CREDIT: CANDIS BROSS
Figuring out what your body shape is can be helpful when choosing what pieces will look the most fl attering.

Every New Year, we vow to lose those last 10 pounds or three dress sizes. Most times, instead of taking a healthy route to keeping our resolutions, we go on crazy fad diets, allowing ourselves the dietary intake of a rabbit, or we consume Tic Tacs. Every year we do this, and what do we have to show for it? Nothing, except the same 10 pounds we tried to lose last year plus interest. Instead of treating our bodies this way, we need to learn to love the bodies we have. That sounds easier said than done, but once you start dressing for your body type, it’s easy to love the skin you’re in.

Triangle

If you have narrow shoulders and wide hips, you’re a triangle.

You have a serious ass-et on the dance floor. Just stay away from those low rise jeans, and you’re golden.

Do:

• Belts are great for accentuating your waist

• A-line skirts are most flattering

• Boot cut trousers create balance

• Heels will help elongate legs

• Ruffled top to create volume

• Wearing clothes that make you look broader up top will help create balance

Don’t:

• Low rise denim

• Detail on back pockets: pocket flaps, embroidery, etc.

• Stay away from light colours on the bottom

Inverted triangle

If your bottom half is smaller than your top half, and your shoulders are wider than your hips, you’re an inverted triangle.

You’ve been blessed with strong shoulders – in the fight for that coveted sale handbag you rein victorious, however, you should probably stay away from shoulder pads.

Do:

• Soften the shoulders with soft knits – keep cardigans open

• Tailored and structured items are your friend. Knit blazers are great for a structured look that has some give

• Wear straight leg and boot cut trousers to create balance

• Wear bold patterns on the bottom

Don’t:

• Detailing on shoulders

• Cropped jackets

• Bold patterns on top

Rectangle

Do you have a straight shoulder line with straight hips and bottom? Chances are, you’re a rectangle.

You’ve got a body that can rock a great pair of skinny jeans. Just remember to avoid baggy or boxy styles – they’re not doing anything for your figure.

Do:

• Create a waist. A pencil skirt with a belt will help create curves

• Choose fitted blazers to help define your waist

• Choose soft knits

• Look for feminine elements in your clothing

Don’t:

• Baggy styles and too wide flares

• Straight lines from top to bottom

• Boxy jackets

• Square toe shoes

Hourglass

If you have a defined waist and bust, with wider hips, you may be an hourglass.

An hourglass shape is both a blessing and a curse.

Like Megan Traynor’s song says, “You’ve got all the right junk in all the right places.” However, you have to accept that the baggy boho look is just not doing anything for your silhouette.

Do:

• Accentuate the waist with belts, pencil skirts, wrap dresses

• Peplum is your friend

• Choose boot cut trousers to create balance

Don’t: • Shapeless garments – they make you look bigger

• Skirts that end at the thickest part of your leg

Diamond

If you have balanced hips and shoulders, and a fuller tummy, you might be a diamond.

You’ve got a body that can rock a 1950’s pin up look, so head to your nearest vintage shop and get inspired.

Do:

• Wear straight fit bottoms to create a slimming look

• Wear belts to help create a waist

• Look for tops with structured shoulders and belted waists

• Add volume to the top of your body. Bright colours and soft materials or capped sleeves can help you achieve this

• Choose A-line skirts that skim your body

• Choose darker colours for bottoms

• Show off your arms and calves

Round

Do you have a rounded shoulder line with a fuller tummy? You might be a round body type.

You’ve got a great pair of legs, and you should show them off. Dare to wear a short skirt, just avoid high-waist skirts and belts around your waist.

Do:

• Choose A-line skirts and dresses to help minimize your waist while creating curves

• Choose straight cut trousers to help elongate the body

• Monochromatic colours also elongate the body

• Dark colours vs. light colours (dark colours make you look smaller)

Don’t:

• Details around bust, tummy and hips

• High-waist trousers or waistbands

With these style tips, you’re ready to dress that wonderful body of yours. Go forth and be fabulous.