How to Dress for Your Body Type: A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Outfits

Dressing well isn't about having a perfect body, but choosing clothes that suit your body . Everyone has different proportions, and knowing your body type helps you understand which pieces truly flatter your figure and which ones are best avoided.

In this guide, you'll find simple, practical advice on how to dress for your body type, with clear examples of clothing suitable for every figure.

Hourglass body shape

The hourglass body shape has shoulders and hips of equal width and a clearly visible waist. It's a balanced shape that should be embraced, not hidden.

What works

• high-waisted trousers, straight or slightly flared

• skirts that cinch the waist, such as elastic pencil skirts or midi skirts

• dresses that follow the figure without tightening

• jackets with a defined waist

What to avoid

• clothes that are too loose and shapeless

• straight garments that don't enhance the waist

The goal is to highlight the waist , maintaining balance between top and bottom.

Pear-shaped body

In the pear body shape, the hips are wider than the shoulders. Here, it's important to balance the figure by giving more space to the upper body.

What works

• V-neck or open-neck sweaters and shirts

• structured or short jackets

• straight or slightly loose trousers

• skirts that flare out towards the bottom

What to avoid

• trousers that are very tight on the hips

• stiff fabrics in the lower part

The secret is to draw attention to the torso and make the legs lighter.

Apple-shaped body

The apple-shaped body has more volume in the abdomen and torso area, while the legs and hips are often slimmer.

What works

• straight or slightly flared dresses

• soft shirts, which can also be worn open

• trousers that fit straight or flare out slightly

• jackets and cardigans left open

What to avoid

• very tight-fitting clothes at the waist

• tight belts on the abdomen

Here the goal is to slim the figure and not accentuate the waist too much.

Rectangle body shape

In a rectangular body shape, the shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width. Clothing helps create movement.

What works

• trousers with pleats or pockets

• soft or pleated skirts

• dresses with belts

• shirts tucked into trousers

What to avoid

• very straight and stiff clothes

• suits that are too simple and shapeless

The goal is to visually create curves .

Inverted triangle body shape

In this body type, the shoulders are broader than the hips. More emphasis should be placed on the lower body.

What works

• wide trousers, culottes or palazzo pants

• flared or midi skirts

• simple tops, without obvious straps

• V-necks

What to avoid

• padded shoulders

• very closed shirts on the neck

Here it is important to bring attention to the legs .

Fabrics, lengths and details matter

In addition to the model of the garments, the following make the difference:

• soft fabrics that follow the body

• the right lengths, especially for skirts and trousers

• small details like buttons, pockets and belts

Shoes and accessories also help to make the ensemble more balanced.

Dressing better is a matter of making the right choices

Knowing your body type allows you to better choose what to wear and what to buy. There's no one body type that's better than another: there are just more or less suitable clothes .

When clothing follows the body and doesn't force it, the style appears more natural, more refined and more personal.