We’ve all been there before, looking in the mirror, wondering why the dress you're wearing looks totally different on you than the model on the website. We're not just talking about seeing plus-size clothes on size 6 models either! Even women of the same dress size can wear an item and it will look completely different. Why is this the case?
The answer is body shape.
What are the different body shapes?
As women, our bodies all have different proportions; some women have big boobs whilst others are flat-chested, some have a clearly defined waist and others don’t and so on and so on.
There are five main categories of body shapes (which can then be divided further giving a total of twelve but we thought five was a nice round number so we’re sticking to that.)
- O body shape (known as Apple shape)
- X body shape (known as Hourglass shape)
- A body shape (known as Pear shape)
- H body shape (known as straight up and down or banana shape)
- V body shape (known as inverted triangle or strawberry shape)
We’ve broken down each body shape type to help you work out which one you are. Keep an eye out for our style guide for top tips on what to wear for your body shape.
O Body Shape (Apple)
The circular/apple body shape a.k.a. the O body shape, means that carry most of your weight around your top half and mid section. If you are an apple, you have:
- Large or average bust
- Little to no definition to the waist
- Tend to carry your weight on your tummy/mid-section.
Famous apples include the Gala, Braeburn and Pink Lady……We mean Kate Upton, Liz Hurley, Drew Barrymore and Tyra Banks.
Yes, you read that correctly, you gorgeous apples have got what it takes to be America’s Next Top Model!
What to wear for the O body shape
- A-line and skater dresses
- Tunics and longer tops/cardigans/jackets
- V-necks
- Patterns to be kept to a minimum on your top section
- Single breasted jackets
- Knee length skirts
- Bootcut or straight leg trousers
Read our the full guide for the Apple body shape here.
V Body Shape (Strawberry)
This top-heavy/ inverted triangle shape a.k.a. the V body shape, means that you have:
- Wide shoulders and large bust
- Narrow hips
- Flat bum
- Slim legs
Juicy strawberry ladies include Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Jessica Simpson and Renee Zellweger. Bridget Jones eat your heart out.
What to wear for the V body shape
- A-line and skater styles
- Tunics and longer tops/cardigans/jackets
- V-neck tops and dresses
- Patterns on your bottom half
- Single breasted jackets
- Bootcut or straight leg trousers
Check out what to wear for the strawberry body shape guide here.
A Body Shape (pear)
The pear, triangle or A body shape is defined as:
- Small chest
- Flat(ish) tummy
- Narrow waist
- Wide hips
- Big booty
Bootylicious pears include Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
What to wear for the A body shape
- Choose tops in structured styles with low or wide necklines
- Stick to embellishment on your top half
- Body con skirts - emphasise your small waist
- Go for dark colours on your lower half and lighter colours to the top.
- Stripes and florals are the perfect patterns for pears.
Read our full guide for the pear body shape here.
H Body Shape (banana)
Rectangular, H-shaped or bananas (not the curved ones that you often get at the supermarket) often look shorter and often wider than they actually are and this because:
- Bust and shoulders are proportionately the same width as your waistline
- There is little to no definition to the waist.
Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway and Cameron Diaz are all flaunting their banana bods and so should you!
What to wear for the H body shape
- Peplum tops
- Embellishment such as ruching, pleating or pockets
- Skater dresses and skirts
- Wrap styles
- Structured jackets
See more from our banana body shape guide.
X Body Shape (Hourglass)
Finally, lets talk about the hourglass or X body shape. The body shape that Kim Kardashian has made so fashionable in 2017:
- Equally proportioned bust and hips
- Full/large bust
- Well defined/ clinched in waist
- Shapely legs
Marilyn Monroe is perhaps the most famous hourglass but other famous egg-timers include Dita Von Teese, Mariah Carey and Salma Hayek.
What to wear for the X body shape
- Body con dresses
- Pencil skirts
- Sweetheart necklines
- Wrap styles
- Trench coats and belted styles
See more hourglass body shape guides here.
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