Do you ever wonder what to wear (and what not to wear) if you have a pear shape figure? A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the five main body shapes – The Pear or otherwise known as the Triangle, the Banana or the Rectangle, the Hourglass, the Oval or the Diamond and, lastly, the Strawberry or the Inverted Triangle shape. Each week I’ll be getting more in depth with each of these body shapes. So, today, I’ll be sharing the What to Wear, and What Not to Wear in order to flatter the Pear Shape figure.
Remember, if you are pear shaped then you have narrow shoulders, a smaller bust, a defined waist, curvy hips, thicker thighs and a full rear. So, your upper body is more narrow than your lower half. With this body shape, you want to keep your proportions balanced by drawing the eye to your upper body and de-emphasizing your lower half. How do you do this exactly? You enhance your waistline and arms by adding either a focal point or volume to your shoulders and to your upper half. And, avoid clothing that draws attention to the hips and thighs.
So, let’s start with the most flattering style tops to wear:
For the Pear Shape figure, remember, you want to look for tops that have more visual interest and details so it draws the eye to the upper body. Style tops you want to have in your wardrobe include a boat neck, something ruffled, a cowl neck, wide V or a deep U-necklines. Sweetheart necklines are great for enhancing the bust area. Tops with ruched sleeves and sleeves with volume are great styles for the Pear Shape. Also, fitted tops that nip at the waist and finish just below the hip (but above the thigh) are flattering styles. Layering items such as a shrug that comes the bust, blazers that extend past the hips and long necklaces will all flatter the Pear Shape. Go for tops and jackets that have bold colors or prints or even embellishments on the shoulders, sleeves or necklines. But, do avoid over-sized, baggy tops, tops/jackets that finish right at the thigh, as well as crop tops and turtlenecks.
For the Pear Shape, go for bottoms that are slimming both by style and by color. Your skirts and pants should be darker in color than your tops but that does not mean that they have to be a dark color and they certainly don’t have to be black. Look for pants and skirts that zip on the side and that have either a tapered or a straight leg. The hem of your dresses and skirts should fall either just above or just below your knee. And, look for jeans that have a dark, solid wash. Keep the rise of your skirts and pants low to medium. If you are tucking in your top, a high-rise pant will actually enhance your lower half. And, avoid skinny pants, cargo pants, pants with loose or bulky pockets, and bottoms with pleating and puckering from elastic around your waist.
Lastly, have fun with pointed-toe shoes that are streamlined and not too clunky. Enjoy playing around with shoulder bags, statement jewelry, and scarves. If you would like more information about dressing the Pear Shape figure, please leave me a note below or feel free to message me directly. You can always watch the video on this segment here: Alexandra Styles.
xo,
Alexandra
