Pear Shape
• Narrow shoulders with a smaller bust
• Well-defined waist
• Lower body wider than your upper body
• Full hips and thighs
• Rounded bum
• Ratio for bust:waist:hips - 3:2:4
What to look for:
• V or U necklines
• High-waisted skirts
• A-Line dresses
• Cap sleeves
What to avoid:
• Bias-cut dresses
• Fishtail
• Embellishments on the hips and thighs
Rectangle/Column Shape
• Small to average bust
• Undefined waist
• Straight hips and bum
• Not many curves
• Aligned shoulders and hips
• Ratio for bust:waist:hips - 3:3:3
What to look for:
• Off the shoulder, scoop and rounded necklines
• Dresses with embellishments
• Bias-cut dresses
• A-line, pencil and tulip skirts
• Belted waists
What to avoid:
• Square necklines
• Two-pieces
• Drop waist dresses
• Straight dresses
Apple Shape
• Average to big bust
• Broad shoulders
• Fullness around the middle, less defined waist
• Narrow hips
• Good legs
• Ratio for bust:waist:hips - 4:4:3
What to look for:
• V and wide necklines
• Empire cut dresses
• A-line dresses
What to avoid:
• High-waisted dresses
• Heavy detailing and embellishments around the waist
• Bodycon dresses
• Tiered, ruffled and gathered skirts
Hourglass Shape
• Full bust
• Well-defined waist
• Proportionally balanced shoulders and hips
• Rounded bum
• Curvy body
• Ratio for bust:waist:hips - 4:2:4
What to look for:
• Scoop, sweetheart, halter and V necklines
• Waist defined dresses
• A-line, bodycon and pencil skirt dresses
• Belted dresses
What to avoid:
• High necklines
• Overly embellished dresses
• Empire cut dresses
• Top with volume-enhancing details such as ruffles and bows