Dress to Impress: How to Make the Most of Your Body Type
Do you dress to cover your perceived flaws, or to flatter your shape?
Kate Dimmock, the fashion director of PeopleStyleWatch, visited “Good Morning America” today to show you how to dress to make the most of your body type.
Whether you’re curvy, busty, boyish or plus-sized, Dimmock’s advice can help you look your best.
Body Type: Curvy
The key to looking your best is to show off your natural hourglass figure. For example, a silky blouse that isn’t too clingy will flatter your bust. Pair it with a knee-length pencil skirt to flatter your waist – without emphasizing your hips.
Items in the Look
H&M purple top, $34.95; at H&M
Boundary & Co. Pencil skirt, $59; piperlime.com
Calvin Klein "Symone" sandal, $89.99; piperlime.com
R.J. Graziano bracelets, $45 each
Wildlife by Heidi Klum pave teardrop earrings, $64; qvc.com
Body Type: Boyish
The goal is to create the illusion of curves. Create the appearance of a slimmer mid-section with waist-defining cuts such as peplum. Pair this with skinny and slightly higher rise jeans to create the hourglass-figure illusion.
Items in the Look
Top Shop red peplum top, $60; at Top Shop
Arden B. skinny jean, $79; ardenb.com
Ivanka Trump cap toe pump, $135; piperlime.com
All The Rage Online spiked necklace, $30; alltherageonline.com
Body Type: Busty
The goal is to de-emphasize the bust – without trying to hide it. Flatter your top half with tops that are roomy with draping. Pair it with a tailored blazer and pants in lighter shades to visually narrow your upper body.
Items in the Look
Top Shop Blazer; $130; at Top Shop
Tinely Road bow tank, $39; piperlime.com
Forever 21 pants, $22.80; forever21.com
Lulus spiked pump, $49; lulus.com
Body Type: Plus-Size
The key is to streamline your silhouette with figure-flattering seams. Choose a dress with waist-defining embellishments (such as belts and seaming) in bright colors, in order to play up the parts of your body that you want to enhance.
Items in the Look
Loft ponte sheath dress, $89.50; at Loft
Lulus cap toe pump, $79; lulus.com
R.J. Graziano chunky bracelet, $45