blends, silks or stretch materials, will enhance your figure without clinging or adding bulk.

Darker colors are great for creating a slimming effect, while lighter shades or patterns can draw attention to specific areas.

Dress with Confidence

Use these guidelines as a starting point, but remember — confidence is your best accessory. When you wear something that makes you feel empowered and comfortable, it naturally enhances your presence. At the end of the day, your wardrobe should work for you. While these tips can help guide your choices, personal style is all about self-expression. Feel free to experiment—mix bold patterns with neutrals, play with textures or test unconventional silhouettes.