Are you passionate about fashion? Do you have an A-shaped body and wonder how to enhance your silhouette? Elora shares all the tips you need to dress for your A-shaped body.
What is the potential of an A-shaped silhouette? Which clothes should you avoid with an A-shaped body? What should you wear to flatter an A-shaped figure?
A closer look at the key information you need to know before choosing new pieces for your wardrobe.
How can you make the most of an A-shaped body?
The A-shaped body is an invitation to play with contrasts, highlight your upper body, and celebrate the softness of your curves. Every woman is unique, and your silhouette deserves to be enhanced with pieces that reflect who you are and make you feel beautiful, free, and confident.
You look in the mirror and notice your hips are wider than your shoulders, your waist is nicely defined, and your bust is slimmer than the lower part of your body. Your silhouette radiates a natural look, with subtle femininity. If you recognize yourself in this description, then you have an A-shaped body—also known as 'pyramid,' 'pear,' or 'triangle' shape.
This is a very common silhouette, offering endless style possibilities. The idea isn't to hide your curves, but to visually balance your figure by highlighting your upper body, while gently enhancing your hips.
Clothing to favor for dressing an A-shaped body... Style tip: balance and brightness
Structured and detailed tops
To enhance your silhouette, remember to draw the eye upward. Go for tops that attract attention to your bust: ruffles, puffed sleeves, bright colors, prints, bold patterns, boat, bardot or V necklines, light shoulder pads... Anything that highlights your shoulders is welcome! Pair them with skirts, pants, or jeans in solid, dark or neutral colors, with discreet, well-centered pockets. The same goes when you choose a dress!
Open necklines
V-necks, square or boat necklines open up the bust and balance the silhouette. They highlight your posture and bring light to your face.
Fitted jackets and blazers
Choose them well-structured, slightly padded at the shoulders, and wear them open to avoid cutting the line of your hips. They create a beautiful frame and balance your silhouette.
Simple and fluid bottoms
Straight, A-line, or slightly flared skirts are perfect. Straight or bootcut pants elongate the leg without emphasizing the hips. Opt for neutral colors, fluid fabrics, and clean cuts.
Dresses with detailed bodices
Dresses, whether classic or A-line, are best with a detailed top (lace, embroidery, patterned inlays, gathers, sequins, sparkles...), a slim belt, and a fluid or straight skirt. All the refined and original details on the top draw the eye to your bust, while respecting your curves.
Which accessories will enhance an A-shaped body?
Fun: that's the key word for the A-shaped woman when she chooses her accessories and jewelry.
A world of possibilities awaits her!
Let yourself be tempted by:
- Accessories with voluminous collars, like bib necklaces, scarves, bandanas, and shawls
- Short necklaces, brooches: embrace the neo-bourgeois trend!
- Thin belts, worn at the waist rather than the hips. They highlight your waist without adding bulk to your hips. Wear them over fitted dresses or blouses to structure your look
- Small bags, worn on the shoulder rather than crossbody. Crossbody bags and satchels usually sit at or below the waist, adding extra volume.
In short, there are plenty of accessory options. Try out different styles to find what suits you best.
Also read: What are the must-have women's accessories for every occasion?
How to choose the right jeans (or pants) for an A-shaped body
Straight
The timeless classic! It follows your body's lines without clinging, which softens the hips while giving structure to your silhouette. In raw or black denim, it's perfect for a chic, timeless look.
Bootcut or flare
Flared from the knee, it creates a beautiful visual balance with the hips. It elongates the leg and gives a sleek look. Worn with heels or ankle boots, it's a true style ally
Cigarette
These pants have the advantage of being more fitted than straight cuts, but without being tight. They subtly hug your curves and are always on trend. Pair them with structured tops to balance your upper body!
High waist
Essential for drawing attention to your waist without overemphasizing it, and for avoiding a pear-shaped silhouette cut at the wrong spot. This type of pant shapes your body and prevents the "wider hips" effect that some low-rise styles can create.
Well-cut Mom or Boyfriend jeans
If the fit is just right at the waist and the volume is under control, these pants can be incredibly comfortable. They add a relaxed touch without weighing down your silhouette
Heads up! Some cuts just don't do you justice...
As with all body shapes, some clothing styles are less flattering than others for women with an A-shape. Here are the pieces and combinations to avoid (or at least limit) for your best look:
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Low-rise pants or skirts, which visually widen the hips
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Bottoms that are too tight, especially dresses, as they emphasize curves and may reveal small imperfections.
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Tops that are too simple or too fitted, which don't balance out your silhouette
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Horizontal stripes on the hips or thighs
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Bulky pockets on pants (like cargo styles)
Jean cuts to avoid (in principle)
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Skinny or Jegging: too tight, it emphasizes the hips and can throw off your silhouette if your top isn’t structured
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Low-rise: it breaks up your waistline and draws the eye to your hips
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Very wide cuts or bulky pockets: they add volume and draw attention where it’s not needed
And if you’re petite?
In general, the same advice applies to A-shaped women, whether tall or petite, with just a few exceptions.
For petite women, it’s best to avoid:
- Skirts that are too long. Instead of midi skirts, you might prefer knee-length. If you really love long dresses and can’t do without them, just make sure your ankles stay visible.
- Long coats, in favor of short coats (always structured at the shoulders) that don’t cover your hips. The goal? Create a 'long legs' effect!
What are the features of an A-shaped body? - Let’s recap
In summary, here are the features of an A-shaped body and the key tips to dress it well:
- With a triangle-shaped body—narrower shoulders and wider hips—opt for tops and accessories that draw attention to your neckline and chest.
- To balance your silhouette, go for structured tops and geometric patterns that add volume to your shoulders and bust.
- Choose dark colors for the bottom, especially pants, to create a slimming effect.
Feel comfortable!
All these tips are for guidance only. Ultimately, every woman—whatever her body shape—should choose the clothes she loves and find her own style, possibly with the help of a Elora Fashion Consultant. Good to know: you’ll enjoy a free, no-obligation style consultation if you join one of our private shopping sessions.
Comfort is also essential. Let's not forget that the perfect piece should always feel great to wear, all day long. A top, a shirt, or a tunic should give you that 'second skin' sensation!
