Dressing For Every Body Type
Rectangle
Necklines: Round, high, low V, U and scoop necklines flatter your figure.
Skirts: Subtle A-line and pleated (un-sewn) skirts that fall to the calf are highly attractive. Dropped-yoke gathered skirts add interest, balance and proportion.
Jackets: Princess seams are lovely on you. Be sure they curve out from the armhole rather than down from the shoulder. Snug, fitted jackets with wide lapels and a subtle flare at the hem add a pizzazz you handle well. Tailored long jackets with a solid lighter- colored coordinating blouse and trousers offer simple polished style. Tops a tone lighter than bottoms, or patterns, add dimension and curve.
Round
Necklines: Attractive necklines, V and boat neck, scarves, design details and interesting textiles add elegance. Soft, rounded or mandarin collars draw the attention upward with their simple elegance. A simple vertical line of a collar without lapel will flatter your shape.
Skirts: Skirts, either bias or flared (with a longer jacket), or straight, work the best. Skirts and dresses that skim your knees, with interesting detail at the hem, show off those fabulous legs. Bias-cut skirts with no waistband and a bit of a flip at the hem skim the body and flatter your curves.
Jackets: A jacket with a bit of a flare and a simple closure floats stylishly around you. A longer jacket in a fun print with a stand-up collar adds style and energy to your look.
Pear
Necklines: Experiment with scarves and simple designs; focus on adding interest at the shoulders and neck line. Boat, crew and ballet necklines are all beautiful — the idea is to add balance and shape that broadens the neckline. Mandarin collars, wide pointed lapels and patterned blouses create focus.
Skirts: Simple A-line styles with a side zip smooth you out. A paneled A-line skirt minimizes the hips. Flat-front or softly gathered skirts (such as a broomstick style) can flatter.
Jackets: Cap sleeves and a raised waist on a simple top pull the eye upward. Tops with horizontal lines along the shoulders and three-quarter sleeves enhance your upper body, particularly if you are short-waisted. Jackets that fall either at or above the high hip balance your proportions. Shorter, double-breasted and asymmetrical styles with interesting collars work well on you.
Apple
Necklines: Deep scoop, V, U and round necklines break up your shoulder line and are highly flattering. A deep V neckline on a halter top breaks up a strong shoulder line. Fitted tops with deep round necklines or shawl collars soften the line of your shoulder.
Skirts: Tulip, or trumpet, hemmed skirts add balance to your figure. Bias cut and A-line skirts also flatter your shape and balance your shoulders.
Jackets: Keep detailing, particularly on jackets, to a minimum—styles that soften the shoulders and subtly flare at the hem add balance. A lightly gathered neckline adds softness to strong shoulders. The bit of curve in the hem of the jacket adds curves to your shape.
Hour Glass
Necklines: V, U, scoop and cowl necks all work well for you.
Skirts: Soft A-line skirts or skirts with subtle flare balance your curves nicely. Choose yoked or flat waistlines with a graceful drape.
Jackets: Minimal detailing, simple collars and subtly defined waists enhance your lines. Avoid double-breasted jackets. Instead, choose a jacket where the first button sits just below the bosom. Soft lapels and rounded hems compliment your curves.
