Though styles come and go, the most consistently admired silhouette is the hourglass. This is due to the pleasing symmetry where top and bottom echo one another across a narrowed waist. Some women are fortunate enough to be born to such a happy balance. The rest of us can achieve the appearance through clever clothing choices.
The first step is to determine whether the figure is top or bottom heavy. Examine the body in a mirror and see where the greater fullness sits. The use of a tape measure may help but is not necessary. Once the point of imbalance is determined follow the steps below to bring things into proportion.
How to Dress for a Top-heavy Figure
The first consideration for any women in clothing the top half of the body is proper bra fit. Many department stores have trained staff to aid in selecting the correct size. The right underpinnings can make a world of difference in the way clothing fits.
After the underpinnings have been taken care of, certain styles will exacerbate the top heavy figure. Those who fall into this category should stay away from the following choices:
- Shirt, Jacket and Blouse Styles to Avoid: Large, showy prints, shoulder pads, halter tops, turtlenecks, boat necks and bulky, heavily textured tops. All of these either draw attention to or emphasize the top half of the body instead of drawing the eye down in a smooth line.
- Trouser, Jeans, and Skirt Styles to Avoid: Straight or tapered skirts, leggings or pocketless pants. These choices either continue the line of the bust or emphasize the relative narrowness of the bottom half of the body instead of sloping smoothly outwards to define the waist and balance the width of the shoulders.
These styles will balance the figure and help create the hourglass shape.
- Shirt, Jacket and Blouse Styles to Try: Wrap tops, V-Necks and Sweetheart Necklines, Fitted Jackets. These give the bust its due while gently guiding the eye in to the waist, almost along the lines of an inverted triangle.
- Trouser, Jean and Skirt Styles to Try: Trousers or jeans with embellished pockets, A-line skirts and Boot-Cut pants. These either draw attention to the bottom half or draw the eye outward as it moves down. The shape to imagine here is the triangle on its base.
How to Dress for a Bottom-heavy Figure
There are certain styles that do not flatter the bottom heavy figure.
- Shirt, Jacket and Blouse Styles to Avoid: Hip-length shirts, tightly-fitted, halter tops, raglan sleeves. These choices will either broaden the hip while shortening the line of the legs or diminish or narrow the top half of the body.
- Trouser, Jean and Skirt Styles to Avoid: Prairie, long or full skirts, cargo pants, heavily textured or loudly patterned/colored skirts or pants. All these choices either add bulk or attract the attention to the bottom half of the figure.
These styles will balance the figure and help create the hourglass shape.
- Shirt, Jacket and Blouse Styles to Try: Structured tops, wide V-necks, boat necks and flutter or puff sleeves. All these choices balance the hip by calling attention to or adding bulk to the top half. (Again consider the inverted triangle.)
- Trouser, Jean and Skirt Styles to Try: Darker colors, A-line skirts, straight-leg or boot-cut pants. These all fall straight or away from the hip, thereby diminishing its size relative to the rest of the body and darker colors do not call attention to themselves. (Remember the triangle sitting on its base.)
These are basic guidelines. Each person should try various elements to discover which suit her the best. Take time and have fun!
Sources:
- Bayou, Bradley. The Science of Sexy. New York: Gotham, 2007. Print.
- Graver, Susan. It's a Fit: Dressing with Style, Comfort and Confidence. Mt. Kisco, NY: QVC Pub., 2000. Print.
- Kelly, Clinton, and Stacy London. Dress Your Best: the Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body. New York: Three Rivers, 2005. Print.
Molly Hardin - Molly has a love of learning that she channels into careful research and writing.
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