In the last post, we discussed Plus Size Body Shapes so I hope by now you all know what body shape you are. Knowing your body type can be very useful when you’re out shopping and don’t know what would look best on you.
Here are some tips to help you choose clothes that will enhance your assets and flatter your body shape.
The Diamond
The Diamond body shape demands that you enhance your narrow shoulders and legs, and draw attention away from your midsection.
- Shoulder pads could be an option
- Low necklines
- Don’t tuck in tops
- Well-fitted pants that accentuate the legs
The Oval
Clothes for the Oval figure will be similar to the diamond shape as both are “apple” shapes. As your entire upper body is larger, you should try to accentuate your neck and face apart from your hips and legs as well.
- Wear earrings and necklaces to draw attention to your neck and facial region.
- V-necks visually elongate your face and neck
- Avoid high necklines
- Wear tops and dresses with flowing waistlines
Low neckline & flowing waist - perfect for apple shapes - photo by darinhercules
The Triangle
When you have a Triangle figure, you should dress so your hips and thighs look more slender as well as draw attention to your upper body.
- Shoulder pads work by balancing your silhouette
- Wear medium to high necklines
- Low rise boot leg pants can make your hips and thighs look slimmer
- Opt for tops and dresses that emphasize your waist
Pads for broader shoulders Ms. Triangle? - photo by kerry111
The Inverted Triangle
The Inverted Triangle is just the opposite of the triangle and you have to dress to balance out your lower body by enhancing it. Go with the V-neck advice for Oval figures because you are top-heavy and need to de-emphasize that.
- Wear A-line skirts
- Choose lighter colors for your lower body
- Opt for tops with three-quarter length sleeves
- Avoid big collars and high necklines
A-Line skirts suit inverted triangle figures - photo by emmajane
The Rectangle
As a Rectangle, your body is mainly straight with fewer curves than most women; you need to concentrate on creating those curves by either defining your shoulders, or defining your waist. Also place an emphasis on your hips and legs.
- Wrap dresses and flowing waistlines
- A-line shirts
- Avoid clothes that are too well-fitted or too baggy
- Straight-leg or slightly-flared pants
Wear a wrap dress for a rectangular body - photo by webchicken
The Hourglass
Your main aim should be to highlight your curves. Some may have a heavier bottom or heavier top that might need some extra balancing so take that into consideration as well.
- Wear soft and clingy fabrics
- Avoid high necklines as your bust probably isn’t very small
- Tops and dresses that accentuate your waist
- Steer clear of tapered pants if you’re bottom-heavy
Hope these tips help you shop better. When I first learnt about my body shape, I would consciously think about it every time I went shopping and now it comes to me naturally. Choosing an outfit that looks just as good on me as it does on the clothes rack in the stores is now much easier. Give it a shot and tell me what you think.
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Great advice Radhika! Remember, just because we're BBWs that doesn't mean we can't dress stylishly or should hide our bodies. Don't be afraid to accentuate your booty or show off your cleavage - its what being a BBW is all about! Just remember to love your size and don't try to cram yourself into something that doesn't fit.