Everyone should embrace their unique shape with clothes that fit well and feel great right now. Still, knowing how to dress for your body shape can make choosing outfits easier and boost your style confidence. Let’s get started!

Apple or Round body type

You may be this body type if…

• You are generally well-proportioned
• Your shoulders are broader than your hips
• You are not necessarily as curvy through your hips
• You don’t have a well-defined waistline
• Average bust size

Quick Outfit Tips for an Apple or Round Body Shape

• Create the illusion of a waist without drawing attention to it, stay away from bulky belts.
• Emphasize your bust line with a V-neck, am A-line dress, etc.
• Flattering tops include scoop necks, tops with a narrow bodice or strapless.
• Tunic and tops longer than your hip bones work well
• Keep it simple at the neckline with no elaborate necklace or fancy fabric patterns near the neck.
• Stay away from big, heavy boots, they will make your legs look smaller.
• Skinny jeans and leggings can work well, especially when paired with a longer tunic style top.
• Pants with back pockets will provide definition to your bottom and help balance out your waist.
• Denim, trouser cut, wide leg or boot cut pants or jeans work well.
• High waisted cuts for pants and shorts create a more flattering look.
• A higher heel on your shoes, whatever you feel comfortable in will balance out your shape and highlight your legs.
• Stay away from clingy fabrics, look for textured or woven fabrics.
• Don’t bury your body in fabric, but allow your clothing to have some space
• Opt for pieces that gently flare out from the body 
• Keep your silhouettes more open and straight 
• Use layering to your advantage 
• Balance out your lower half by adding visually to it
• Don’t be afraid to show off your legs 

Loft Wool Blend Peacoat

Hourglass or Curvy Body Type

You may be this body type if…

• You’d describe your body as curvy
• You have a well-defined waist
• Your bust and hip measurements are roughly even
• You may have a fuller bust, hips and thighs
• Curvy hips
• Considered the “perfect” body shape

Quick Outfit Tips for an Hourglass or Curvy Body Shape

• Snug, fitted tops that nip in slightly at the waist will prevent the bust from looking out of balance.
• V-neck, V-neck halters, sweetheart and scoop necklines work well.
• Tops that extend below the hipbone will be slimming.
• Short, shaped jackets work well as do those that stop just above the hips. Belted coats like trench coats are flattering.
• Pants that have a slight flare or have a boot cut are slimming. Skinny jeans should be regular length, not cropped.
• Avoid low rise pants, stick with mid or high rise.
• Wrap tops and dresses flatter the waist.
• Try a pencil skirt with a blazer that is just fitted enough in the bust and hips. You may want to wear the blazer wear it open for even more waist definition.
• Wear a pencil skirt with a fitted blouse or top tucked in.
• Soft fabrics that drape well.
• Think “vintage” with dresses.
• Avoid stiff fabrics
• Solid colors are the most flattering, or color block with the waist being the point of the color change.
• Dark colors and vertical stripes will downplay curves.
• Heels can elongate the legs; flats may make your legs look short and thick.
• Long necklaces that hang to a ‘V’ as well as large, interesting bracelets will draw attention to the waist.
• Wear dresses that are fitted at the waist but flow gently out through the chest and hip area for a proportionate look. Choose fitted or slightly tapered dresses for easy wins.
• A fitted or cinched wrap dress is always flattering on this body shape.
• Don’t wear boxy crop tops which can make you appear wider.
• Don’t wear pleats and gathering which tend to over emphasize your hips and creates a bottom-heavy look.
• Don’t wear shapeless clothing: Tent dresses, boxy shift dresses, or anything that has no shape to it. Wearing shapeless clothes will hide your curves and give you a stocky look.

Loft Houndstooth Mock Neck Midi Dress

Pear body type

You may be this body type if…

• Your waist is wider than your bust
• Small in the bust
• You consider yourself to have fuller hips
• You have narrower shoulders in comparison to your hips
• Curvy hips and generous rear

Quick Outfit Tips for a Pear Body Shape

• Bright colors and prints work well in tops, will broaden shoulders.
• Draw attention away from the hips and thighs, and to the torso area.
• Plunging V-neck, scoop neck, boat neck and cowl neck tops work well.
• Fitted or structured tops give definition to narrow shoulders and draw attention to the narrow waist, think hourglass.
• Choose tops with volume or sleeves for more balance.
• Tops with fuller sleeves can help balance out your proportions. Wide sleeves, like bell and kimono work well.
• Use layers in the tops, tanks, blouses and cardigans.
• Longer tops should skim over the hips, but not reach down to the thighs.
• A-line and princess cuts and waist length jackets work well with the pear shape.
• Dresses with embellished necklines, open backs, dramatic sleeves and belted styles will flatter a pear shape.
• Wear dresses and skirts at knee length
• Shorter hemlines (not mini-skirts) can help elongate the line of our legs. However, if you have an athletic pear shape then it might be best to stay away from shorter hemlines.
• Bottoms should be a darker color with no details at the hip or in the rear for a slimming and elongating effect.
• Pants that have straight legs or are flared at the bottom work well.
• Shoes that elongate the leg also help balance your vertical line and are all around flattering. Shoes with a pointed toe can elongate our legs and make the hips look more proportional.
• Jewelry choices include statement, chunky and layered necklaces that hit above the bust, and large earrings work well.
• Structured shoulders can help broaden your top half and balance out your proportions
• A great fitting bra that helps further define your waist and bustline.
• Avoid boxy silhouettes that hide your waist or hug only your hip area
• Balance your proportions by adding a belt that is closer to your natural waistline
• Jackets are a great way to add some visual weight to your upper half.

Lou & Grey Signatures Soft 3/4 Sleeve Column Dress

Rectangle or athletic body type

You may be this body type if…

• You’re not particularly curvy
• Your shoulders and hip measurements
  are nearly the same
• Your waist is straight up and down
• Your weight is fairly evenly distributed throughout your body

Quick Outfit Tips for a Rectangle or Athletic Body Shape

• Tops like halter styles, scoop and round neckline and anything strapless works well.
• Statement collars and embellished necklines are flattering.
• Tops tucked in can create the illusion of a waistline.
• Accessorize with belts, heavier belts work well if you are long waisted.
• 3/4 sleeves are a good choice for this body type.
• Short jackets that end at or just below the waist are a good choice.
• Peacoats, dusters, bomber jackets all work well.
• Almost any style of pants work well with this body type.
• Skinny jeans or leggings work well with an oversized top.
• Statement earrings, layered necklaces and chunky bangle bracelets are good choices.
• Dresses in many styles work well, including shift style dresses. Add a belt to create a waistline.
• Shoes in many styles will work, including ankle straps if your legs and ankles are slim.

Corduroy Midi Pocket Shirtdress

Oval body type

You may be this body type if…

• Your shoulders and hips are proportional
• You’re curvy through the midsection
• Your torso is a wider measurement than shoulders and hips
• Your waist is not naturally defined

Quick Outfit Tips for an Oval Body Shape

• Dressing in one color or monochromatically will help create a long line.
• A scoop or V-neck top is universally flattering and especially great for a round shape.
• You can also wear a wrap, faux-wrap, or ruched side top to create a more defined waist.
• A peplum that lays flat rather than flares out will also look lovely. 
• Asymmetrical and halter necklines are excellent options that will minimize your shoulders. 
• For jackets, look for single breast options that sit at your natural waist. The single breast jackets will help give you a long lean look. 
• Straight or wide-leg pants or jeans work best since they balance your hips and shoulders. The wide leg will also draw your eye into your waist. 
• Look for pants with back or side zips to keep your front smooth; the less detail there, the better. 
• For the bottom half, go with an A-line or a straight skirt instead of a pencil. Gathering on an angle, like, in a faux wrap top or dress will be lovely. 

Loft Houndstooth Shirt Jacket

A final note on women’s body shapes: everyone is unique. If you don’t fit perfectly into one of the outlined categories, that’s perfectly fine! Lots of women find themselves a blend of different shapes. It’s about experimenting and discovering what makes you feel confident.

Fashion Tip:  Your closet might look full, but is it functional? A quick scan can reveal the missing essentials—maybe it’s the perfect pair of tailored jeans or a sleek neutral blazer that works anytime, anywhere. These classic staples pull your wardrobe together without a second thought. By identifying gaps, you’ll avoid impulse buys that never quite fit your vibe. Think of it as smart shopping with style. So, what’s missing? A crisp white shirt, leather ankle boots, or that timeless trench coat? Lock down the pieces that elevate everything else. That’s how you build a closet that feels fresh and forever chic as you are!

Hey there! I’m Danille from Beautiful Over Sixty, and I’m so glad you’re here! Got a moment? Let’s jump into some styling magic. Forget the skim and stay for the sparkle. If you’re all about classy and timeless looks, you’re in for a treat. Love what you see? We’ve got loads more where that came from. Visit our site to refresh your look with tips that keep you polished and chic. It’s a treasure trove you’ll want to explore! https://beautifuloversixty.com/