Are you an A-shaped woman and not sure how to enhance your silhouette? Elora shares all the tips you need to dress for your A-shaped body.
What are the characteristics of an A-shaped body? Which clothes should you avoid with an A-shaped silhouette? Which clothes should you wear with an A-shaped body? Discover the key information you need to know before choosing pieces for your wardrobe.
What is an A-shaped body?
The A-shaped body, also known as the pyramid or triangle shape, is the most common silhouette among women. It's often associated with femininity and fertility.
A woman with an A-shaped body has hips that are wider than her shoulders. Her bottom is usually rounded and her thighs are shapely. Her bust is often small (though there are exceptions), just like her shoulder width. Most of the time, her top size is different from her bottom size.
Among the most famous international stars with an A-shaped body, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez are perfect examples!
How do you know if you have an A-shaped body? Simply measure your shoulders and then your hips. If your shoulder measurement is less than your hip measurement, you have an A-shaped body. If the numbers are reversed, that's more of a V-shaped body.
Also worth reading: How to know your body shape?
PS: A woman's A-shaped body type (just like other body types) isn't linked to her weight. Some women with an A shape have a silhouette that could be described as slim, while others have more curves. Similarly, waist and hip measurements can vary.
How can you highlight your assets with an A-shaped body?
If you have a pyramid-shaped silhouette, the main goal is usually to create balance. So, you'll want to put together looks with clothes that enhance your hips without overemphasizing them. For your upper body, focus on adding volume in different ways.
Which clothes should you choose to flatter an A-shaped body?
The great thing about fashion is that there are endless ways to have fun and highlight your best features. This goes for every body shape, including A-shaped silhouettes. Dresses, coats, tops, and more: how do you pick the right pieces for your wardrobe? Which cuts should you choose? Here are some tips.
Which coats suit an A-shaped body?
Coats are key pieces in any wardrobe, so it's important to choose them well. Women with an A-shaped body type should go for coats with shoulder pads or structured shoulders. These styles add shape to the upper body and create a more balanced look. It's also worth noting that structured coats and jackets are timeless.
Which tops are best for an A-shaped body type?
The first thing to know is that A-shaped body types can have lots of fun with tops. Since the idea is to add volume, you can really enjoy wearing:
-
tops with ruffles on the shoulders or chest;
- tops with butterfly sleeves;
- ruffled tops;
- tops with puff sleeves;
- tops with bold prints and vibrant colors (think floral print tops, for example).
With your silhouette, don't hesitate to try out necklines if you love highlighting your bust. Choose necklines that are :
- square;
- round;
- heart-shaped;
- boat neck.
These are the best options to visually add volume to your upper body. These neckline shapes are also very flattering.
Which bottoms are best for an A-shaped body type?
For bottoms, we recommend choosing pieces in darker, solid colors—avoid ruffles and patterns. As for fabrics, the golden rule is: go for flowy materials!
When it comes to clothing styles, the midi skirt, bootcut jeans, or straight-leg pants will look stunning on you! For pants especially, opt for high-waisted cuts.
Finally, to further elongate your silhouette, go for a pair of ankle boots or heeled sandals.
Which dresses should you choose for an A-shaped body type?
If you're looking for the perfect little dress for you, take a look at:
- straight dresses;
- Styles with volume at the top;
- A-line dresses;
- Shirt dresses.
Empire-waist or flared dresses that start below your bust (not at your hips) are also perfect for your shape.
Discover Elora’s dress collection
Which clothes should you avoid with an A-shaped body?
As with all body shapes, some clothing styles are less flattering than others for women with an A-shaped figure. Here are the pieces and combinations to avoid (or at least limit) for your best look:
-
Very fitted tops that stop right at the hips
They accentuate the impression of volume around the hips.
- Horizontal stripes
For someone with a pyramid shape, horizontal stripes are best avoided. They highlight the contrast between narrow shoulders and curvier hips.
- Ruffles, frills, and peplums at the bottom of tops
In general, these details are very stylish and offer a chance to add volume and energy to an outfit. On an A-shaped body, they become unnecessary when placed on the lower part of tops, as they draw the eye to an area you’d rather not highlight. As mentioned above, it’s better to keep these playful touches on the upper part of the bust.
- Jeans with faded thighs and skinny jeans
Again, this can draw attention to an area you might want to soften.
- Low-rise jeans
Low-rise jeans and all similar styles tend to cut the silhouette right where you don’t want it. They can easily make your figure look shorter.
- Tube dresses
Why should you avoid them if you have an A-shaped body? Quite simply, because they can make your silhouette look shorter, just like jeans do!
Which accessories will enhance an A-shaped body?
Fun: that's the key word when choosing jewelry for an A-shaped silhouette. Let yourself be tempted by:
-
short necklaces, statement necklaces like bibs;
- chunky scarves and wraps;
- brooches;
- thin belts, to be worn at the waist rather than the hips;
- bags, worn on the shoulder rather than crossbody. Crossbody bags usually sit at the waist and add volume there.
There are so many accessory options. Try out different combinations to find what suits you best.
How to dress when you're petite with an A-shaped body?
In general, the same advice applies to women whether they're tall or petite, with just a few exceptions.
For women on the petite side, it's best to avoid:
- skirts that are too long. Instead of midi skirts, you might prefer knee-length styles. 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 with structured shoulders) that don't cover the hips. The goal? To give the impression of longer legs.
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 tips to follow:
- a slimmer upper body at the shoulders and a wider lower body at the hips;
- if you want to balance your silhouette, go for pieces that add volume to your shoulders and bust;
- opt for dark colors on the bottom to create a slimming effect.
Good to know
All these tips are for guidance only. Ultimately, it's up to each person to choose the clothes they find aesthetically pleasing. Comfort is also essential. Ideally, your clothes should feel good to wear all day long.
