How To Dress For Your Plus Size Body Type

Understanding your body type is the most helpful way to improve the fit and appearance of your wardrobe. Just like your favorite pair of shoes, your clothes should fit you well, look stunning and make you feel the way you deserve. Some cuts might look great on the hangar but if they just don't do it for your body type, they might as well be drawer liners. The ideal piece of clothing should look great, create an overall silhouette and the fit should be as naturally flattering to your figure as possible. For all intents and purposes, there are four basic body shapes used to talk about fashion. We all know our measurements change over a lifetime, but our basic shape is a product of bone structure that remains constant. Let's get to it!

• The Pear Shaped Figure This is the most common female body type. You can call yourself a pear if your upper body is noticeably smaller than your lower body. If you were to gain five pounds, four of them would go to your hips and thighs. You may have a long or slender neck, sloping or narrow shoulders, narrow back, small to medium bust, defined waist or full calves. You definitely have very curvy hips, thighs and seat. Emphasize your face, neck, bust, waist and arms. What the pear shaped woman should aim to do is bring the eye up and broaden the shoulder line. This can be done with wide neck colorful tops. You want to maintain focus above the waist. Use flowing comfortable bottoms to elongate your lower half. More of a skirt gal? Straight skirts are your friend. Your upper body is your best asset, so wear semi-fitted and tailored tops. Necklines like cowl necks and square necklines will help broaden your shoulders. Here is a great article about the best plus size jeans for those with pear shaped curves.
• The Apple Shaped Figure This body type is somewhat unique to the full-figured group. You can call yourself an apple if your upper body is noticeably larger than your lower body and if you were to gain five pounds, four would go to your waistline. You may have a full face and neck, broad shoulders, medium to full bust, a full and slightly undefined waist, narrow hips, flattish seat and slim legs. Most of your weight is carried forward in your midsection. Emphasize your legs, hips and arms. Go for skimming straight tops that elongate your upper body and draw focus toward your legs with an interesting hemline. Avoid tops that are fitted, as they will only accentuate your larger middle, and keep collars or lapels narrow so that they do not draw any extra attention to your fuller bust. When choosing a skirt stay with something that is more fitted like a classy pencil skirt as it will accentuate your legs. Flattering jeans can be hard to find for this body type as well. Here is an article from our friends at about.com to help you find the perfect pair.
• The Hourglass Shaped Figure Many consider this the "ideal" body type (we like to stick with Christina Aguilera... everyone is beautiful!). You can claim this body type if you are very curvy with a well defined waist. If you were to gain five pounds, they would distribute evenly around your curves. You may have symmetrical shoulders and hips, full and shapely bust, distinctly defined waist, medium to broad hips in proportion with your shoulders and shapely legs. You definitely have curves in all the traditionally feminine places. Emphasize your shoulders, bust, waist and hips. The idea is to elongate the overall line and accentuate your waist. Because it is defined, drawing attention to your waist by wearing pants with a contoured waistband, belts, or wrap tops that sit just at your waist is a great way to accentuate your assets. Look for light draping fabrics to suggest and yet soften your curves. Stick with clothing that is semi-fitted as opposed to too fitted or tight. Stay away from oversized or baggy styles since they will overpower your bone structure.
• The Rectangle Figure Your body type is rectangular if your shape is even up and down without a lot of curves. If you were to gain five pounds, they would distribute evenly across your frame. You may have a full neck, broad back, average bust or undefined waist. Your figure will be very balanced and symmetrical top to bottom and your upper and lower bodies will be similar in width. Emphasize your arms, hips and legs. The idea is to create the illusion of a curvier frame. Use v-neck and u-neck lines to create a feminine anchor. Long lines in straight shapes for tops will elongate your upper body and minimize a wide ribcage or waist. Draw focus to your great legs and thighs with a good pair of jeans or gaucho pants. When looking for a jacket try something longer as it will help lengthen your upper torso. Try straight tailored skirts, or skirts with a dropped waist; both will slenderize. Avoid belts, and gathered or pleated fabric at the waist, as they will accentuate your thicker waist.

Susannah Constantine and Trinny Woodall have written two great books on the subject of body type and how to show off what you've got while avoiding common pitfalls of being a plus size. You can get both at a bargain at Amazon.com. Here are some links!

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Remember, this is just a guide as everyone is unique. Use this as a reference but find what works best for you and defy convention! Until next time, Happy shopping! Christina