-------------------------------------

How to Dress for Your Body Shape (Quick Styling Guide)

Jan 15 / Vanessa Pietrobon
Listen to the Audio Guide 


Dressing for your body shape is about balance, proportions, and visual harmony, not about size or weight. When clothes work with your body structure, your silhouette automatically looks more refined.


This guide summarises the main women’s body shapes and the most effective styling rules for each.

The 5 Main Women’s Body Shapes

Hourglass
Balanced shoulders and hips with a defined waist.
👉 Highlight the waist without over-structuring.

Triangle (Pear Shape)
Hips wider than shoulders.
👉 Add volume to the upper body, keep bottoms simple.

Inverted Triangle
Shoulders wider than hips.
👉 Add volume to the lower body, soften the shoulders.

Rectangle
Shoulders, waist, and hips aligned.
👉 Create curves with layering, belts, and structure.

Oval
Waist wider than shoulders and hips.
👉 Create vertical lines and avoid waist emphasis.

Common Styling Problems & Fast Solutions
Petite / Short Height

Do: monochrome outfits, V-necks, pointed or nude shoes
Avoid: oversized clothes, low-rise pants, skirts below the knee

Short Legs

Do: high-waist pants, flared or straight cuts, vertical lines
Avoid: low-rise bottoms, cropped tops

Very Thin Body

Do: layering, heavier fabrics, large prints, contrast
Avoid: monochrome looks, vertical stripes, very tight clothes

Curvy / Plus Size

Do: dark colors, empire waist, soft fabrics, vertical lines
Avoid: baggy clothes, shiny fabrics, horizontal stripes

Broad Shoulders

Do: V-necks, raglan sleeves, long necklaces
Avoid: shoulder pads, shoulder volume

Drooping Shoulders

Do: boat necks, square necklines, puffed sleeves
Avoid: turtlenecks

Small Bust / Chest

Do: layering, horizontal lines, detailed necklines
Avoid: flat, minimal tops with no structure

Full Belly

Do: flared tops, empire cuts, dark matte colors
Avoid: tight clothes, belts on the waist

Full Hips

Do: dark bottoms, flared skirts, light tops
Avoid: big pockets on hips

Thick Ankles

Do: pointed shoes, tall boots, dark tights
Avoid: ankle straps, flat shoes

Thin Legs

Do: straight-leg pants, bold prints, light colors
Avoid: skinny pants, chunky shoes

Key Styling Rule

Good styling does not change your body.
It changes how proportions are perceived.

This approach is the foundation of professional personal styling and fashion education at Milan Fashion Campus.