Which top is right for you?

WHY CHOOSE A TOP ADAPTED TO YOUR BODY SHAPE?

First of all, it doesn't matter whether you're more of a dress, skirt or trouser girl... To dress for your body type and find a top that enhances your figure, you need to start with three simple steps:

• Look at the architecture of your body in the mirror and work out which body type you belong to, by analogy with certain numbers and letters: pyramid-shaped A (shoulders smaller than the hips, rather round), H (with shoulders and hips in the same line, and a slight waist), V (broad shoulders and very slim hips), or figure 8 (like Marylin Monroe, or more recently Kim Kardashian: with pronounced shapes, a generous bust and a wasp waist).
• As for curvaceous women, often categorised as type O (2XL or 3 XL) or 0 (XL), they generally only represent one of the 4 main types, but in a fuller-than-average version... So there's no question of them having a complex and stuffing themselves into shapeless trousers, flared skirts or oversized sweatshirts or tee-shirts... On the contrary, this blog is for them! They need to consider the relationship between their lower body shape[LM2] and their upper body to feel beautiful.
• Once you've identified your type, and above all without thinking that your weight, your curves or your strong hips prevent you from doing so, you'll find it easier to find the pieces that make you stand out. Dare to be you! You'll either have to accentuate your strong points to minimise your weaker ones, or hide them altogether.
• The point is to identify a few guidelines, so that you can play with your own favourites, according to trends and your own style, without unbalancing or weighing down your figure.

WHAT TOP SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR BODY TYPE?

It's undeniable that certain cuts, pieces of clothing, textures, colours and materials are best suited to each body type and accentuate your assets. But beware: this is by no means an exact science, capable of systematically defining what suits you and what doesn't. These 'morphology types' are there to help you find clothes that are likely to make you look your best... not to restrict your choices, nor to eliminate out of hand this or that atypical 'coup de coeur'.

Let's focus on type A. Extremely widespread, the A morphology (also known as the "pyramid" or "pear" shape) is found in the majority of French women, especially those of Mediterranean origin. There's nothing shocking about it; on the contrary, it has everything to please. We can refer to stars renowned for their looks: like Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé or Shakira. Its main characteristic is that the hips are a little wider than the shoulders, with generally rounded thighs.

The idea is to turn this into an asset, for example by emphasising the bust and wearing tops with an advantageous neckline. The aim is to draw attention to your bust andbalance your proportions. If you're more the discreet type, you can achieve the same effect with less provocative tops: blouses with voluminous sleeves, dresses with a gypsy or boat-neck neckline, or well-shouldered denim jackets. A choker will also be your faithful ally in winter, as will a claudine or tartan collar in summer. And why not add epaulettes to your shirts, dresses, jackets and coats, for a boyish look in all seasons!

When it comes to colour and texture, once again draw the eye upwards, with floral prints or graphic patterns, batwing or balloon sleeves, chiffon or velvet, lace for a romantic collar... Play with transparency effects, which are always very flattering... For trousers and skirts, use sober, even dark colours, and discreet fabrics, with black or stone denim at the top of the list. For dresses, skirts and corsairs, opt for a mid-calf length that will elongate your figure without weighing down your hips. If you like, you can add a loose waistband to emphasise your bust without constricting your waist.

HOW DO YOU ACCESSORISE YOUR TOP TO SUIT YOUR SHAPE?

The key accessories (jewellery, belt and handbag) are a sure-fire way of completing a look, enhancing a simple dress, a plain pencil skirt or basic jeans. Depending on your mood, they can also draw attention to your eyes, your décolleté, your slim waistline... For the woman who swears by trousers, tops and all-purpose outfits, they're the fashion trick that lets her change face throughout the day: casual at work, rocky after work, sparkling in the evening.

It's all about making the right choice for each body type! Women with a slim bust can afford the volume of layered jewellery and chockers, while those with broad shoulders prefer slim pieces. When it comes to bags, it's hard to give an exhaustive overview, as there are so many variations in shape, material, print, pattern and colour.

Generally speaking, the volume of a shoulder bag will enhance a woman with an A shape (pyramid). V-shaped women, on the other hand, should hold the bag by its handle, at waist level. And all curvaceous women, including those lucky enough to be 8-shaped, prefer to accessorise with discreetly sized pieces and fluid textures, which will soften their curves. And don't forget to use colour to spice up the look!

HOW TO FIND YOUR STYLE?

The personal stylists at ELORA, the leading ready-to-wear brand sold at home, give us their analysis, based on the experience and attentive listening of numerous customers during fashion collection presentations.

For them, there are 3 main styles: the Casual woman, the Working Girl woman and the Dressy woman. Whatever their respective morphologies, they all share the same reactions and desires when it comes to fashion! It's up to you to take the test and find out which category you fall into: you'll save time when it comes to choosing your new season's pieces.

The Casual woman, broadly speaking, follows fashion without being a fashion victim. She likes practical, comfortable and dynamic looks. She favours pastel colours, patterns and vibrant prints. She loves accessories, and goes for chic tops to match her trousers, and stylish little jackets to wear over streamlined dresses.

The Working Girl is an elegant woman with a habit. She appreciates timeless pieces and sober cuts. A little conservative, she likes discreet prints, flowing clothes, skirts and classic accessories. She generally dislikes brightly coloured clothes and fears vulgarity. She rarely falls for provocative necklines, tight-fitting dresses or eccentric trousers.

As for the Dressy woman, she loves fashion and original looks. She likes to turn heads and plays with colour. She's not afraid to bare her shoulders or chest, or to mould her hips with low-rise trousers or mini skirts. To emphasise her curves, she tends to wear fitted tops, enhance her décolleté and emphasise the volume of her hair... She takes care of herself, focuses on her figure and cultivates original looks, for going out and even in everyday life. .