Newsflash: One size never fits all.
If you have a wardrobe full yet nothing to wear, don't blame it on your body type. Knowing how to dress for your body type and your shape can make selecting an outfit that little bit easier.
Confidence dressing
Confidence - if you have it, you can make anything look good.
When you dress the body type you have, you create the body you love. Our handy guide helps you dress your body shape and play up your favourite features with styles you have (or should have) in your closet. But first things first, do you know your body shape?
What is my body shape?
There are several ways to define your body shape, and while we may all be familiar with the fruit box of body types, avoid describing yourself as an apple or a pear. Our bodies are all different shapes and sizes. The problem with defining your body type is that it doesn’t take into consideration any other body proportions, let alone someone’s height.
Instead, look and understand your body. Are your shoulders wider than your hips? Do you have enviable long legs? Are you blessed with a narrow waist?
What clothes suit my shape?
It is all about balance.
If you have wider shoulders, you want to create the illusion of wider hips. A-line skirts, fit and flare dresses, wide-leg pants, pleated skirts, horizontal stripes, and lighter colours on the lower body will all add width to the lower body, creating balance with the shoulders.
If you have shorter legs, opt for dresses with waist seams or trousers and skirts with higher waistlines. Wearing heels (even low ones) will also help create the long legs you’ve been dreaming of.
A bigger tummy is something we all fret about. While it can be a challenging area to balance, the key is to create the illusion of a bigger bust, to distract from the stomach. There are all the obvious choices, like push-up bras and suck-in knickers. Still, other considerations are plunging necklines, statement necklaces, scarves, patterns, wrap-around tops and dresses, batwing tops and anything that draws the eye up.
And if the above still has you wanting more, there are a few non-negotiables when dressing for your shape and feeling great. Rather than thinking about what you don’t like about your body, think about what you do like. Ensure these body parts are accentuated, highlighted, and on show.
Despite what the fashion mags say, not every trend is for everybody. Trends come and go, but just because it's ‘on trend’, it doesn’t mean it’s the right trend for you
The lowdown on underwear
Don’t underestimate your bra and knickers! Good underwear does a great job of lifting, sucking and smoothing: don’t be afraid to wear shapewear to achieve the perfect fit, whatever the occasion (and not just for ‘special’ occasions).
Jeans for the perfect fit
There's nothing quite like a good pair of jeans. Whether you're running errands or meeting friends for a late-night bite, jeans have become a staple in our capsule wardrobe. But if scouring the store for the perfect jeans fills you with fear, understand the different types of rise and fit.
Find your rise
If you want to show off your curves, low-rise jeans are a great option. Just make sure they fit snugly at your hips.
The most figure-friendly rise out there, the mid-rise is comfortable for all body types, and a bit of a secret weapon if you want a little more structure around the midsection. A great go-to, they are compatible with just about any top length.
Often viewed as ‘retro’, the high rise is a classic. The perfect style for cropped tops and tuck-ins. Effortlessly accentuating the waist, all body types love this fit.
Find your fit
From classic to trendy, fit is a great way to express your unique personal style. There’s no one answer here, and we love to mix it up.
Like flares, there are varying degrees of boyfriend jeans. For a dressier look, pair with a blazer and heels. Jeans that have a looser fit typically pair well with fitted tops. If you’re looking for the perfect fit, look for denim with lots of stretch, to give you that ultra-laid-back look.
Straight-leg jeans are the more laid-back, less body-conscious cousin of the skinny jean. For a classic look, think Audrey Hepburn circa 1958 with straight-leg jeans with simple ballet pumps and a tailored striped shirt.
A modern take on their wild-child cousin from the 60s. Bootcut jeans have major wearability—which is why they keep coming back. Wear them with easy flats and boots alike, their ultra-universal silhouette makes it hard to choose.
There are flares, and there are flares. Flared jeans, by their very nature, run long. Look for the inseam that’s right for you, then choose your heel height accordingly. Play with proportion and wear an oversized top for that ‘70s vibe or go ultra-fitted to show off your waist.
Despite the name, skinny jeans have nothing to do with your figure. In fact, thanks to stretch denim, everyone should have a pair of skinny jeans in their closet. Whether you’re curvy, straight or petite, play with the volume on top to create balance.
Dresses with the most flattering fit
Flattering dresses aren't the easiest to find, especially without trying them on first. As a general rule of thumb, any dress that nips in at the smallest part of your figure (i.e. your waist) and doesn't cling to your stomach is going to be complementary.
Kate Middleton's go-to dress of choice. Wrap dresses are key and flattering to most (if not all) body shapes. They fit and flatter your bust while skimming over your middle.
Small and fitted at the top, then wider at the hem, a-line dresses are great for easy breezy dressing. They are a throw-on-and-go favourite and complement those with wider hips.
The gathered detailing and soft drape of ruched dresses create a flattering look and give the illusion of a narrower waistline (if that's something you want!).
Similarly, panelled dresses provide that ‘nipped-in’ appearance, lending an hourglass effect.
Ditch the solution wear altogether and go straight for the dresses that do it for you with form-fitting fabrics like jacquard and spandex.
Fenwick personal shoppers
Knowing how to dress for your body type has a tremendous impact on how you look. But dressing for body type isn’t always intuitive. Some people can learn themselves, while others need the helping hand of style experts. With years of experience, our personal shoppers will gently coax you from your comfort zone to discover new designers and styles that will accentuate your figure, leaving you feeling fabulous.
Confidence dressing
Confidence - if you have it, you can make anything look good.
When you dress the body type you have, you create the body you love. Our handy guide helps you dress your body shape and play up your favourite features with styles you have (or should have) in your closet. But first things first, do you know your body shape?
What is my body shape?
There are several ways to define your body shape, and while we may all be familiar with the fruit box of body types, avoid describing yourself as an apple or a pear. Our bodies are all different shapes and sizes. The problem with defining your body type is that it doesn’t take into consideration any other body proportions, let alone someone’s height.
Instead, look and understand your body. Are your shoulders wider than your hips? Do you have enviable long legs? Are you blessed with a narrow waist?
What clothes suit my shape?
It is all about balance.
If you have wider shoulders, you want to create the illusion of wider hips. A-line skirts, fit and flare dresses, wide-leg pants, pleated skirts, horizontal stripes, and lighter colours on the lower body will all add width to the lower body, creating balance with the shoulders.
If you have shorter legs, opt for dresses with waist seams or trousers and skirts with higher waistlines. Wearing heels (even low ones) will also help create the long legs you’ve been dreaming of.
A bigger tummy is something we all fret about. While it can be a challenging area to balance, the key is to create the illusion of a bigger bust, to distract from the stomach. There are all the obvious choices, like push-up bras and suck-in knickers. Still, other considerations are plunging necklines, statement necklaces, scarves, patterns, wrap-around tops and dresses, batwing tops and anything that draws the eye up.
And if the above still has you wanting more, there are a few non-negotiables when dressing for your shape and feeling great. Rather than thinking about what you don’t like about your body, think about what you do like. Ensure these body parts are accentuated, highlighted, and on show.
Despite what the fashion mags say, not every trend is for everybody. Trends come and go, but just because it's ‘on trend’, it doesn’t mean it’s the right trend for you
The lowdown on underwear
Don’t underestimate your bra and knickers! Good underwear does a great job of lifting, sucking and smoothing: don’t be afraid to wear shapewear to achieve the perfect fit, whatever the occasion (and not just for ‘special’ occasions).
Jeans for the perfect fit
There's nothing quite like a good pair of jeans. Whether you're running errands or meeting friends for a late-night bite, jeans have become a staple in our capsule wardrobe. But if scouring the store for the perfect jeans fills you with fear, understand the different types of rise and fit.
Find your rise
If you want to show off your curves, low-rise jeans are a great option. Just make sure they fit snugly at your hips.
The most figure-friendly rise out there, the mid-rise is comfortable for all body types, and a bit of a secret weapon if you want a little more structure around the midsection. A great go-to, they are compatible with just about any top length.
Often viewed as ‘retro’, the high rise is a classic. The perfect style for cropped tops and tuck-ins. Effortlessly accentuating the waist, all body types love this fit.
Find your fit
From classic to trendy, fit is a great way to express your unique personal style. There’s no one answer here, and we love to mix it up.
Like flares, there are varying degrees of boyfriend jeans. For a dressier look, pair with a blazer and heels. Jeans that have a looser fit typically pair well with fitted tops. If you’re looking for the perfect fit, look for denim with lots of stretch, to give you that ultra-laid-back look.
Straight-leg jeans are the more laid-back, less body-conscious cousin of the skinny jean. For a classic look, think Audrey Hepburn circa 1958 with straight-leg jeans with simple ballet pumps and a tailored striped shirt.
A modern take on their wild-child cousin from the 60s. Bootcut jeans have major wearability—which is why they keep coming back. Wear them with easy flats and boots alike, their ultra-universal silhouette makes it hard to choose.
There are flares, and there are flares. Flared jeans, by their very nature, run long. Look for the inseam that’s right for you, then choose your heel height accordingly. Play with proportion and wear an oversized top for that ‘70s vibe or go ultra-fitted to show off your waist.
Despite the name, skinny jeans have nothing to do with your figure. In fact, thanks to stretch denim, everyone should have a pair of skinny jeans in their closet. Whether you’re curvy, straight or petite, play with the volume on top to create balance.
Dresses with the most flattering fit
Flattering dresses aren't the easiest to find, especially without trying them on first. As a general rule of thumb, any dress that nips in at the smallest part of your figure (i.e. your waist) and doesn't cling to your stomach is going to be complementary.
Kate Middleton's go-to dress of choice. Wrap dresses are key and flattering to most (if not all) body shapes. They fit and flatter your bust while skimming over your middle.
Small and fitted at the top, then wider at the hem, a-line dresses are great for easy breezy dressing. They are a throw-on-and-go favourite and complement those with wider hips.
The gathered detailing and soft drape of ruched dresses create a flattering look and give the illusion of a narrower waistline (if that's something you want!).
Similarly, panelled dresses provide that ‘nipped-in’ appearance, lending an hourglass effect.
Ditch the solution wear altogether and go straight for the dresses that do it for you with form-fitting fabrics like jacquard and spandex.
Fenwick personal shoppers
Knowing how to dress for your body type has a tremendous impact on how you look. But dressing for body type isn’t always intuitive. Some people can learn themselves, while others need the helping hand of style experts. With years of experience, our personal shoppers will gently coax you from your comfort zone to discover new designers and styles that will accentuate your figure, leaving you feeling fabulous.