Last Updated on June 23, 2021 by Ellen Christian
This is a Fashionista Event Opportunity, and is hosted by Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic.
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Learning how to dress your body type can make all the difference in how an outfit looks on you. While I would love it if every outfit I tried on looked good on me, that just isn’t the case. Because I’m a triangle shape (think pear), there are just certain things that don’t look good on me.
How to Dress Your Body Type
Finding the best outfit for your body type isn’t hard. The first step is to determine what body type you have and you start by finding your measurement. Make sure that you take your measurements in your undergarments for the most accurate results. Once you have your measurements, you can use them to figure out what your body type is.
- Hourglass – You are widest at the bust and hips with a defined waist.
- Rectangle – Your bust, waist, hips and shoulders are about the same size.
- Triangle – Your hips are larger than your bust and shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle – Your shoulders and bust are wider than your waist and hips.
- Oval – You are fullest in the middle and your waist measurement is larger than your bust and hips.
Wearing darks or neutrals on the bottom when you’re a triangle can help tone down your hips. Wearing a bright color or patterned shirt will help draw attention up and away from your hips as well. Of course, shapewear can always help smooth and minimize your less than idea areas too.
I used the suggestions from Monroe and Main when I was choosing my outfit. I chose a pleated top in fuschia because it’s a bright, happy color that is one of my favorites. The detailing around the neckline also draws attention upward and away from my hips.
Instead of choosing stone washed or lighter colored bottoms, I went with the Lola Stretch Slim Jeans in dark blue as suggested. They are super comfortable and very slimming. They have a slight stretch which helps them fit better and prevents them from becoming stretched out as the day progresses.
I found the Monroe and Main “How to Dress Your Body Type Kit” to be very helpful when I was choosing my outfit. The measuring tape and directions helped me find the perfect outfit. It’s not all about measurements. While I knew how to find out my body type, I learned quite a bit about choosing colors and prints to best accent my assets and hide my flaws as well. Using their kit really helped me understand the types of clothes I should choose for my body type which is extra important as I age and my shape changes.
For more information on how to dress for your body type, follow Monroe and Main on Pinterest.
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.
I learned the key to finding flattering clothes is knowing your shape
I learned that For oval body shapes, the waist measurement is larger than the bust and hip numbers. This is a very common body shape – if you have it, add some definition to your body by wearing structured and belted tops or jackets and dresses that help you emphasize a natural waist. Tops that highlight the thin area just below your bust will add instant definition.
I took my measurements and I found out that I have an hourglass shape and I how I wear my clothes to flatter that shape is important. I should wear bold colors or prints that highlight my assets.
I learned that taking proper measurements is the only way to know for sure what body type I have.
I learned that I am more of a rectangle shape. I also learned that once you know your shape, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight and which you might not want to!
I’m an hourglass shape, and bold prints and colors are good for my shape!
I learned I’m a rectangle shape and A-line dresses are best for my body type!
I learned that I should wear bold colors or prints for my hourglass shape.
I learned that I am the triangle shape- at least that’s what the little article tells me .. lol
I learned that you should always pair bright and bold colors with a more neutral color, I never do that so I probably look like a clown. Thank you.
I learned that knowing one’s body type is the first and important step in picking the right clothes.
I learned that once you know your body type, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight!
I learned that shopping for clothes is easier once you know your body shape.
I learned that I’m a triangle shape because I have somewhat narrow shoulders. I always thought I was an hourglass because I’m so busty. (PS-That pink is a great color on you!)
I had no idea there so many different body types! Also, I the first step in determining body type is to start with your body’s measurements.
I’m a strong triangle shape!
I learned why so many of are confused or oblivious to dressing properly for our body type. After Gastric bypass mine changed tremendously, then add baby @37, finally some hips. Thighs thicker and hips make dressing harder when I’m losing weight again. Full look and a lot to incorporate. Thank God for goodwill!
I learned that once you know your body type, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight and which you might want to play down a bit.
I learned how to properly measure my body and that I should wear bright solids and prints.
I’m a triangle too (would love to be an hourglass – sigh). I also learned that I’ve been taking my measurements wrong, well in the wrong places. I will be sticking to dark bottoms and bright patterned tops to draw the eye upwards.
I learned that I am an oval ;op
I learned the correct way to measure my waist. I would have done it wrong. I should wear an a-line dress or belted outfit.
I learned that I’m an oval shape, and I can add some definition to my body by wearing structured and belted tops or jackets and dresses that help emphasize a natural waist.
I learned that I have a triangle shape and should wear dark bottoms and bright tops.
i learned how to take measurements
If your hip measurement is considerably larger than your waist and bust measurements, and your shoulders appear more narrow than your hips, your body type is considered a triangle.
Oval
For oval body shapes, the waist measurement is larger than the bust and hip numbers. This is a very common body shape – if you have it, add some definition to your body by wearing structured and belted tops or jackets and dresses that help you emphasize a natural waist. Tops that highlight the thin area just below your bust will add instant definition.
I learned I am a Inverted triangle and I should embrace styles that accentuate my waist.
The first thing you should do is to take your measurements and determine body shape, I am an hourglass.
I learned a lot. One lesson I will not be putting into practice is to wear a belt to make it look like I have a waist. I’d rather wear a loose flowey top that keeps them guessing if I have a waist that belt it & let them know for sure I do not.
I learned that I have an hourglass figure and can get away with prints all over! Who would have thought?
I learned I am an oval shape. I had no idea there were so many different body types/shapes!
I’m a rectangle and I finally figured out how to take measurements!
I learned that in order to mix patterns, you just have to stay in the same color family. Sounds easy enough!
I learned that I’m an hourglass shape! I was surprised to hear that!
I learned that I’ve been incorrectly measuring my waistline.
I learned that I am rectangular shaped.
I learned that I am an inverted triangle. I have never even heard of this shape.
I learned that different patterns looks best on different body types
I learned that I am an hourglass shape. I also never heard of the way they demonstrate to measure your waist.
I learned that knowing your body’s shape is the perfect foundation for dressing well and choosing clothes that flatter.
I learned how to identify my body shape.
I learned how to correctly identify my shape and make good clothing choices.
I learned how to take proper measurements and that I am pear shaped.
whoops, should have been Amanda Lea
another whoops, meant hourglass 🙂
Women with inverted triangle body shapes will have larger bust measurements than their waist and hip numbers, and visually their bodies will appear more narrow at the hips than the shoulders. <<< that's me!
I learned that I might be a hourglass but not sure because I am 50 pounds overweight. It is hard to find clothes that fits me nevertheless works well with my body shape. But, I like the simplicity that Monroe and Main have done to finding your body shape.
I learned there are 5 main body types and that I am an hourglass.
I learned that if you are a triangle, you should wear colorful or printed blouses that draw the eye upward.
I found that the best colors for me are bold patterns and solids.
Apparently I’m a rectangle — how unglamorous sounding! Interesting that I’ve always found empire waisted dresses to be the most flattering on me but they aren’t even mentioned here for rectangles!
I learned I am a rectangle shape
I can’t figure out what my figure is, I’m going to have to actually measure to see. That surprises me!
I learned that to downplay the curves of an hour glass type, you can wear monochromatic outfits.
I learned that I am just barely an hourglass, but I feel more like a rectangle. I like to wear belted dresses or elastic waist to create a more defined waistline.
I learned how to find my body type, which is a triangle.
I love your top and blouse. It’s very flattering and you look cool and comfortable! I learned that, while I am still an hourglass shape, the ratio between my waist and hips is ever lessening. One of these days, I will be a rectangle! But when that happens, I will be happy because I’ll know how to dress, thanks to guides like the one at Monroe and Main!
I learned I have an hourglass figure, which surprised me.
I learned that I’m a hourglass shape and should wear bold colors and prints to accentuate my assets.
I learned that according to their infographic my body type is a triangle.
Hourglass body shapes are defined by a waist that’s smaller than both the bust and hips. You have an hourglass body shape if your bust and hips are visually wider and similar in measurements, and if your waist measurement is smaller than the other two.
I’m an hourglass shape.
I took my measurements and learned that I am hourglass figure.
I learned that I am a rectangle.
ive learned how to properly measur e myself now
I learned how to wear bright colors.
I learned how to wear bright colors.
I learned how to tell my wife’s body type. I also learned that there are flattering ways to dress all sizes and shapes.
I learned that I’m an hourglass when I thought I was a pear!
“It’s a good idea to take your measurements every few months anyway – our bodies are always changing”.
Sad but true.
I learned that there are 5 different body shapes and that I am most likely an oval. I also learned that I need to wear clothing that emphasizes and defines a natural waistline for my body type.
I learned that I have an oval shape and should wear structured or belted jackets and tops.
I learned I’m a rectangle type, good to know!
I learned that you need to consider the colors or prints of the clothing as well as the cut of the clothing when you are choosing the best pieces for your body type.
I have an hourglass shape but I don’t always dress for it.
I learned I was an hourglass figure.
I learned that I am an hourglass shape and I never would have thought that!