Be style savvy, decode your body type for a flawless look

We have all heard the term ‘fashion’. But do we really know and understand what the word means? Fashion refers to the prevailing style or trend in clothing, accessories, footwear, and other personal adornments that are popular within a particular time period and culture. It encompasses a wide range of aspects, including clothing designs, colours, fabrics, patterns, and accessories, as well as hairstyles, makeup, and overall aesthetic choices. It is a form of self-expression and plays a significant role in how individuals present themselves to the world.

It is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon that influences and reflects the way we dress and present ourselves, and it plays a significant role in our culture, economy, and personal expression. Fashion is all about embracing and celebrating your unique body type. Different body types have different proportions, and it’s important to dress in a way that enhances your best features and flatters your figure.

In general, there are five body types

Pear-shaped body: Your hips are wider than your shoulders. The key is to balance your proportions by drawing attention to your upper body. Opt for tops with interesting necklines, patterns, or embellishments.

Apple-shaped body: Bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, with a larger bust and narrower hips. The goal is to create a more defined waistline and draw attention away from the midsection.

Hourglass-shaped body: Your bust and hips are well-balanced, with a defined waistline.

Rectangle-shaped body: A fairly straight silhouette, with similar measurements for the bust, waist, and hips.

Inverted triangle-shaped body: Bodies have broad shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. The aim is to create balance by drawing attention away from the shoulders and emphasizing the lower body.

According to Saloni Kohli, a fashion and celebrity stylist who has worked with celebrities like Kiara Advani, Raj Kumar Rao, Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani, and Kangana Ranaut, the key consideration when it comes to being in trend is to first correctly identify the body type and accentuate one’s best body features, such as the neck, waist, and legs.

“It is also important to choose garments that make you feel confident and are comfortable to wear. For example, a petite person should wear short dresses that are cinched at the waist to enhance the legs. Wearing monochromatic colours gives the illusion of a tall figure. Style tip: Always opt for small bags — clutch and tote bags — and avoid oversized bags,” said Kohli, who is an alumna of Apeejay School, Noida, and has previously worked with magazines like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, and Brides Today.

Those who are tall can opt for peplum tops paired with mini-skirts or empire waist dresses. Kohli also said that they can wear a slim-fitted dress that is above knee length in order to embrace their height.

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It is also important to choose garments that make you feel confident and are comfortable to wear. Baggy and oversized silhouettes must be avoided by individuals with an hourglass body type

–Saloni Kohli, a fashion and celebrity stylist & Alumna of Apeejay School, Noida

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Fashion faux pas to avoid

“Baggy and oversized silhouettes must be avoided by individuals with an hourglass body type. Structured and tailored pieces are best suited for people to flaunt their curvaceous bodies,” advised Kohli.

She added that today, almost all brands are trying to be size inclusive and cater to all kinds of body types — from petite to plus-size bodies. “Some of my favorite homegrown brands are House of Her (size up to 5XL), Angrakhaa Indian (size up to 6XL), and Mai Tai. Unfortunately, the challenge that people face is finding the right brand that caters to their specific body type. The lack of basic awareness on how to elevate the basics and build an outfit around it is an issue that most individuals face,” opined Kohli.

A few tried and tested combinations that work well for a pear body type would be to wear big, bold prints and bright-coloured tops as they accentuate lean shoulders. “Darker shades in terms of bottom wear give the illusion of slimmer hips,” advised Kohli.

While there are no strict colour specifications for different body types, certain colours can complement and enhance different features.

Apple-shaped body: Use darker colours strategically to create a slimming effect around the midsection. Incorporate brighter or lighter colours in areas you want to highlight like legs or neckline.

Hourglass-shaped body: Embrace a variety of colours that suit your skin tone and personal style. Experiment with both light and dark shades to highlight different areas of your body.

Rectangle-shaped body: Wear colours that add dimension and create curves. Use colours strategically to create the illusion of a more defined waistline.

Inverted triangle-shaped body: Choose darker or neutral colours for tops to minimise the appearance of broad shoulders. Experiment with different hues to create balance and harmony in your overall look.