But anyone who enjoys getting dressed knows it should be dressed to fit. If you have wondered why some of your fits are fire and others don’t look good on you, those looks aren’t for your body type. Ocean Vibes Naples is a brand made for all body types.
As Kathrine Houghton Hepburn, an American film actress (television, film and stage) put it:
“I wear my sort of clothes to save me the trouble of deciding which clothes to wear.”
Body Shape and Fashion Through History
The 19th century was all for the hourglass figure, celebrating the curvacious world of women. After this, the emphasis on waists disappeared for a good 20 years or so. The flappers of the 20s brought straighter cuts to the fashion scene.
The straight flapper look transitioned to tailored cuts by the 40s. Women enjoyed to comfort and power of tailored suits in the workplace. But then came 1946, and Christian Dior took it from there to more curvacious cuts celebrating the feminine form once more.
This look was enjoyed for the next two decades until skinnier influencers became all the rage. This era merged the straighter cut with shorter dresses bringing the focus to the legs rather than the waist.
The 90s was a mix of curvy designs and skinny trends till it transitioned into the millennium. Crop tops, bodycon dresses- you name it. Anything that emphasised different body types became the norm.
Finding Your Body Type:
If you aren’t sure which category your body shape falls into, you need to start measuring. Take up a measuring tape and measure the
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Shoulders
These should be measured at the broadest points of your body structure. Just above the shoulder blades, get someone to help you measure correctly. The measuring tape tends to slip off as the position from the back of your shoulder is difficult to reach. You can also try to measure like you would wear a robe if you are by yourself.
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Bust/chest
Hold the measuring tape from behind at the fullest part of the chest/bust. It should be snug enough to hold the tape in place while lose enough to find a comfortable measurement.
You can find this measurement with undergarments as they doesnt really impact the measures.
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Waist
This depends on where you tie your pants. Most assume that the portion under the bust above the navel is the waist, but people tend to tie it much lower than that. With high waisted pants, the smaller portion is the waist, while for others, it is the bone region right under the navel.
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Hips
Hips are measured at the fullest point. This is lower than the hip bones and above the knee. Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly enough to mimic a pant.
These four measurements can help determine what your body type is to plan your outfits accordingly.
Types of Body Shapes and How to Dress for Them
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The Apple
You classify under this body type if the upper part of your body is heavy than the lower one. This means your bust/chest and shoulders are broader than the rest of your body, and this makes the midriff appear broader.
How to Dress for the Apple Shape?
The goal is to create an elongated illusion for the torso to draw attention away from the heavier midriff. This is why people with apple-shaped bodies are advised to wear shirts and dresses with V necks or higher-waisted skirts and pants.
If you are wearing a dress or a shirt opt for a pattern that mimics a V and created a downward triangular illusion.
Dark colors, A-line cuts and empire shapes work well with this body type. Pair monochromatic looks with layers to draw attention away from the midriff.
Figure-hugging dresses don’t work well for this body type, especially in plain fabrics. Low waisted skinny jeans aren’t your friend either.
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The Hourglass
This is a more feminine body type. The bust is almost proportional to the hips and the waistline is well defined. This body type is extremely attractive and easy to dress. All you have to do is go with the shape of the body and choose clothes that define the waste while showing off the right proportions.
How to Dress for an Hourglass shape?
Dressing an hourglass figure isn’t much of a challenge. Fitted clothes, sweetheart necklines, tulip dresses- you name it it will work. However, try and avoid baggy clothes as they may make the body appear bulky throughout. Belts are also your friend. They can be added to any dress to cinch the waist even if the fit is loose.
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The Pear
The Kim Kardashian body. Even though she likes to go for the hourglass looks most of the time, it’s all in the hips. The lower body is heavier than the rest of it and it is indeed a flattering body type. Also quite easy to dress.
How to Dress for the Pear Shape?
Dresses that add volume to the upper body are an excellent choice for this body type. Opt for bulkier shirts and more fitted pants to emphasize the lower body against the rest. Pencil dresses are also quite the theme with a pear-shaped body. While bodycon dresses with flared pants work, other fitted top options don’t do much for the pear.
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Rectangular
The silhouette in this body type is rather straight. But there is a balance between the shoulders and the hips which makes this body type rather easy to dress. These people can pretty much get away with any type of clothes as long as they accessorize right.
How to Dress for the Rectangular Shape?
Tailored stiff cuts work so well with this body type. You can also add some ruffled dresses to the mix to add some bulk to the fits you are trying. The good thing is that you can pull off any fit you like.
Developing Your Signature Look
Knowing your body type will give you a handle on what looks good and then there is no turning back. You can develop a signature look with a capsule wardrobe. Neutral basics with hints of witty cuts here and there.
Ocean Vibes Naples is the place to find your fits and signature style. Whether you are looking for some comfortable shoes or gorgeous bags, this is the place to be.
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