Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Find Stylish Clothes that Suit your Body Type

By Tessa W. Adachi

It can be a real challenge to find clothes which provide you with a perfect fit. This problem is compounded if you happen to be plus size. A lot of clothing companies produce plus sizes by just adding a few inches to the styles they already have, not really being concerned about exactly how well they will fit.

More recently, however, clothing companies have begun producing clothing which takes into account the four common body types. These types are apple, pear, hourglass and column (an athletic figure). This system of making clothes for the four different body types works well for women who wear sizes between 10 and 30.

Determining what body type you have is a relatively simple matter. If you have an upper body that is wide and narrow hips then you're most probably the apple shape. If you notice that you have a smaller upper body and wider hips, then you're pear-shaped. For those who have a smaller waist, with a curvy upper and lower body (the width of your hips is more or less equivalent to the width of your shoulders), you are an hourglass shape. Lastly, if you have fewer defined curves and the measurements for your waist, hips, and breast are very similar to one another, then you have a column figure.

Naturally, not every clothing style works equally well for people of each body type. When looking for clothes which will flatter your figure, here are some tips to help you find the perfect fit for you.

If you have an apple shape, then you'll want to draw attention from the waist and possibly from your shoulders as well. V-neck tops are a good choice for those with this body type. This can draw the eyes upward and make you appear longer. A belted or nipped waist in your jackets can make your waist appear smaller as well.

If you have a pear-shaped body, then the idea is to create a balance between your upper and lower body. Clothes which can broaden your shoulders while drawing attention away from your thighs and hips are the way to do this. Fabrics which have patterns and textures which attract the eye are good choices for tops. You can create a more balanced look by choosing dark coloured skirts or pants and lighter, brighter tops.

Women with a columnar body shape will be looking to make themselves appear curvier. This can be done with v-neck or scoop neck tops and jackets with defined waists, especially ones which flare out from the waist. When shopping for dresses, look for ones which have patterns, prints and tailored designs - this will help to break up the typical silhouette of a column body type.

Lastly, if you have an hourglass figure, you can go for a look that either shows off your curves, or you can choose clothing that deemphasizes your bust and hips to create a longer, leaner silhouette. To show off your curves, look for items that cinch or wear a belt around the waist. This will show off your hips. To elongate and balance your shape, look for clothes with a V-neck, which will draw the eye vertically upward. Pants or jeans that have a slight bit of flair also help to add balance.

Every woman can look amazing with the right clothes. The important thing is to know what you're looking for so that you can make the right choices when shopping for clothes. Once you know what to look for, you can put together a wardrobe which will make you look and feel terrific. - 15634

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