Last Updated on May 28, 2026 by Ellen Christian
Summer outfits should feel effortless, comfortable and uniquely you. The key is not to chase every new trend, but to understand your body shape so that you can select pieces that highlight your favourite features and don’t feel too restrictive or too loose. Keep this in mind and everything from swimsuits to sundresses will feel more flattering and fun. Below we’ll take a look at some of the main body types and some summer fashion tips for each one.
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Table of Contents
Hourglass body type
The hourglass figure is the most desirable body type, however this doesn’t mean that every outfit works on an hourglass body. You can easily throw off your look if there’s too much happening on top or bottom, so you need to bring balance to your outfit. Make sure to show off your waist by avoiding shapeless cuts and instead choosing items that follow your natural curves. It’s worth noting that you can be plus size and still have an hourglass figure – consider high waisted bikini bottoms and skirts if you want to hide your mid-riff but accentuate your hips.
Rectangle body type
Got a rectangle body shape? Consider pairing flowy dresses with belts to provide waist definition. You can also add volume to your top and bottom with items like ruffled tops and flared jeans. Bikinis with ruffles can also add volume to your upper and lower half, while horizontal stripes can also add the illusion of width to areas. If you’ve got long legs, make sure to show these off in summer with skirts, shorts and short dresses.
Apple body type
The apple or round body type is the most common plus size body shape. To complement this figure, consider some of these beautiful plus size dresses for the summer. Avoid outfits with breaks at the mid-section and also be careful with horizontal stripes (vertical stripes may have a more slimming effect). Flowy clothing is best suited for this body type, and as with the rectangle body shape, you can use belts to give your waist a more hourglass look.
Pear body type
Those with a pear body shape often have narrower shoulders and fuller hip and thigh areas. Your goal here should be to draw the eye upwards – opt for tops with interesting necklines or statement sleeves. Lighter colours and patterns on top with darker sleek bottoms like straight-leg trousers or simple skirts can also help balance out proportions. When choosing high-waisted shorts, it’s also worth looking for options that skim rather than cling.
Inverted triangle body type
If you have the inverted triangle body shape, your shoulders or bust or broader than your hips. In this case, you want to aim for the opposite effect of the pear body shape – look for pieces that soften the upper body and add a bit of volume below the waist. Off-the-shoulder tops, V-necks and halter styles can often visually narrow the shoulders. Pair these items with A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers or a tiered midi skirt to give your lower half more presence. You can also consider prints or bright colours on the bottom.
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.