Which Body Shape Am I?

To make you look and feel a million dollars and to feel comfortable and cool in the clothes you wear, it's really important that you dress for your body shape. Dressing for your body shape involves choosing pieces that show off the bits you love, like a narrow waist or slim calves, and flattering the bits that you might not love, like a large tummy or thick thighs.

But to know which clothes suit you, you need to get to grips with your body shape. 

But if we were to list every single body type, we'd be here for a very long time — so today, we're going to go over the four main body types. You might not fit exactly into these categories, or you might be a combination of two or even three — that's fine, because you'll still definitely find some tips to help you look and feel your best!

Which Body Shape Am I?

To get to grips with your body shape, you'll need to stand in front of a mirror in your undies. Stand up straight, with your shoulders strong.

Body Shape #1: The Pear Shape

The pear shape is one of the most common body types, and it's identified by narrow shoulders, a small, neat bust, a narrow waist and larger hips. Typical pears have hips that are slightly wider than the shoulders, and they tend to carry more weight on their lower half, on their thighs, on their hips, and in their bottom.

If you're a pear shape, you're in good company — Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, arguably two of the sexiest women on the planet, are also pears!

Do's and Don'ts for Pear Shapes

• DO: wear patterns and colors that draw attention to your top half. Show off your shoulders, too — try ruffles, off the shoulder, and one shoulder pieces. Wear darker colors on your bottom half and brighter colors on your top half to draw the eye upwards. Go for fitted pieces on your bottom half — although it can be tempting to swamp your figure and hide away the bits you don't like, too much fabric will actually make you look bigger. Try tailored pieces on your bottom half and try flared trousers or jeans as well — they'll balance out your bum.
• DON'T: wear clingy clothes, as they won't flatter your hips and thighs. Steer clear of patterned trousers and skirts and avoid high waisted trousers as they make you look bigger, and especially don't combine patterned bottom pieces with plain tops.

The Upside Down Triangle

The upside down triangle — or the inverted triangle — is characterized by wider shoulders, a large chest, narrow hips and a small bum. Legs are often fabulous with this shape and your top half will be fuller than your bottom half — your chest and shoulders will be bigger, and your waist, hips and bottom neat.

Do's and Don'ts for Upside Down Triangle Shapes

• DO: You want to add bulk, so try ruffles, drapes, patterns, and fabrics cut into a tier shape on your bottom half as they'll balance out your bigger top half. Plus, because your legs are slim, you can get away with it! Look for soft, draping fabrics as they'll soften your shoulders and choose deep V-necks as they'll flatter your bust and make your top half look narrower.

• DON'T: Wear anything with too much shoulder or neck detail up top. Heavy earrings and necklaces can also look really messy on people with your body shape.

The Hourglass Figure

Hourglass figures are pretty enviable — the bust and hips are usually equal or pretty similar in width, and these people have a small, narrow waist and a lovely round bum. The whole aim is to define your waist, as this is likely your slimmest part, and doing this will make you look incredibly sexy.

Do's and Don'ts for Hourglass Shapes

• DO: choose V-necks as they'll flatter your bust. Look for clothes that are fitted at your waist as this shows off your thinnest part — peplums are your friend, as are skater dresses! Sweetheart and square necklines are also super flattering on hourglass shapes. Three quarter length sleeves will also show off the thinnest part of your arms. Choose flared or bootcut trousers, pencil skirts, and pieces with light tailoring that will really flatter you.

• DON'T: Hide your beautiful figure by wearing baggy tops, high necklines, smock dresses, belts that are too thick and batwing sleeves as they'll all make you look larger.

The Apple Shape

Apple shapes are slightly more rounded, but they're still beautiful. If you're an apple, you'll have a larger bust, wider shoulders and a rounded tum. Your shoulders, tummy and hips will all be a similar width. Your bum will likely be flat, and if you do gain weight, it's probably around your tummy and upper body and your waist won't be defined.

Do's and Don'ts for Apple Shapes

• DO: If you want to wear patterns and really bold colors, keep them to your bottom half. Keep the top half clean and simple with less fussy detail and pattern to show off your best bits, and choose darker colors. Wear jeans with pockets as they make your bum look rounder and wear plenty of skirts — they really suit your figure. Wear long jackets and tops that come past your hips as they make your mid-section look longer and narrower and choose draping fabrics that skim your tum rather than cling to it. Choose V-necks, too, as they'll make your upper body look slimmer.

• DON'T: Don't tuck tops into your trousers or skirts as this'll draw attention to your tum. Steer clear of clingy fabrics, especially of the synthetic variety, as they'll make your tummy look bigger and keep away from high waisted trousers and skirts, as they'll make your waist look bigger.

And there you have it! Every woman is beautiful, and if you choose the right clothes for your figure, you'll really shine!