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Which outfits suit which body shapes?

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Which outfits suit which body shapes?

Published on 26 January 2024 by Beryl

Quelles tenues pour quelles morphologies ?

Every woman has a different body, but each one can identify, to some extent, with a particular body type. In this article, Hello Moon Shop explains how to identify your body type and create outfits that suit your figure. The aim of this article is to offer fashion advice to help balance your silhouette as much as possible, so that you feel beautiful in every situation. Of course, every woman has a different body and different perceptions of what does or does not suit her figure. It is essential for us to remind you that every body type is beautiful. Ultimately, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear!

LOVE OTHERS AND YOURSELF

You can measure the distance between your shoulders, measure your waist width and the width of your hips. Then observe and identify your body type!

Here’s a quick guide to help you: 

  • X : shoulders = hips; defined waist

  • V : shoulders > hips

  • A : shoulders < hips

  • H : shoulders = waist = hips

  • 8 : shoulders = hips; defined waist and curvy body

  • O : undefined waist with curves

--> The X-shaped body type (or hourglass)

Women with an hourglass body type have shoulders and hips of similar width, with a clearly defined waist. 

Choose dresses fitted at the waist to highlight your waist. 

V-necklines or sweetheart necklines will suit you particularly well.

Straight or slightly flared skirts will emphasize your waist. Straight-leg trousers are also an excellent option for highlighting your figure. 

Belts can be your best allies. Wear belts at the waist to accentuate this area and create an even more pronounced hourglass effect.

Sheath dresses that follow the silhouette can be an excellent option for highlighting your curves without being too fitted.

Fluid, lightweight fabrics can follow your body’s curves without creating excess volume.

The hourglass body type offers a wide variety of options, since many different cuts and materials suit it. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles to discover what suits you best.

--> The V-shaped body type (or inverted triangle)

The V-shaped body, also known as an inverted triangle body shape, is characterized by shoulders that are wider than the hips, with a more or less defined waist. The goal is often to create visual balance by drawing attention to the lower body while softening the shoulder line. 

V-necklines or sweetheart necklines draw attention to the upper bust while softening the shoulder line.

Wide or flared sleeves can help balance the shoulders by creating volume around the arms.

Babydoll and flared dresses create balance by adding volume to the lower part of the body.

Flared skirts and trousers can create visual balance by adding volume to the hips and thighs.

Colorful or patterned bottoms draw attention to the lower body, helping to balance the silhouette.

Avoid clothing with shoulder pads or bulky details around the shoulders, as this could accentuate their width.

The key is to play with proportions to create harmonious visual balance between the shoulders and hips. Feel free to experiment with different styles to find those that make you feel comfortable and confident while highlighting your V-shaped body.

--> The A-shaped body (or triangle)

Women with a triangle body shape have narrower shoulders than hips. To balance an A-shaped silhouette, the main objective is to draw attention to the upper body while creating visual balance.

Choose tops with shoulder details to visually broaden this part of the body. Tops with flared sleeves can also create a balanced effect.

Bardot necklines or tops with shoulder pads can help visually broaden the shoulders.

Choose interesting colors, patterns, and textures for the upper part of your outfit to harmonize its overall look.

Flared skirts can help balance your silhouette by avoiding too much emphasis on the hips.

Use slim belts to create a focal point in your silhouette and define your waist.

A-line or trapeze dresses are ideal because they flare out toward the bottom, creating balance between the shoulders and hips.

Flared, straight-leg, or bootcut trousers can help balance the silhouette by creating a smoother line from the hips to the feet.

Avoid trousers that are too tight around the hips, as this could accentuate the difference between the shoulders and hips.

The general idea is to highlight the upper body while creating visual balance with the hips. Experiment and adapt our advice to suit your personal style, so you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit.

--> The H body shape (or rectangle)

The rectangle body shape is characterized by a poorly defined waist, with shoulders and hips being roughly the same width. To create curves, opt for belts, A-line dresses, and pieces that add volume to the upper or lower body.

Use belts to create the illusion of a waist and define the middle of your silhouette. Elastic belts that cinch around the waist can be particularly flattering with a lovely dress.

Wear a fitted top with a flared bottom, or conversely, a voluminous top with a fitted bottom, to create natural curves.

Opt for high-waisted trousers, skirts, and shorts to lengthen the legs and create a cinched-waist effect.

Choose jackets and coats that cinch at the waist to create a more feminine silhouette.

Flared skirts and A-line dresses can add volume to the lower body, creating a cinched-waist effect.

Straight-leg or slightly flared trousers can create a balanced silhouette without adding too much volume to the hips.

The general idea is to create the illusion of a slimmer waist while maintaining the natural balance between the shoulders and hips. Experiment with these suggestions to find styles that flatter your H body shape while making you feel beautiful! 

--> The 8 body shape (or curvy hourglass)

The 8 body shape is essentially the same silhouette as the X shape, with fuller curves. It is characterized by shoulders and hips of similar width, with a clearly defined waist. This body shape offers great versatility in terms of style, as many garments will naturally enhance its symmetry and curves. 

Waist-fitted dresses highlight the natural curve of the silhouette by accentuating the waist.

Choose fitted tops that follow your curves while emphasizing the waist. V-necklines can be particularly flattering.

Soft, fluid fabrics can follow the silhouette's natural curves while enhancing the overall look.

Waist-fitted jumpsuits can also highlight the symmetry of your silhouette.

By wearing coordinated tops and bottoms, you can maintain harmony in your silhouette.

The hourglass body shape offers a wide variety of options, as a broad range of cuts and fabrics are suitable. Don't hesitate to experiment with different styles to discover what suits you best.

--> The O-shaped (or oval) body shape

Women with an oval body shape have a rounder silhouette with little definition at the waist. Flattering outfits for this body shape include fluid tops and dresses, as well as flared skirts or trousers.

Opt for loose, fluid tops that aren't too tight at the waist.

V-necklines or wrap tops can elongate the silhouette and create a vertical impression.

Bohemian dresses, which are fitted just below the bust rather than at the waist, can highlight your bust while concealing the central part of your body.

Use wide belts under the bust to create a central focal point on your silhouette 

Choose straight-leg trousers and flared skirts that create a fluid line from the waist while allowing some movement.

Opt for stretchy, fluid fabrics that comfortably adapt to your silhouette without being too tight.

Wear necklaces, earrings, and other accessories that draw attention to the upper parts of your body.

The goal is to create a balanced silhouette while highlighting your assets. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

It's important to remember that these categories are generalizations, and that every woman is unique! Adapt your silhouette to your style and tastes above all. 

Regardless of body shape, the most important thing is to love and respect your body (and other people's). Fashion trends change, highlighting certain body shapes and not others, so: wear what YOU love!

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    Beryl

    Founder of Hello Moon

    Passionate about fashion from an early age, I created Hello Moon to make my biggest dream come true: sharing my vision of fashion and my favorite finds with you. Welcome to my world!

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