I had to do a double take when I walked by this display. With one glance at the model to the far left, I turned to Miss Prim and Proper and we both said Yikes! The blousy top is certainly no compliment to the small, tight shorts. Even the poor model looks like a lopsided mess! By over emphasizing her upper half, I think the designer missed the mark for an hourglass appearance and turned her into inverted triangle (dominate upper half with more narrow hips). Although the straps from the overall shorts help to break the dizzying pattern of black and white stripes, they make her weight seem concentrated at the center of her body. The wide-neck style, draws unnecessary attention to her broad shoulders and certainly doesn't do her shapely legs justice! A word to the wise: If you've been gifted with a larger bust, I'd stay clear of pictures and wording that extend to your upper half. Although you may be able to pull it off the first day, eventually these images will stretch.
The other striped model, second from the far right, is almost there, but not quite. The gold jewelry is a start to creating the beloved hourglass appearance, but isn't enough to off-set the thick stripes. I suggest monochromatic colors or vertical patterns and a softer transition between the model's upper and lower halves. The bold colors and slight outward structure of the dress make the model appear very chunky around the midsection.
The other striped model, second from the far right, is almost there, but not quite. The gold jewelry is a start to creating the beloved hourglass appearance, but isn't enough to off-set the thick stripes. I suggest monochromatic colors or vertical patterns and a softer transition between the model's upper and lower halves. The bold colors and slight outward structure of the dress make the model appear very chunky around the midsection.
A couple more outfits for a pear:
This dress looks like a real winner for a pear shape! The monochromatic, full lower half is forgiving of big hips and waist. The color scheme, intriguing design, and collarless top wonderfully balances the figure by drawing attention to the upper half. For jewelry, I'd wear something above the dress, so it doesn't get lost in colors. Not sure if you look best in gold or silver accessories? Here's a quick, easy test that works for any body type:
|
|
Although the dress has a very simple design, it's tactful stitching and structure helps to emphasize a pear shape's curves. However, I think the angular necklace is the real winner to this outfit. It's elongated design is a must for the vertically challenged. Also, it's clean and minimal top, further helps to balance my hefty hips. I like the longer length of this dress because it shows off my calves while covering my unflattering thighs. To add more height, I would wear wedges, but the shoe's design and color works well with the dress. It's very comfortable as well! |
Outfits for a inverted triangle:
Eva Longoria knows where it's at! Her flared jeans show off her skinny legs, an inverted triangle's best asset. The turquoise earrings add a dash of color to her clean style and show off her playful personality. The real winning part
of her outfit is the belt at her hips. It's monochromatic, classic style adds volume to her lower half and creates the hourglass appearance.
Outfit for a diamond:
The loose belt above the waist helps to draw attention to the center of her figure. The length is perfect, showing off her calves and the wedges help to further slender her legs and add height. A wrapped V-neck was a wonderful choice for balancing her proportions. Although, the dress is text-book perfect for a diamond shape, I feel that the color and camera angle are a bit unforgiving. Since this isn't a site about flattering camera angles, I can skip that part and focus on color. Darker colors tend to divert unwanted attention, while bold colors are for those who want to be seen. But of course, your color should reflect your personality! With her brown hair and eyes, she may look better in autumn colors, rather than the bold coral color fitting for people with high contrast between their hair, skin, and eyes. |
Outfits for a rectangle:
The model on the far left uses layering to give the illusion of curves. By using a bold red pattern at the waist, it creates a cinched appearance with hourglass proportions. The color combination is characteristic of the returning 70's style . A short gold or silver necklace above the top and big bracelets could add an extra flare . To match the summer style, I recommend brown sandals.
My goodness what happened here? The middle model clearly isn't dressed for her already slim body. In this case, the mismatched seams were intentionally designed to draw attention to the center of the body. However, this should only be done for diamond body shapes, the complete opposite of rectangles! The goal of a rectanglular body is to create curves, which this design clearly works against. Looking past the structural flaws, this eye-catching design works well with black jewelry and shoes. With this fabric, you won't have to worry about clinginess.
Outfits for an hourglass:
My goodness what happened here? The middle model clearly isn't dressed for her already slim body. In this case, the mismatched seams were intentionally designed to draw attention to the center of the body. However, this should only be done for diamond body shapes, the complete opposite of rectangles! The goal of a rectanglular body is to create curves, which this design clearly works against. Looking past the structural flaws, this eye-catching design works well with black jewelry and shoes. With this fabric, you won't have to worry about clinginess.
Outfits for an hourglass:
With the natural balance between the upper and lower halves, an hourglass looks great in almost anything! Focus on outfits that highlight your midsection and stay away from shapeless clothing and pieces that add volume. Consider adding features that work with your height. For petite frames:
For tall figures:
|