Apple Body Shape
If you would describe yourself as ‘not having a waist’ as you are more round around the middle, but you have relatively thin legs, you may identify with the apple body shape.
Soft, baggy material works well for half of the body (i.e., either on top OR bottoms, with something more tight fitting either around bust or legs).
Trousers
Loose top & leggings (for the trousers look) to show off your great pins.
Skirts & Dresses
In terms of skirts or dresses, it is usually best to go for an empire line “waist” if there is any gathering anywhere (the empire waist sits just under the bust), then you have more fuller material over the middle area.
Your dress or skirt lengths can be as short or long as you like. Be mindful, though, if you go long in the same material and you aren’t tall, that you can look all "material" so it might be better to break it up as a skirt and top or if the dress has different colours or patterns top and bottom.
If you want stripes, ensure they’re vertical not horizontal.
Pear Body Shape
If you would describe yourself as having larger thighs than your shoulders, then you can identify with the pear body shape.
Material needs to allow for the wider hips/thighs, but it can be soft and floaty or stiffer, as long as it allows room in the thigh region.
Trousers
For trousers, you can balance wider at the top of the leg with flare at the bottom. Material with 5% elastane will also be more comfortable.
However, try not to have pockets, ruffles or details around the hip/thigh area but draw attention to your waist (eg with a belt) or upwards with colour, pattern, details or different material.
Skirts & Dresses
Choose soft materials, to allow for your curves and A line skirts/dresses. Also, create balance with attention around the shoulders/bust.
Rectangular Body Shape
If you would describe yourself as having no defined waist and quite “straight up and down”, then you can identify with the rectangle body shape.
Trousers
Tight or figure-hugging jeans work on a straight body. Depending on where your waist sits, draw attention to that (e.g., with a belt or a waistband on the item). Also, clever use of colour, texture, patterns can enhance the appearance of a waist.
Skirts & Dresses
You can wear straight skirts or other shapes. Also, you can draw attention to your thighs with layers, gathers, pleats, colour, patterns and details. Materials with more structure work well, i.e., stiffer fabrics that hold their shape, but of course you can wear silk or other softer materials.
Hourglass Body Shape
If you would describe yourself as having a defined waist and bust and hips approximately equal in proportion, then you can identify with the hourglass body shape.
Trousers
You are probably going to be able to wear slim or wide pants and look/feel great.
To look “balanced” you can accentuate your waist, by using a belt, or having your top end at the waist.
Skirts & Dresses
You can wear straight skirts or other shapes. Also, you can draw attention to your waist with layers, gathers, pleats, colour and patterns.
