You know the feeling.

You pull out outfit after outfit, trying to make something work. The jeans that once fit like a dream now feel off. The dress that looked cute on the hanger suddenly makes you question everything. You stand in front of the mirror, sighing, wondering why nothing looks quite right.

And then the thoughts creep in. Maybe my body is the problem.

But let me stop you right there—it’s not.

Your body is fine. Great, even. The problem isn’t you—it’s that you don’t have the right tools to dress for your shape.

The women you see who look effortlessly put together? They don’t have a magic body. They just know what works for them. And today, so will you.

So let’s break it down—how to identify your body shape, what styles actually flatter, and how to stop feeling frustrated every time you get dressed.

Not sure what your body shape is? Find out here before jumping into styling tips.

Read Next: Fashion Tips for Long Torso, Short Legs

The 5 Main Body Shape Types (And How to Figure Out Yours)

Before we jump into styling, let’s get clear on body shapes. Here’s how to tell which one you have:

Still not sure? Take our Body Shape Quiz for instant clarity.

Now, let’s talk about how to actually dress each shape.

How to Dress for Each Body Shape

How to Dress for an Hourglass Body Shape

You’ve probably heard people say, "Oh, you’re so lucky to have an hourglass figure!" And sure, having curves can be a blessing—but it can also be a struggle.

Ever put on a dress that fits your hips but gaps at the waist? Or a top that hugs your bust but suddenly turns your waist into a box? That’s the hourglass dilemma—your proportions are naturally balanced, but if clothes don’t hit at the right places, they can work against you instead of for you.

What Works Best:
Wrap dresses – The real MVP for hourglasses. They cinch the waist, hug curves, and never feel too tight or too loose.
High-waisted jeans – No awkward gapping, no weird tight spots—just a fit that actually works.
Fitted tops – They show off your waist without adding bulk.

Avoid:
Oversized clothing – It hides your shape rather than enhances it.
Straight-cut dresses – If there’s no waist definition, you’ll lose your natural curves.

 Try this: Next time you’re shopping, go for pieces with structure—things that follow your body’s natural shape instead of working against it.

More on styling for an Hourglass Shape?

How To Style Your Body If You Have a Hourglass Figure

The Best Jeans for a Hourglass Shape

Looking for expert outfit recommendations? Check out the Hourglass Figure Outfit Guide for hand-picked styles that flatter your curves!

How to Dress for a Pear Body Shape

You’ve mastered the art of the shimmy—because every time you pull on a pair of jeans, you have to shimmy them past your hips. But once they’re up? The waist is too big.

Sound familiar? Pear-shaped women tend to carry weight in their lower half, which means shopping for bottoms can be frustrating. The goal isn’t to hide your curves—it’s to balance them out.

What Works Best:
A-line skirts – These skim over your hips, giving you shape without clinging.
Structured blazers – They add volume to your upper body, evening out your proportions.
Wide-leg trousers – They flow away from the body, creating a long, sleek look.

Avoid:
Super-tight pencil skirts – They highlight the widest part of your body instead of creating balance.
Drop-waist dresses – They erase the waist, which is the best part of a pear-shaped figure!

 Try this: If you ever feel like your outfits make you look bottom-heavy, try pairing a structured top with a softer, flowy bottom. The contrast creates instant balance.

 More on styling for a Pear Shape?
The Best Jeans for a Pear Figure
How to Style Your Body If You Have a Curvy Bottom

Need Styling Tips To Help You Style the Pear Body Shape? Check Out The Pear Figure Outfit Guide

How to Dress for an Apple Body Shape

If you have an apple shape, you’ve probably had this moment: You put on something that looks cute on the hanger, only to feel like it’s hugging all the wrong places.

The biggest frustration? Feeling like clothes emphasize your midsection rather than flattering it. The good news? A few smart choices make all the difference.

What Works Best:
V-neck tops – They draw attention up, elongating your torso.
Structured jackets – They create definition and smooth out proportions.
High-waisted wide-leg pants – They lengthen your frame and create a clean line.

Avoid:
Low-rise jeans – They cut right where you don’t want them to.
Super tight bodycon dresses – They highlight rather than smooth the midsection.

 Try this: If you ever feel like your outfit is too clingy, add a structured layer on top—it helps shape your silhouette without squeezing.

 More on styling for an Apple Shape?
The Best Jeans for an Apple Body Shape
How to Style Your Body If You Have a Bigger Tummy

Need Styling Tips To Help You Style the Apple  Body Shape? Check Out The Apple Figure Outfit Guide

How to Dress for a Rectangle (Athletic) Body Shape

You try on dresses, and they just... hang there. No shape, no definition. Or maybe you buy jeans, and they fit, but you wish they gave you more of a curve.

Rectangle shapes don’t naturally have a defined waist, which means the goal is to create the illusion of curves with smart styling.

What Works Best:
Peplum tops – They add volume where you need it.
Belted dresses – Instantly define your waist.
Flared jeans – Give the illusion of hips.

Avoid:
Straight-cut styles – They don’t add shape.
Baggy clothes – They can make your frame look boxy.

 Try this: If an outfit feels too shapeless, add a belt. It’s the easiest way to create curves where you want them.

 More on styling for a Rectangle Athletic Body  Shape?

The Best Jeans For a Rectangle Body Shape

How To Style Your Body If You Have Narrow Hips

Looking for expert outfit recommendations? Check out the Rectangle Body Shape Outfit Guide  for hand-picked styles that flatter your curves!

How to Dress for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Blazers, jackets, and tops all fit fine—but when you try on skirts or jeans, they feel off. That’s because your shape is naturally broader on top, and if your outfits don’t balance it out, it can throw off your proportions.

What Works Best:
Flowy skirts – They add volume where you need it.
Soft fabric tops – Soften your upper body.
V-necklines – Draw attention downward.

Avoid:
Padded shoulders – They emphasize broadness.
Tapered pants – They make the bottom half look even smaller.

 Try this: If you feel like your outfits make your upper body look wider, add some volume to your lower half—it instantly evens things out.

More on styling for an Inverted Triangle Shape?

The Best Jeans For an Inverted Triangle Figure

How To Style Your Body If You Have Broader Shoulders

Looking for expert outfit recommendations? Check out the Inverted Triangle Body Shape Outfit guide for hand-picked styles that flatter your curves

It’s Not Your Body, It’s the Clothes

The goal isn’t to change your shape—it’s to work with it. Now that you know what actually flatters your figure, getting dressed just got a whole lot easier.

Ready for a wardrobe that actually works for you? Check out our Body Shape Outfit Guides for personalized styling solutions!

Disclaimer: This blog post was originally published on May 5, 2022, and has been comprehensively updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness on February 18, 2025.