Woman, Here’s How to Dress and Shop for Your Shape
This isn't going to be a post about the "right" things to wear for different body shapes. Dressing for your shape is much more than that. And it starts with your mindset.
First things first… whatever you’re feeling about your wardrobe or body right now – you’re not alone.
Does this sound familiar?
You don’t have clothes that fit your body and are also comfortable to wear.
Shopping is overwhelming and exhausting. You don't really know how to easily get good clothes that fit you well. You just want to order something and know it will work!
You don't wear certain things because of some self-consciousness.
You have tons of clothes but no outfits because you never know what matches or how to replicate outfits and have them look the way you want.
You wear the same thing over and over because they are the only thing that feels good on.
Yes? Join! The! Freaking! Club!
Let's dive into how you can turn your closet into a treasure trove of feel-good, look-great outfits, no matter if you have more curves than corners or are straighter than a pencil.
Dress for Success (And Your Shape!)
Let's talk about women’s body shapes.
Whether you're rocking curves that could give the Kardashians or Aidy Bryant a run for their money, or you're on the petite side with aspirations of supermodel height, there's a style strategy just for you.
It's all about celebrating (and working with) your silhouette, not hiding it.
It depends on your style and personal preferences, but in the end, it's all about creating a look that you feel good in.
The Shopping Strategy Saga
Venturing into the wild world of shopping without a game plan is like going to the grocery store hungry—you'll end up with a bunch of stuff you don't need and the missing ingredient you went in for.
Before you brave the stores or the endless scroll online, make a list of what your wardrobe is begging for. If you aren't sure what you need? Edit your closet first - snag my stylist guide to edit a closet in minutes a day!
Collect 5-10 images that inspire you of the style you want!
Browse through magazines, blogs, social media, or snapshots of your friends.
Even movies and TV shows can be great resources for inspiration.
Pin or save the images to a board or folder!
Embrace Your Style and Create a Wardrobe You Love
Crafting a wardrobe that screams "you" starts with a little soul-searching.
What lights you up creatively?
What colors make you feel pretty?
What fabrics call out to you to touch them?
What fits make you feel great about yourself?
These are the foundations of your personal style—your fashion fingerprint, if you will.
Take a look at the below images.
If you were to describe these outfits quickly, they may not sound so different -
a coat over a dress
a jacket over a jumpsuit
a coat over a matching top and pants
a jacket over shorts
But look at those colors! And textures and fits! You would never think they look anything with the same description.
Take a good look at your current fashion favorites—these pieces are your style pillars.
They're the clues to what works best for you. Great style isn't about chasing trends; it's about building a wardrobe that you'll love season after season.
Thick, more structured fabrics may make you feel supported and strong. Their tailoring can be elongating and more conservative or architectural.
Thin, clingy fabrics may make you feel breezy and sexy. Their ethereal flow may be more revealing or create shapes that allude but don't show.
Sparkly options may help you create an effect that distracts from your less favorite features. They may also attract playful attention and feel jazzy or fun.
Another way to help you make a splash and an impression? Using exposed skin thoughtfully as another part of your outfit.
Playing with Proportions and Making More Outfits
Playing with proportions is a key trick in creating outfits that are visually interesting and flattering.
One of my favorite guidelines is the 2/3rd rule – and it could change your life!
This rule suggests that dividing your outfit into thirds, rather than halves, creates a more dynamic look.
For example, wearing a top that covers two-thirds of your body and bottoms that cover one-third can be more visually appealing to you than dividing your body in half with a belt at the waist.
Applying this rule can help in modifying the perception of your body's proportions - both length and width. Can you see how the women above have used proportions and clothing to create different shapes?
For those who want to appear taller, wearing pants that cover two-thirds of your leg length and a shorter top can give the illusion of longer legs. Then paired with a high heel you've got gams for days.
On the opposite, a longer top over shorter bottoms can work well for those looking to minimize the length of their legs. This also works well when you're trying to confidently pull off a new style or trend.
It's honestly magic!
This rule is not absolute, but it's a helpful starting point for experimenting with proportions in your outfits. Play around with different combinations to see what looks and feels best for you.
Your Body is Your Bestie
Treat your body like the masterpiece it is. Highlight your favorite features and dress with confidence. Remember, the best accessory you can wear is a confident smile (cheesy, but true). And don’t be afraid to look for things that you feel flatter you. Some things fit in a way that you love and appreciate your body in.
Some things actually flatter you.
(Guess who decides what those things are? YOU!)
Somewhere along the way, “flatter” became a bad word – but it’s not! When something flatters you, it means it makes you feel good. And that’s the point!
Challenge the 'Body Shape' Myths
Forget what you've been told about what you "should" and "shouldn't" wear. If you love it, wear it. It's all about how you style it and, more importantly, how it makes you feel. The rules are your to follow or not to follow.
Lean into what feels good.
Celebrate your unique shape by choosing pieces that flatter you in a way that makes you feel fantastic. And don’t forget about tailoring your clothes for that perfect fit—it's a game-changer.
(Wearing something baggy to cover what makes you unhappy isn’t the long-term solution you think it is.)
Check out the example below of a woman with a short waist.
Rather than seeing something like "a short waist" as a problem to be solved, think of it as a unique part of you that can inspire creative clothing choices that work for your body in particular.
You + Your Clothes = <3
Creating a wardrobe that works wonders is about building a relationship with your clothes.
Think of it as curating your personal art collection. Each piece should make you feel like the masterpiece you are.
Here's the ultimate style secret: wear what makes you happy. It's not about the price tag or the brand; it's about how you feel when you put it on. If you're beaming with confidence, you're doing it right.
Your Wardrobe, Your Rules
Remember that your wardrobe is a reflection of your journey, your personality, and your unique brand of fabulous.
Keep evolving, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep enjoying every step of the fashion journey.
And if you ever find yourself in a style rut, Let's Get You styling can help you looking and feeling your absolute best.
For a personalized styling experience that will get you 30+ head-to-toe looks to wear for years to come, book a call with Let's Get You, and let's bring out your magic together!
