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We have all heard the common fashion rules: never mix black and navy, wear clothes appropriately for your age, avoid combining gold and silver jewelry, and always dress for your body shape. The last fashion rule, in particular, is ubiquitous. Whether scrolling through social media apps, flipping through a fashion magazine, or browsing brand websites, the body shape theory is a recurring theme in fashion advice.
The concept of the body shape theory is simple: based on measurements of the shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, every body falls into one of five body type categories namely hourglass, triangle, inverted triangle, oval, or rectangle. Once correctly categorized, individuals are then advised to follow clear recommendations to create a so-called “balanced” silhouette by either enhancing or concealing certain body features. Put differently, the proportions of the body are systematically analyzed to determine the necessary steps to attain this one, ideal body silhouette: feminine curves in both the upper and lower body, along with a well-defined waistline.
Taking a moment to reflect on this inhuman categorization process, it becomes evident that the body shape theory contradicts the body-positive mindset we all should embrace: every body is special, unique, and perfect as it is. Instead of celebrating individuality and body diversity, these guidelines often suggest that certain body shapes need to be “fixed” or balanced.
Yet, whether you are creating cute spring and summer date night outfits, styling the perfect temperature-related look, or figuring out what your style is and how to find it, the overarching theme of fashion is always to have fun. Hence, when considering the negative implications of the body shape theory, an important question arises: are “How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type” guides still relevant in 2025? This article seeks to answer the question in the following.
Indo Western Fashion — A Fusion of India and the West
Before exploring the body shape theory, we at STYLØR want to emphasize our conviction that every body is unique and perfect as it is, and does not need to be changed, fixed, or improved. If you celebrate body diversity like we do, Indo Western fashion is the perfect universe for you! In fact, no other country offers such a rich diversity of styles, colors, patterns, fits, and fabrics as India.
But what is Indo Western fashion? Indo Western fashion blends modern Western fashion with India’s rich culture and heritage. More precisely, Western silhouettes are combined with India’s unique colors and patterns, rich materials (e.g., Eri silk, linen, heirloom cotton), and centuries-old manufacturing techniques (e.g., hand-block printing, weaving, 3D hand embroidery). Learn more on our website.
There are five reasons to buy Indo Western fashion. First, every item is a unique masterpiece, incorporating centuries of Indian craftsmanship history and intricate manufacturing techniques rarely found in Western fashion. Second, the variety of styles offers something for everyone, ranging from minimalist elegance to bold patterns and vibrant colors. Third, many brands follow a made-to-order model, and thus significantly reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact. Moreover, many Indo Western fashion companies also strongly focus on social responsibility and give back by creating financial, educational, and livelihood opportunities for their local Indian communities and employees. Lastly, no matter where you are in the world, you can shop these stunning pieces online, as many Indo Western brands offer English-language websites, secure payment options like PayPal, and international shipping from India.
Hence, it is hardly surprising that more and more people around the world share their love for Indo Western fashion online, thus adding to the millions of Indo Western posts on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Co.
So, let us explore whether body shape guides can help you style your next Indo Western pieces and elevate your unique look!
How to Identify and Measure Your Body Shape and Type?
First and foremost, it is of utmost importance to clarify that your body shape is not determined by weight alone. Instead, it is predominantly influenced by your DNA, the arrangement of your bones, and the distribution of your muscles. Moreover, factors like working out, aging, and childbirth will naturally reshape the body over time. Correspondingly, although you might have a rectangular body shape right now, it does not mean that you will have it for the rest of your life.
So, how can you identify your body shape? The fastest and easiest method is to measure each body part using a measuring tape. In the process, please write down the numbers for later comparison of the proportions as well as determining your shape.
1. Shoulders: Start by wrapping the tape around the widest part of your shoulders. Make sure it is level and write down the number.
2. Bust: Now, measure around the fullest part of your chest without pulling the tape too tightly. Note down the number.
3. Waistline: Afterward, find the narrowest part of your waist, usually above the belly button, and measure snugly at this point. Write down the number.
4. Hips: Finally, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Note down this number as well.
5. Visit the Body Type Calculator Tool: Visit the Body Type Calculator Tool by Inch Calculator and input your numbers. Ensure that you select the correct unit of measurement, either inches (for the USA) or centimeters (for the rest of the world). The calculator will tell you what body shape you have.
Once you have the result, let us discuss the characteristics of each body type and the best clothing options for it in the following.
Five Body Shape Types
Overall, there are five different body shape types: hourglass, triangle, inverted triangle, oval, and rectangle. According to the body shape theory, these are general classifications. In reality, people can lean toward more than one body shape category.
1. Hourglass
Body Tendencies:
- Same width of shoulders and hips
- Natural balance between upper and lower body
- Defined waistline
- Curvy silhouette
- Even weight distribution across the body
Styling Strategy: Accentuate your natural curves, define your waistline, and maintain a natural balance between the upper and lower body — neither one should have more volume or width. Especially fitted styles are the perfect choice.
Colors: Brighter colors are great to highlight your shoulders, bust, and hips. Darker colors should be considered for the waistline to create more definition and emphasize your hourglass shape.
Outerwear: To highlight the hourglass shape, it is suggested to wear belted trench coats, fitted leather jackets, wrap coats, vests, bomber jackets, structured blazers, cropped jackets, tailored coats, single-breasted coats, belted cardigans, and waist-cinching puffer jackets.
Tops: Wrap tops, fitted button-down shirts, fitted-sleeve tops, peplum tops, v-neck tops, fitted sweaters, off-shoulder tops, scoop neck tops, belted tops, sleeveless tops, cropped tops, sweetheart neckline tops, fitted t-shirts, and tailored blouses are ideal choices to accentuate your natural curves and enhance your hourglass figure.
Bottoms: Opt for high-waisted pants, wide-leg pants, flared pants, tapered pants, A-line skirts, pencil skirts, straight-leg pants, slim jeans, culottes, mid-waisted pants, tailored shorts, bootcut pants, skinny jeans, peplum skirts, leggings, mid-rise jeans, high-rise jeans, loose shorts, flared skirts, and midi skirts to balance the upper and lower body.
One-Piece Outfits: Choices for hourglass body shapes include fitted dresses, wrap dresses, A-line dresses, sheath dresses, peplum dresses, belted jumpsuits, fit-and-flare dresses, mermaid dresses, trumpet dresses, bodycon dresses, tailored rompers, strapless jumpsuits, and midi dresses, all designed to highlight your curves and waist.
Accessories: Style your hourglass body type outfit with statement belts, layered necklaces, structured handbags, and bold earrings.
2. Triangle (Pear)
Body Tendencies:
- Slimmer upper body with narrower shoulders and bust than hips
- Curvy lower body with wider hips and thighs
- Defined waist and waistline
- Weight mainly distributed in the hips and thighs
Styling Strategy: Create volume, curves, and attention for your narrower upper body while concealing the broader lower body. To accomplish this, consider loose-fit tops that add volume to the shoulders and bust as well as bottoms that soften the appearance of the hips and legs. This creates a harmonious yet curvy silhouette.
Colors: Choose brighter colors on your upper body and darker colors on your lower body. This color contrast not only balances the proportions but also emphasizes the upper body while minimizing the appearance of the lower body.
Outerwear: Draped wrap coats, double-breasted coats, structured jackets, A-line coats, tailored blazers, cropped jackets, open-front cardigans, ponchos, vests, belted trench coats, peacoats, puffer jackets with waist cinch, cape coats, bomber jackets, and cocoon coats are the right outerwear choices for a triangle body type as they add volume to the upper body.
Tops: The body shape theory suggests that v-neck tops, ruffle tops, peplum tops, flowy blouses, oversized shirts, puff sleeve tops, boat neck tops, u-neck tops, tailored shirts, scoop neck tops, wrap tops, loose-fit sweaters, tunics, and off-shoulder tops are ideal pieces to create a balance between the upper and lower body. Yet, make sure that tops do not extend past the hips.
Bottoms: As bottoms, consider bootcut pants, high-waisted pants, A-line skirts, midi skirts, wide-leg pants, mid-waisted pants, flared skirts, leggings, cropped pants, high-rise jeans, tailored shorts, pleated skirts, mid-rise jeans, flared pants, and pencil skirts to harmonize the appearance of your legs and hips.
One-Piece Outfits: Common How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides recommend A-line dresses, midi dresses, peplum dresses, empire waist dresses, belted jumpsuits, sheath dresses, V-neck bodycon dresses, tailored rompers, shirt dresses, wrap dresses, strapless jumpsuits, as well as fit-and-flare dresses.
Accessories: For accessories, the best choices are statement necklaces, belts, structured handbags, patterned scarves, and statement earrings.
3. Inverted Triangle (Athletic)
Body Tendencies:
- Curvy upper body with shoulders and bust wider than the hips
- Slimmer lower body with narrower hips and thighs
- Defined or slightly undefined waist
- Weight mainly distributed in the upper body including the shoulders and bust
- Slim legs
Styling Strategy: Balance your broader upper body with your narrower lower body by adding volume to the hips and legs while minimizing the focus on the shoulders and bust. This approach creates a more proportionally balanced and symmetrical silhouette.
Colors: Opt for darker colors on your upper body (shoulders and bust) and brighter colors on your lower body (hips and legs).
Outerwear: According to common How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides, consider belted trench coats, open-front cardigans, straight blazers, draped wrap coats, longline coats, A-line coats, and single-breasted coats for an inverted triangle body shape.
Tops: To soften the appearance of the bust, shoulders, and arms, add v-neck tops, wrap tops, asymmetrical tops, fitted button-down shirts, scoop neck tops, sleeveless tops, fitted t-shirts, cropped tops, halter neck tops, fitted sweaters, A-line tops, and peplum tops to your outfit. Yet, make sure that tops end under the hips.
Bottoms: Add curves and volume to your lower body with A-line skirts, bootcut pants, flared pants, pencil skirts, pleated shorts, balloon skirts, baggy jeans, pleated skirts, boyfriend jeans, low-waisted pants, harem pants, tulip skirts, flared skirts, mid-waisted pants, circle skirts, cropped pants, cargo pants, midi skirts, and wide-leg pants.
One-Piece Outfits: To balance the upper and lower body, v-neck bodycon dresses, A-line dresses, peplum dresses, wrap dresses, belted rompers, empire waist dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, midi dresses, and wide-leg jumpsuits are the best choice.
Accessories: The body shape theory suggests completing your outfits with subtle necklaces, chunky bracelets, belts, and larger handbags in order to draw attention away from the upper body.
4. Oval (Round, Apple)
Body Tendencies:
- Wider bust
- Slimmer hips, thighs, shoulders, and arms
- Almost no defined waistline
- Top and midsection-heavy weight distribution
- Mostly a rounder and softer silhouette
Styling Strategy: Conceal the midsection by emphasizing the legs and arms, as well as accentuating the waistline. This helps to create a more balanced silhouette.
Colors: Use brighter colors on your shoulders, arms, as well as lower body, and darker colors around your midsection and waist.
Outerwear: To highlight the arms, legs, and waist, opt for longline cardigans, tailored blazers, structured jackets, single-breasted coats, draped wrap coats, open-front cardigans, A-line coats, peacoats with a defined waist, puffer jackets with waist cinch, and belted trench coats.
Tops: For an Apple body shape, the recommended top styles include v-neck tops, scoop neck tops, tailored shirts, flowy blouses, boat neck tops, short-sleeve tops, tunics, empire waist tops, off-shoulder tops, and wrap tops. Ensure that the tops end under the hips.
Bottoms: Consider bootcut pants, mid-rise jeans, wide-leg pants, peplum skirts, low-waisted pants, A-line skirts, cargo pants, mid-waisted pants, asymmetric skirts, cropped pants, straight-leg pants, boyfriend jeans, flared pants, low-rise jeans, and pencil skirts according to common How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides.
One-Piece Outfits: A-line dresses, wrap dresses, peplum dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, belted rompers, wide-leg jumpsuits, shift dresses, tunic dresses, maxi dresses with a defined waist, empire waist dresses, sheath dresses, and V-neck bodycon dresses are great options to create a defined waistline and balanced silhouette for an Apple body shape.
Accessories: Moreover, it is recommended to accessorize the outfit with statement necklaces, structured handbags, scarves, long pendant necklaces, and chunky bracelets to draw attention to the legs, shoulders, and arms while balancing proportions.
5. Rectangle (Straight)
Body Tendencies:
- Bust, waist, and hips equally wide
- Little to no defined waistline
- Straight silhouette with minimal curves
- Even weight distribution across the body
- Often lean or athletic build, sometimes taller in stature
Styling Strategy: Conceal the rectangle body shape and create a curvy silhouette by emphasizing the waist. Either add volume to the bust, shoulders, and hips or define the waist for a curvier look with tailored pieces. Yet, ensure that the upper and lower body are balanced.
Colors: To create curves, wear darker colors around your waist as well as brighter colors on your upper and lower body. An alternative are brighter or darker stripes on the side to create an hourglass silhouette.
Outerwear: According to How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides, choose outerwear pieces that add volume and structure to the upper body as well as cinch the waist, such as double-breasted blazers, trench coats, cropped jackets, biker jackets, ponchos, vests, structured cardigans, bomber jacket, belted jackets, peacoats, cropped jackets, tailored coats, puffer jackets with a waist cinch, and cape-style coats.
Tops: Create a waistline as well as add volume to the bust and shoulders with off-shoulder tops, wrap tops, v-neck tops, peplum tops, sweetheart neckline tops, button-down shirts, scoop neck tops, ruffle tops, puffer sleeve tops, and relaxed-fit sweaters. Focus on styles that end below the waistline.
Bottoms: Bootcut pants, wide-leg pants, slim jeans, high-rise jeans, layered skirts, flared pants, A-line skirts, pleated skirts, high-waisted pants, flared skirts, culottes, straight pants, mom jeans, harem pants, cargo pants, peplum skirts, tailored shorts, pencil skirts, skinny jeans, and cropped pants are the right choice to create a rounded silhouette.
One-Piece Outfits: To create curves, give the body more shape, and define the waist, A-line dresses, peplum dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, wrap dresses, sheath dresses, shirt dresses with waist definition, belted jumpsuits, trumpet dresses, empire waist dresses, bodycon dresses with waist shaping, wide-leg jumpsuits, and tailored rompers are recommended by the body shape guides.
Accessories: Style your outfits with belts, statement necklaces, scarves, large earrings, waist-cinching belts, chunky bracelets, and structured handbags to highlight your bust, shoulders, and waistline, creating a more defined silhouette.
Are How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides Still Relevant in 2025?
The overarching question of this article was, “How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides: Still Relevant in 2025?” After discussing the body measuring process, the characteristics of each body type, and their recommended styles, the answer is: not really. While these guides can help you select pieces that fit a little better, build a wardrobe that complements your shape, and make shopping more strategic, we must question ourselves: Is fashion really about efficiency and strategy?
There is a great quote by Anuschka Rees¹:
“The concept of dressing for your body type feeds into the idea that looking slim and attractive according to today’s societal ideals is much more important than wearing clothes you personally like, self-expression, and having fun with fashion.”
She is absolutely right. These guides promote a single, idealized body shape — namely feminine curves with a well-defined waist — while suggesting that other features should be hidden. This mindset is harmful, as it leads people to view their bodies as collections of flaws instead of recognizing their uniqueness and perfection.
Moreover, body types are diverse and do not fit neatly into rigid categories. And also, what if we dislike the suggested styles? Should we wear them just to appear “balanced”? The price of following these so-called “rules” is too high.
Fashion should be fun, experimental, and personal. We should wear what we want, regardless of what others think. Moreover, fashion is a journey toward finding our personal style and expressing our identity to the world. Regardless which fashion aesthetics you like, wear it. Fashion is not a checklist of do’s and don’ts.
In conclusion, instead of strictly following How to Dress for Your Body Shape and Type Guides, we should use them rather as a starting point to understand our bodies and explore our styles. Ultimately, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel good, no matter what anyone else thinks.
References
¹ Rees, Anuschka. “Why I don’t believe in dressing for my body type.” https://anuschkarees.com/blog/2015/03/25/why-i-dont-believe-in-dressing-for-my-body-type (accessed March 06, 2025).
