Shape Advisor

Below is a list of common body shapes and what each shape 'should' and 'shouldn't' wear. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule as each person is different and often depending on the cut and fabric of a garment (and what you're wearing it with) will often mean we can get away with wearing something that would generally not potentially be suited to our shape.

Different shapes aside, each shape has its positives and it's all about wearing clothes that are going to accentuate your best features and show your curves in all the right places. So take a look below and as mentioned above, there are exceptions to every rule so don't fret too much if you feel like you love a particular cut or style but feel like it may not best suit your shape. Where there is a will, there's a way and here at Curvy is Beautiful we are all about helping you find clothes that you will love!

APPLE SHAPE

Your arms and legs can tend to be quite thin in proportion to the rest of your body. You carry most of your weight in your mid section, bust, waist and bum.

What to Wear:

• Asymmetrical, cowl,  v-neck, or any style that exposes your neckline
• 3/4 sleeves and dark tops that aren’t too short in length
• Light or dark bottoms are ok, straight or wide leg (but not too wide!)
• Princess seams, dropped waist,  faux wrap dresses, draped/flowing tops  
• Empire waist, skirts with slits, straight, tiered, or skirts
• Maxi dresses are good but need to be the right fabric and cut

What not to Wear:

• Turtlenecks or styles that cover-up neckline
• Anything with horizontal stripes, pleats, ruffles, or any extra detail at the midsection as this will draw focus to your waist
• Full skirts or overly clingy/fitted styles.
• Pants with front pin tucks or high-waisted pants
• Ankle straps as these shorten the leg

HOURGLASS SHAPE

Your bust and hip measurements are nearly the same size (if not the same) and you tend to have a somewhat small waist. Your weight is generally evenly distributed.

What to Wear:

• Soft fabrics that drape your shape
• Anything that exposes the neckline, including v-necks, cowls and round necks
• Fitted bodices or styles with extra detail at the waist including ties
• Flared skirts, high waisted skirts or belts that accentuate the waistline
• Wraps or faux wrap tops and dresses, slim, high waist and wide leg pants
• Maxi dresses
• Belts that cinch at the waist

What not to Wear:

• Anything that’s too loose (kaftans are ok, but wear a tie belt)
• Tunics that are too loose/no shape
• Short tops or anything that’s too bulky
• 3/4 capri pants
• Skirts that are gathered, pleated or too full
• Ankle straps as these shorten the leg

INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE

You have a large bust and may also be broad across the shoulders and back. You may feel top heavy, as your hips are usually smaller in size than your bust and you tend to have a small bum.

What to Wear:

• Asymmetrical, v-neck, or styles that show the neckline
• Anything with a crossover, v or sweetheart neckline that will accentuate your bust
• Slim leg pants are providing the right top is worn! Wide leg/boot leg pants and lighter colours   are ok on the bottom too as this will create balance with the top
• Pencil, A-line, pleated or skirts that flare
• Maxi dresses are good but need to be the right fabric and cut

What not to Wear:

• Anything that will make your shoulders look broader.  Avoid lighter colours up top or anything off the shoulder
• Anything with shoulder pads or puffed sleeves

RECTANGLE SHAPE

You tend to be straight up and down. Rectangle shapes don't have much of a waist, bum or bust. You should choose clothes that will help create the illusion of curves and shape.

What to Wear:

• Necklines that aren’t too high, so anything that sits below your collarbone – round, v-neck, cowl, scoop, sweetheart or boat
• Tops with cross over bust, frills or rouching. Blouses  
• Layered skirts or dresses, pencil, straight are ok however A-line or full skirts would add more shape
• Slim, wide leg or bootleg pants
• Belts that cinch at the waist

What not to Wear:

• Turtlenecks or styles that cover-up neckline
• Anything that’s too baggy or very fitted
• Tops or jackets that are too short or cropped above the waist (unless this is paired with a belt)

TRIANGLE OR PEAR SHAPE

Your top half looks smaller than your bottom half; and you are most likely to be narrow through the bust and shoulders and wider at the hips.

What to Wear:

• Anything that exposes the neck and accentuates the bust. V-neck, round, boat, swoop, ruffles, layers
• Belts that cinch at the waist rap-around dresses
• Cocktail length dresses, maxi-style dresses, and a-line skirts
• Wide leg or boot cut pants

What not to Wear:

• Anything that hides your neck too much
• Skirts that are too full or too slim fitting, though this does depend on what you’re wearing up top and on your bust/waist. Slim fitting or pencil skirts can look good if teamed up with the right outfit.
• Ankle straps as these shorten the leg