When was the last time you opened your closet and felt confident about your wardrobe? I’m talking about the kind of confidence where you don’t have to second guess your selection or tussle with insecurities, tugging on this and pulling on that, wondering if you’ll get whispers and side-eyes from the rest of the world. Even worse—uploaded to someone’s TikTok and shamed by millions for your horrible taste in fashion! (Chill, It’s just a store run.) Here’s how to embrace your shape and feel more confident in a style of your own.
Dress to Impress…Yourself
Imagine how liberating it would feel to not worry about whether or not others would approve or critique your fashion choices. That’s the beauty of being authentic.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be up on the latest fashions, but these trends come and go faster than a celebrity romance. What do you like, and do you feel good in it? Ditch the need to satisfy everyone else, and you’ll feel empowered.
Be a Know Body
Life sometimes feels like a fashion show, where only those who fit into specific molds are deemed worthy of the runway. But a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approach has never worked for you—and that’s perfectly fine since you aren’t a mannequin.
When it comes to dressing your best, there’s a simple rule: dress for your body, not against it. It’s important to know your body type so that you’re complimenting every curve and every angle.
Some of us have our grandma’s legs and our daddy’s torso. *raises hand* Embrace your body, whether you’re tall, petite, curvy, or somewhere in between.
Express yourself by experimenting with colors and fabrics that compliment your figure and skin tone. Identify your favorite features, because these are the ones you’ll want to accentuate.
Here are some tips on choosing pieces that flatter and enhance various body types:
Petite
- Vertical lines: Choose clothing with vertical stripes or seams to elongate your silhouette.
- High-waisted bottoms: They create the illusion of longer legs.
Hourglass
- Highlight your waist: Opt for fitted dresses, belted tops, and high-waisted bottoms to emphasize your narrow waist.
- Choose form-fitting styles: Dresses and tops that hug your curves will showcase your figure beautifully.
- V-necklines: They draw attention to your balanced bust and hips.
RELATED: 4 Sustainable Clothing Brands You Should Try
Pear-Shaped
- A-line skirts and dresses: They balance your proportions by highlighting your waist while skimming over your hips and thighs.
- Dark-colored bottoms: Dark shades on the bottom half can minimize the appearance of your hips.
- Highlight your upper body: Draw attention to your shoulders and bust with statement necklaces, off-the-shoulder tops, or patterns on your upper body.
Apple-Shaped
- Empire waistlines: Dresses and tops with empire waistlines create a flattering flow, accentuating your bust while