Coco Chanel said it best. “Fashion is architecture: It is a matter of proportions.”
I often hear from my style-coaching clients that they struggle with finding garments that work for their proportions and overall body type. Maybe something is too long in the torso, gaps under the arms or looks simply “off” across their hips — whatever it may be it’s all-around frustrating and can take the fun out of the shopping experience. That’s where knowing your unique body type comes into play.
It wasn’t until I personally learned my body type that shopping both in person and online became a breeze. Nine out of 10 times, the items I try on work for my silhouette because I know what shapes to look for and what to avoid. Now my style-coaching clients have the same experience with shopping simply because, before we even hit the store we discuss their silhouette and what makes them feel the most confident. And the same can be true for you if you first decipher and then educate yourself on your body type.
There are four main body shapes, but even within these four shapes, there are variations depending on your curves, height and legs-to-torso proportions. To help you get started in determining your own body type and what spring trends will flatter your figure, I’ve broken down the four overarching body types for you below, along with the trending look most flattering to your type.
4 Main Body Types & the Spring Style Solutions to Flatter You
1. Rectangle
The best way to know if you have a rectangular silhouette is if you feel like you don’t have a waist. Or perhaps you’ve always viewed yourself as having a more boyish figure. When you have a straighter silhouette, the goal with dressing is to create the illusion of having more of a waist and curves overall.
Rectangle’s spring style solution: Military Revival
The best spring trend to accomplish this goal is Military Revival. To best flatter your figure, embrace one of spring’s top trends by focusing on olive tones, structured trenches, and a-line shirt dresses. Try incorporating a more tailored shirtdress or trench coat into your spring wardrobe to create the illusion that your waist goes in due to the A-line silhouette of the skirt.
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2. Hourglass
If you do have a more defined waist and relatively proportionate hips and shoulders, then you are an hourglass body type. As an hourglass, your main concern should be accentuating your waist and keeping the balance between your top and bottom half. If you fail to do either of these techniques, then you can end up feeling top- or bottom-heavy.
Hourglass’ spring style solution: Ethereal “It” Dress
To accentuate your shape, try an Ethereal ‘It’ Dress this spring. We’re seeing beautiful, feminine dresses that nip in at the waist, glide and drape over your curves, and are perfect for those hot and humid days. If you are busty or curvy, make sure to stick to gauzy fabrics that do not add extra bulk to your body. And last but not least, stick to hemlines that hit at a slim and flattering spot on your legs to keep you elongated and feeling your best.
3. Inverted Triangle
Have you ever thought, “Wow, my shoulders look broad” when trying on a top, dress or jacket? If so, then you are probably an inverted triangle. This body type simply means that your shoulders — and sometimes bust — are broader than your hips. It can easily make you feel imbalanced if you wear the ‘wrong’ thing.
Inverted Triangle’s spring style solution: Dazzling Denim
Moral of this body type story is you need to draw interest to your bottom half to balance out the broadness of your top half. And one fun way to do just that this spring is with some Dazzling Denim. We’re seeing amazing designs, embroidery, patchwork, frayed hems, and distressing on jeans this season, so find your perfect pair and rock them all spring long!
4. Triangle
A triangle silhouette is the opposite of an inverted triangle, thus meaning your hips are broader than your shoulders and sometimes your bust as well. If you often feel “hippy” in garments or struggle with dresses that fit your hips but are too big for your torso, then you are probably a triangle.
Triangle’s spring style solution: Stripes
To create more balance between your hips and your shoulders, you must draw emphasis to your top half. Stripes are an excellent way to do just this, not to mention they are a fabulous spring trend. From tees to blazers to dresses, stripes are here to stay in every color way and showcased in every direction. When wearing stripes, keep your bottom half more muted to allow the stripes to shine and flatter your figure overall.
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Now you know the four main body types, and it’s time to ask yourself which one best describes you? Once you know, you can tackle your shopping excursions armed with crucial personal-style knowledge and walk away feeling fabulous!
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If you have any questions pertaining to body type, spring trends, cleansing your closet or just how to roll your jeans, then join me LIVE on the StyleBlueprint Facebook Live session on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. CST.
In the meantime, snag my “25 Favorite Style Tips” that will give you that instant boost needed to streamline your wardrobe and love your look daily!
“See” you soon on the Facebook Live!
This article is sponsored by Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Megan LaRussa.
