Fashion stylist Shagun Gandhi shows you how to dress to your body type
Ever wondered how the red dress that looks so right on your gal pal, is such a disaster on you? While your sizes might be similar, your shapes would most likely be completely different. Getting dressed becomes easier when you know what works best for your shape. Time to give yourself a good long look, recognise your category and dress accordingly. Even our B-town beauties know it!
Oval like Kareena
You may have rounded shoulders and fullness through the tummy area. Your legs are often your best asset. You are most likely an oval body shape. Formal jackets look great for this body type as it has added shoulder pads, which make the narrow, shoulder more defined and structured. Choose accessories like a statement necklace to keep the eye above the bust line. Avoid tucking in tops or adding any details, as it will draw attention to the waist. Softer fabrics like cashmere or georgette that drapes without clinging to your body will work best for your body type. Off-shoulder tops with an empire waist will give an illusion of wider shoulders and small waist.
Triangle like Ileana
Your hips are larger than your bust or shoulder area but you have a well-defined waist. You have a triangle body shape, commonly referred to as pear-shaped body type. Make sure that the length of your tops and jackets ends just below the widest point of your hip. Use brighter or lighter colours for the upper half and keep trousers and skirts in dark colours. Details such as structured collars; embellishment or even decorating your neck and ears with jewellery will draw attention above the waist. Avoid structured prints, bright colours and details below the waist. Layering will help create visual interest and draw attention to it. Choose bright colours and prints on the upper half only. This will make your thighs look narrower.
Inverted triangle like Sonam
Your shoulders appear larger than your hip area. You often have little definition between your waist and hips, and your bottom may be fairly flat. Minimise styling and detail above the waist. Simple yet constructed shapes will work best on your bottom half like straight cut pants or A-line skirts. Use darker colours above the waist and lighter bottoms. Avoid using shoulder pads even in tailored jackets, as it will make your shoulders look broader. For Indian wear, Patiala salwar paired with short kurtis will look great on you.
Hourglass like Anushka
If your hips and shoulders are of similar width and waistline is relatively smaller, you’re an hourglass. Always emphasise your waist area. Allow your clothing to follow your curves rather than hiding them. Avoid stiff and straight cut dresses. Pencil skirts or dresses that enhance your waist area will look great on you. Keeping your hair too long that falls around your bust area will make you look too heavy in your upper body.
Figure 8 like Malaika
If your hips and shoulders are fairly proportioned, you have a rounded tummy and you put on weight proportionately you have a figure 8 body shape. It is the most common body shape for Indian women. Opt for skirts and dresses that fall smoothly over the hips and go straight down. For pants, make sure to opt for straight or bootleg, not wide and flared. Avoid heavy, stiff and body-hugging fabrics like polyester and synthetics. Avoid tucking in tops at all costs as the focus goes to the tummy area. For Indian wear, instead of saris opt for flowy palazzos and straight cut kurtas. Colour blocking works great for figure 8.