Sometimes getting dressed in the morning feels like an uphill climb. If you know your shape and how to accentuate your curves, that’s half the battle. Today, we’re talking to all the pear-shaped women out there. But what the heck does “pear-shaped” actually mean? Typically, when you’re pear-shaped, the widest point on your body is your hips. You have a defined waistline and your shoulders and bustline are usually smaller than your bottom half, where you carry your curves. Celebrities like Shakira, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and Rihanna are often labeled in this category. Women come in all shapes and sizes, however, even within a single body type. You can be pear-shaped and be short or tall, you can be a size 2 or a size 12 and you can have flat glutes or an ample backside.
The important thing to remember here is that no one body shape is better than the other. This isn’t a style guide on how to hide your shape or how to fake a different one with gimmicks like padded bras. It’s about loving your body and celebrating it with the best fit and proportions for you. In the slideshow below, you’ll find styling tips broken down into three key categories: tops and trousers, dresses and skirts and outerwear. These tips are by no means hard-and-fast rules; they’re helpful suggestions to hopefully make your life a little bit easier when you find yourself in a dressing room with a heap of clothes and a whole lot of frustration. Because we’ve all been there at one time or another. Ready to get started?
Images: Imaxtree
Pear-Shaped Style Guide
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Coats
WHAT TO BUY:
- Coats cinched or belted at the waist will emphasize your curves.
- Detailing at the top half of a coat will draw eyes upward.
- A-line or princess cuts will help define the waist and give you extra room at the bottom. A double-breasted peacoat will do the same.
WHAT TO AVOID: Coats shorter than hip-height and cocoon coats, which add volume.
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Tops and Trousers
TOPS
WHAT TO BUY:
- Tops with prints or embellishments will keep attention focused upward. So will dangling earrings and statement necklaces.
- Billowing sleeves or cap sleeves will help harmonize your curves from top to bottom.
- Boatneck, scoopneck and sweetheart necklines will also even out your proportions nicely.
- Jackets should be fitted in the bust and waist and hit above or below your widest area. Shoulder pads and epaulets will do wonders for you!
WHAT TO AVOID: Crop tops and oversized shirts.
TROUSERS
WHAT TO BUY:
- A mid-rise pant with a little stretch that will hug your hips.
- Straight leg, boyfriend and bootcut jeans are great fits. If you want to wear a lower rise, just make sure it's cut higher in back, so you stay covered.
WHAT TO AVOID: High-waisted or ultra-skinny jeans.
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Dresses and Skirts
WHAT TO BUY:
- A-line shapes and wrap dresses will accentuate your natural curves.
- Sleeves will help balance your body.
- Hemlines that hit just above the knee, at the ankle or anywhere in between work best for this shape.
- If your dress isn't tapered or it's not hugging your body, belt your waist to create definition.
WHAT TO AVOID: Pleats, pockets at the hips, dropped-waist silhouettes or anything too tight through the hips and thighs.
