Fashion

The Body Shape Styling Guide: What to Wear for Every Silhouette

Your body shape affects which silhouettes flatter you most — but it's not a restriction, it's a shortcut. Here's a practical guide.

Hourglass

Goal: Show your waist.
Wear: Wrap dresses, belted coats, fitted tops, high-waist anything.
Avoid: Boxy shapes that hide your natural waist.

Pear (Wider Hips Than Shoulders)

Goal: Balance shoulders and hips.
Wear: Boat necks, off-shoulder tops, A-line skirts, structured shoulders.
Avoid: Skinny belts at the hip, tight skirts across the hips.

Apple (Fuller Midsection)

Goal: Create a defined waist, draw eye up or down.
Wear: V-necks, empire waists, flowy tops, wide-leg trousers.
Avoid: Clingy fabrics across the midsection, horizontal stripes at the waist.

Rectangle (Straight Up and Down)

Goal: Create curves and waist definition.
Wear: Peplum tops, belted dresses, ruffles, layering.
Avoid: Shapeless sacks from shoulder to hem.

Inverted Triangle (Broad Shoulders)

Goal: Balance with volume below.
Wear: A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, flared hems, V-necks.
Avoid: Shoulder pads, boat necks, horizontal stripes on top.

Browse women's styles at Mmall USA.

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