Every body shape has its strengths. You just need to know how to highlight them with the right clothes, according to your body structure, your silhouette, and your curves. And this applies no matter your measurements. The key is learning how to build your confidence... and how to choose cuts that suit your body type.
Knowing your body shape will help you select clothing styles that flatter your silhouette and match your style, so you can dress in a way that enhances you and move past certain insecurities.
In practical terms, it’s the best way to make the right choices, follow trends without falling for unflattering cuts, and avoid filling your wardrobe with pieces you’ll never wear.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WOMEN’S BODY SHAPES AND HOW TO DRESS THEM
Since nearly 90% of women say they don’t know how to identify their body shape with certainty, ELORA is here to guide you through the topic.
To dress according to your body shape, start by studying your silhouette as objectively as possible, without focusing on small flaws—which, in reality, are common to all women.
It’s important to remember that body shape advice considers your silhouette as a whole, like a fashion sketch, based on your bone structure and the overall look of your body, not the details of your curves or measurements. A woman with an H shape can’t and will never be an 8, a woman with an A shape is nothing like a V, and so on.
Some women’s bodies change over time, or they fall between two body shapes. In that case, focus on the dominant features of your silhouette and body as a whole when choosing clothes, looking at the balance between your shoulders and hips, as well as your waistline (or lack thereof).
Give it a try!
Put on dark, fitted clothes (like a bodysuit and leggings), then stand in front of a full-length mirror with a measuring tape in hand. Your measurements aren’t there to make you self-conscious, but rather to help you put some common ideas into perspective!
Look at your silhouette with kindness, appreciating the femininity it radiates. Then, see if your waist is well-defined or not, and how your shoulders and hips align with the rest of your body.
Of course, everything can be measured, but you’re not taking a test... Remember, whether in front of the mirror or when falling for the love of their life, very few women are truly satisfied with their bodies. And that’s a shame!
At ELORA, we guide you and help you appreciate your body more and understand how to make it shine, even if you feel you’re too slender... or too curvy.
These body shape tips are part of the expertise of the brand’s Fashion Consultants... ready for you to make your own, without moderation. Enjoy yourself!
X Shape
X shapes are generally slim, with shoulders and hips in line. Their waist is especially defined, giving them what’s called an “hourglass” silhouette.
Are you an X? You can wear whatever you like and follow the trends... Every style suits you, and you can pull off anything with elegance, except for overly wide cuts, which might feel awkward and look baggy. Teens who are still getting used to their feminine curves sometimes go for this look—they can get away with it, but as an adult, it’s best to avoid.
The key is to play up your natural harmony while highlighting your waist. So, go for fitted cuts and belts. For tops, try fitted styles and tailored jackets. Don’t hesitate to try high-waisted pants with a push-up effect, as well as textured pieces that show off your slim legs.
Celebrity X Shapes: Rihanna, Marion Cotillard
8 Shape
8 shapes have a similar silhouette to X shapes, with aligned hips and shoulders and a defined waist. Women with an 8 shape tend to have more generous curves, with a fuller bust, rounded shoulders, and hips. This lovely, curvy “pin-up” silhouette is often seen as sexy and glamorous.
Measuring tape in hand, are you an 8? Depending on your style, sheath dresses will suit you perfectly, as will low-cut and fitted dresses.
Like X shapes, highlight your body’s natural alignment and accentuate your waist. Day to day, slightly low-cut tops will open up your neckline and highlight your bust, while straight, high-waisted pants will show off your defined waist and legs, while smoothing your tummy. Try belted, flowy dresses and shorter cuts to elongate your legs.
Celebrity 8 Shapes: Monica Bellucci, Kim Kardashian
A Shape
A shapes—also called triangle or pyramid—have a slim upper body, with narrow shoulders and usually a small bust. Their hips flare out. It’s a very common and distinctly feminine silhouette!
Is this your body type? You can focus on your upper body! Play with colors, patterns, and details to give your shoulders more structure. Clothes with shoulder pads will look great on you, and you can easily style your outfits with trendy jackets. For pants, keep it simple...
Celebrity A Shapes: Beyoncé, Shakira
V Shape
V shapes—also called inverted triangle or pyramid—have a sporty look, with a broader upper body, a defined waist, square shoulders, a noticeable bust, narrow hips, and long legs.
Unlike A shapes, V shapes can focus on their lower body. Choose fluid fabrics for tops, with simple shapes and colors. For pants or skirts, go for a bit of volume, with patterns or colors to brighten up your look. Bootcut jeans, flared skirts and pants, and wrap dresses will especially flatter your silhouette.
Celebrity V Shapes: Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie
H Shape
The H shape, also called rectangle, is often associated with models and their nearly perfect measurements. It’s a tall, slender, even androgynous silhouette, with hips and shoulders in line. H shapes are usually slim, with a small bust, flat stomach, and structured shoulders.
The ideal style for an H shape highlights the shoulders and adds volume to the hips, to define the waist and create a more glamorous silhouette. Flowing or draped tops, as well as trendy colored and printed tops, pair well with slightly flared pants or skirts.
If you love inclusive fashion, borrow a few pieces from the men’s wardrobe, especially for tops: well-cut and structured jackets, vests, or shirts!
Celebrity H Shapes: Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman
O Shape
You have curves, a full bust, a less defined waist with a tummy, and your shoulders align with your hips: you’re a classic O shape!
Instead of feeling self-conscious about your body and what you think are overly generous measurements, discover how to embrace trends and style tips. Listen to our advice and learn to draw attention to your feminine strengths, rather than obsessing over clothing sizes or trying to hide in shapeless cuts...
The best friends of O shapes (also called “apple”)? Necklines and/or statement accessories at the shoulders! Low-cut tops will highlight the sensuality of your bust. For the lower body, choose fluid fabrics (not too wide) and straight cuts. If you wear a dress, pick a fitted one and layer a sleeveless cardigan or a loose jacket that falls to the hips.
Our tip: heels will elongate your silhouette, especially ankle boots, which might otherwise make you look shorter.
Celebrity O Shapes: Adele, Amy Schumer
