What are the best tips for choosing outerwear that complements Your body shape?

When it comes to fashion, finding a perfect fit isn’t always about the size on the tag. It’s about understanding how the piece works with your unique body shape. In the realm of outerwear, this understanding becomes especially critical. Whether you’re looking for the perfect jacket, coat, or dress, knowing your body type can be an invaluable tool in helping you choose clothing that will enhance your best features. This guide will provide helpful tips and style recommendations to help you find the perfect outerwear for your body shape.

Understanding Your Body Shape

Before you can begin shopping for outerwear, it’s important to understand your body shape. The key factors to consider are your shoulders, waist, and hips. The proportions between these three areas will typically determine your body shape.

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There are generally five common body shapes: Hourglass, Rectangle, Oval, Triangle, and Inverted Triangle. If you already know your shape, that’s great! But if not, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources online to help you determine your body shape.

Once you’ve established your body shape, you can start looking for outerwear that complements and enhances your natural figure. Remember, the goal isn’t to change or hide your shape, but to accentuate your best features in a way that makes you feel beautiful and confident.

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Outerwear for Hourglass Body Shape

If you have an hourglass shape, your shoulders and hips are about the same width, with a noticeably narrower waist. This body shape is often considered the most balanced and proportionate, and it allows for a lot of versatility when choosing outerwear.

When shopping for jackets or coats, look for styles that help define your waist. Belted coats, peplum jackets, and fitted blazers are all great options. These styles will help highlight your waistline, which is one of the most defining characteristics of your shape.

When it comes to dresses, choose styles that fit snugly at the waist to accentuate your curves. Wrap dresses, A-line dresses, and fit-and-flare dresses are all excellent options for the hourglass shape. These types of dresses will emphasize your narrow waist and flatter your curvaceous figure.

Outerwear for Rectangle Body Shape

A rectangle body shape, also known as a straight or banana shape, is characterized by shoulders, waist, and hips that are roughly the same width. This creates a more linear, streamlined silhouette.

For jackets and coats, you can create the illusion of a waist by choosing styles that cinch in at the middle, like a trench coat. Alternatively, try a cropped jacket or a coat with a flared bottom to create more shape and dimension.

As for dresses, styles with ruching or draping can help create curves. You can also opt for A-line dresses that flare out at the hips to create more balance. Shift dresses and sheath dresses are other good options, as they fit loosely without adding bulk.

Outerwear for Oval Body Shape

The oval body shape, also known as apple or round, is characterized by a larger bust, a less defined waist, and narrower hips. The objective for this body type is to define the waist and create a more balanced figure.

When choosing a jacket or coat, go for styles with structured shoulders and a loose fit around the waist. This will help create a more defined silhouette. Long, straight coats are also a great option as they create a vertical line that can elongate and slim your figure.

For dresses, empire waist dresses are a great choice, as they cinch in just below the bust and flow outwards, creating a flattering silhouette. Wrap dresses that tie at the side can also help define your waist and create balance.

Outerwear for Triangle Body Shape

If you have a triangle body shape, also known as pear, your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you have a well-defined waist. The aim for this body type is to create balance by accentuating your upper body.

For jackets and coats, look for styles with strong shoulders, like a military-style coat or a structured blazer. You can also opt for coats and jackets that hit at the waist or just above the hip to draw attention upwards.

As for dresses, try styles that add volume to your upper body like an off-the-shoulder dress or a dress with a full or puffed sleeve. A-line dresses that cinch at the waist and flare out at the hips are also a great option for this body shape.

Outerwear for Inverted Triangle Body Shape

An inverted triangle body shape, also known as a strawberry shape, is characterized by shoulders that are wider than the hips, with a straight and narrow waist. The objective for this body type is to balance your broader shoulders by adding volume to your lower body.

For jackets and coats, avoid styles with embellishments or details on the shoulders or chest. Instead, choose styles that are roomier at the bottom, like an A-line coat or a flared trench coat.

When it comes to dresses, opt for styles that add volume to your hips and thighs, like a dress with a flared or pleated skirt. Wrap dresses can also work well for this body shape, as they create a natural waistline and add balance.

Dressing according to your body shape does not mean limiting your style. Instead, these guidelines can help you make informed choices about the styles that will best accentuate your best features. So the next time you’re shopping for a jacket, coat, or dress, remember these tips to help you find outerwear that makes you feel fabulous.

Experimenting with Different Styles and Materials

Now that you have a better understanding of how to choose outerwear for your body shape, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and materials.

If you have an hourglass shape, do not limit your outerwear choices to just belted coats or fitted blazers. Try experimenting with a leather jacket, or a classic trench coat. Similarly, if you have an inverted triangle shape, don’t shy away from trying on a biker jacket or a bomber jacket.

Keep in mind, the material of the outerwear can also affect how it looks on your body. A thick woolen coat may add bulk to your figure, while a lightweight, flowy material may drape well and accentuate your curves.

For apple body types, a stiff material might not be the most flattering option, as it might make the waist area look wider. Instead, choosing a softer, more flexible material like cashmere or a blended wool can help create a more streamlined silhouette.

Remember, the goal is not to hide or camouflage your body shape, but to celebrate it. So, when dressing your body type, step out of your comfort zone and try different things. You never know when you might stumble upon a style or material that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Conclusion

The world of fashion is vast and ever-changing, but knowing your body type and understanding what styles complement it can make shopping for outerwear much less daunting. Whether you’re an hourglass, rectangle, oval, triangle, or inverted triangle, there’s a style of outerwear out there that will enhance your best features and flatter your figure.

However, don’t let these guidelines confine you. Just because you have a certain body shape doesn’t mean you have to stick to a rigid set of rules. Fashion is all about expressing yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

So go ahead, try that bold colored jacket, or that patterned dress you’ve been eyeing. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. As long as you’re dressing with confidence, you’re sure to look fantastic.

Choosing outerwear that complements your body shape is about highlighting your best features and feeling your best. So the next time you’re shopping for a jacket, coat, or dress, don’t forget these tips. And most importantly, always remember to dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Because when you feel good, it shows, and there’s nothing more attractive than that. So, embrace your body type, dress your best, and step out in style!