We have discussed about various body types and now you must be well aware of your body type. Today we will talk about how silhouettes play a major look to make or break an outfit. And yes, we will be determining each look based on the body type. In this blog we will discuss only 2 body types – Apple and Pear.
- The Apple Body Shape: Hips and shoulders with the same width, more rounded and waistline has less definition or is wider with shapely legs .
- Empire waist dresses and tops define the waist and take attention away from the midsection. Your midsection appear narrower and create the illusion of a waist.
- One shoulder or off shoulder silhouettes can create a lovely sensual look. Wrap styles in tops and dresses are good too.
- Darker colors and monochromatic color schemes looks good on you.
- Avoid loose clothing on top and clingy fabrics around the stomach area.
- Draw the eye up with V necks or scoop necks, open collars, and long drop earrings.
- Don’t wear voluminous tops—excess fabric will make you look bigger than you are!
- Exposing yourself in sleek silhouettes gives you a modernised appearance with your gorgeous legs.
- Dark side panels can give you the illusion of a curved a body.
- Long necklace draws the eyes vertically down making your body long elongated.
- High necklines, wide shoulder fitting tops and turtle necks are just not for you.
- Geometric prints to de-emphasise the waist.
- Loose baggy clothes should be avoided.
We discussed in our previous post that when you are measuring yourself, notice the areas that you love in your body and would like to highlight. There must be some parts which you want to de-emphasize and some parts you don’t care much. With your clothes we must wear a proper fitted bra that supports your full bust properly and maintain the correct shape.
Wearing thick belts can also draw attention to your waist and make it look broad so avoid that . Crop tops can also be tricky to pull off because they create a strong focal point exactly at your stomach and waistline. A well fitted blazer with a comfortable fitted top and a pair of trouser is a must have item for you.
For ethnic wear there are many things that you can flaunt with elan. These simple guidelines will help you in further understanding:
- Choosing dark colors accentuates the length of your body.
- Open neckline (sharp V) creates a longer neck illusion .
- Wearing single color or combining light color in the bottom creates a longer profile.
- A cigarette pant or a sharara , both works equally well given the top fits well in the right places.
- Drapey light fabrics like chiffon, satin , georgette are good for you since they fall gracefully without creating extra bulk.
- Heavy fabric like velvet, tafetta should be avoided.
- Stay away from bold patterns and prints that adds weight to your chest.
- Long length anarkali or A line with empire waist is perfect silhouette for you.
- Refrain from wearing short peplum tops.
- Traditional chridar kurta/ palazzo is a good choice for you.
2.The Pear Body Shape: You are curvy and your hips are wider than your bust. You have narrow shoulder and a full rear. You gain weight in your hips and thigh area.
- Creating a balanced look is important hence wearing lighter colors on top and darker colors in the bottom will give the well proportioned look
- Wearing belts can cinch the waist adding an hour glass illusion
- Thin horizontal lines add both volume and balance to curves. Lightly puffed, padded, or ruching at the shoulders is great to balance out the shortness of your shoulder
- Like apple , pear shaped body also looks fabulous with a plunging V neck
- Tops that hugs your waist should be avoided to eliminate framing the love handles (if you have any). It’s better to tuck in tops and if not then go for a french or asymmetrical tuck in.
- Wide necklines such as bateau, ballet, boatneck, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, and square neck tops draw the eyes up .
- Wrap-style tops and other tops that tie at the waist or at the back are perfect. Avoid baggy and oversized tops because that will make you look frumpy and take away your natural curves.
- Halters and strappy dresses can draw the eyes inwards making the top even more narrow.
- Long sleeve that cuffs the hand can be a pass, its better to go for quarter or half sleeve.
- Short turtle necklines, wide shoulder fitting tops can give more power to you.
- Steer clear of embellishments around the waist such as pockets, drop waists, and heavy peplums in stiff fabrics as that adds volume to your hip area throwing your look off balance.
- Create additional curves by drawing attention upward and out, toward your shoulders. Puff sleeves, cap sleeves, flutter sleeves, dolman sleeves, and structured shoulder tops are perfect for this.
- Heavy pleats, empire dresses can take a back seat.
Instead of wearing tighter skinny pants, wide leg trousers can give a straight look minimising the broadness of the hip.High waisted tapered styles are also great in this area. Flat fronts trousers and not the pleated styles please! For office wear light peplum jackets are doable…
For ethnicwear draped or strong light padded shoulders are a good option to be different from the monotonous styles. Inverted V peplum creates a sharp angle accommodating the hips beautifully. Dhoti drapes with cropped blouses looks stylish for pear shaped body.
In next chapter we will discuss about the other body shapes and the silhouettes that looks great specific to them.
To be continued…
