Working with what you've got | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Working with what you've got

Piecing together a perfect outfit for every body shape

29
Working with what you've got
The Jeans Blog

In today’s day in age there is so much pressure on changing yourself. New products or trends are always being released into the market to alter who you are and your appearance. The clothing industry has unknowingly tailored its products to a very small audience. Many women find it hard to go shopping because many clothing stores do not appeal to different body types, thus making many clothes unflattering. This discourages many women, which leads them to give up fashion all together, deeming it impossible to look chic unless they have a certain body type.

To that I say bah humbug. Though it may not be easy, you just have to work with what you’ve got.

For pear body shapes:

It’s all about bringing the eyes upwards. Wear tops that call attention to your upper half/shoulder area. Tops with ruffles or fancy collars work great. Even just the neckline of your shirt can enhance the entire look. By going for a scoop neck or sweetheart neckline, you give the illusion of broader shoulders which balances out the lower half. You can even use accessories to do the trick. Big chunky necklaces keeps the focus upwards instead of downwards. For bottoms, keep the pant legs wide. This way, your curves will still be emphasized in the right places. A-line skirts are your best friends and will hug all of the right curves and smooth out the not so favorite curves.

For apple body shapes:

The illusion with this boy shape is distracting from the middle area. For tops, stay away from anything super tight, this will only enhance the middle area. If anything, keep the necklines lower as opposed to higher. Higher necklines broaden the shoulders and torso creating an even wider effect. V necklines are your best friend. Pair it with a great blazer for a great slimming effect. For bottoms, show off your legs! Go for higher waited pants to keep from creating the dreaded muffin top. Keep the shoes short so you can have that much more leg showing, thus elongating the legs.

For fuller bust body shapes:

This one hits me on a personal level. I can’t begin to explain how frustrating it is to go shopping for clothes I like and have them look cute on the mannequin but when I try it on it looks awful. The main goal here is to balance out the bust by enhancing the lower half and minimizing the top half. Aim for shirts with larger straps. This will give the illusion of a smaller top half. Keep the neckline low or a V. Any kind of ruffles or extra texture on top will only give the look of even larger chest. Another good trick is drawing the eye to the slimmest part, aka the waist. Dresses, such as wrap dresses, that cinch at the waist will create a smooth hourglass looking figure.

It’s not about changing yourself, it’s about dressing for what you were given. There’s no need to give up because certain clothes don’t look as flattering. Style your body appropriately and you can feel chic no matter what size.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

614946
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

506683
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments