What to Wear: Dressing a petite figure
Ironically, this was the most difficult of all shapes for me to dress. You’d think that at 5ft 2″ I’d know all about this one but sometimes it’s most difficult to be objective about your own body! Many people assume that the biggest challenge for the petite is length - constant hemming is required. And indeed, a friendly tailor is a must-have.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. You see, petites have different proportion all over. The distance between the waist and crotch of a pant is smaller and the distance between shoulder and waist of a fitted jacket is smaller too. Petite clothes are not just shorter versions of regularly clothes; they’re tailored all over to fit a diminutive frame.
The worst thing a petite can do is wear clothes or patterns that overwhelm her body. Also, colour-blocking, which works so well for the tall figure, can make petites appear smaller. Instead, head-to-toe co-ordination will lengthen and streamline your silhouette.
For evening, take a cue from diminutive starlets like Natalie Portman and Audrey Tatou and go for shimmer and sparkle. This will also trick the eye into making you appear taller. And finally, heels are always a good way to actually add inches to your frame.
What to Wear: Dressing an apple-shape
We all have body-shape hang-ups. And while many of us want to shed 10lbs, or more, it’s rare that your fundamental body shape will change. So understanding the shape you have, and learning to dress that shape, is a key to flattering style, plus or minus that annoying 10 lbs.
The apple shape is perhaps the hardest to dress, because the waist lacks the definition that so many looks rely on. However, you have assets with shapely legs and a nice decolletage. So, draw attention to those areas and away from your midriff. Try a scoop or v-necked top to draw the eye upwards. And wear accessories around your neck.
You can also create the illusion of a waist by cinching in the area just below your bust (the thinnest part of all women’s bodies). Look for an A-line skirt or dress that will skim over your hips and create an illusion of an hourglass silhouette.
Avoid “tent-like” silhouettes. You may feel comfortable in those baggy tees and babydoll tops, but they’ll make you look like a sack of potatoes. Also, avoid anything that adds extra bulk to your midriff (pleated pants, embellished belts) and look for trouser-cut or wide-leg pants (not tapered or bootcut). For jeans, I also prefer a trouser style rather than a traditional jean.
Finally, examine, dissect and imitate the style of these famous apple-shapes: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liv Tyler and even Liz Hurley (yes, that’s a thin apple, but she’s an apple-shape nonetheless).
The dress shown here is by A.B.S.
What to Wear: Dressing a tall figure
Being a meagre 5ft 2″, I sometimes have a hard time sympathizing with my tall friends. But I’ve shopped enough with them to know how infuriating it can be. It’s just proof that every woman, no matter what her shape or size, faces a wardrobe challenge.
While I whine about having to get trousers hemmed, my tall friends often can’t find something long enough. And because of their height they sometimes feel like bright colours or bold patterns will make them appear huge and intimidating.
The upside of being tall is that you can carry clothes very well. While the petite struggles with pieces smothering her, the tall figure can carry off those more challenging shapes with panache. The key is to break up your seemingly endless torso and legs.
One way of going this is looking for separates with pleating, seaming and details like ruffles which slice up the ensemble. Layering is your secret best friend for this reason too. Another is through the use of pattern, which will break up your body and, if executed in a flowing fabric, will also soften your shape.
Above all, choose clothes that fit. You’ll look taller if your pants and sleeves are always too short. If you can’t find that perfect fit off the rack, make friends with a seamstress who will be able to work wonders altering some of your pieces to fit.
Finally, examine, dissect and imitate the style of these famous tall sisters: Uma Thurman, Brooke Shields and Gabrielle Reece.
(Dress shown by ABS, skirt by Coupe Fashions)
What to Wear: Dressing a full figure
The first instinct of many full-figured women is to cover up. Unfortunately, this is the worst thing you can do if you’re curvaceous. Not to say that you should show an inordinate amount of skin. But, you should not be afraid of fabrics that hug your torso or ensembles that show a modest amount of skin.
For inspiration, look to Queen Latifah, America’s next top model contestant Toccara Jones and of course, screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe. While it’s true that it can be hard to find fashion role models in Hollywood, there are many women out there rocking a full figure and there’s no reason you should not be one of them.
Okay, let’s look at the downside of the full-figure. Very often you have a good shape, even a classic hourglass figure. But sometimes, weight can accumulate in one zone, like the tummy, bum or saddlebags. If this is the case, check out the pear or apple-shaped posts and adapt that advice to your figure.
In general, the following are your best friends: A-line skirts (fitted at the waist, but skimming away from the body), empire waisted tops (which show off your boobs, create a waist but conceal your tummy). Wrap dresses, or dresses with ruching literally create optical illusions: you’ll look slimmer and your bumps will be disguised by the fabric folds.
Finally, we all know the value of dark colour, but don’t feel limited to black. Colour-blocking is a technique you should experiment with, finding those hues that really bring out your eyes and smile. Whenever I imagine Queen Latifah I think of her huge smile and sparkling eyes, and this is because she’s always styled in the best clothes for her complexion and impeccably made up.
Heels will give you height and posture that takes you to the next level (choose a wedge heel if you can’t handle a stiletto). And above all, strut your stuff, smile widely and be bold and bodacious!
