Dares for Your Shape

A few months back, we covered how to dress for your shape. Certain dresses and ensembles look best on specific body types because the accentuate certain curves or play down larger parts of the body. These styles are all about what catches the eye in a positive light. However, this is not to say certain articles of clothing are ever ruled out for a gal just because she has a pear shape or bigger breasts. This month, embrace your shape and dare to dress differently! Step out of your comfort zone. Here are some dares for your shape brought to you by Refinery 29. 

The Apple

Challenge: Ruching

Why it works: Skip pieces with all-over bunching or gathering that's directly on top of your largest measurement. When ruching is used minimally and lies on the bias, it can actually help whittle your middle. 

Botticelli Babe

Challenge: Oversized sweaters

Why it works: Larger-cut clothing can make you look boxy and bigger than you really are, but it's all about the right proportions. Keep your oversized sweater roomy, but not too tented. Pair it with a slim-fit pant, low booties, or pumps, or, to accentuate the curve of your waist, a thin accent belt. 

Boyish

Challenge: Shift dresses

Why it works: These kind of dresses won't exactly add Marilyn Monroe-like curves to your frame, but you can still stock up on these effortless wardrobe pieces. Go for options with colorblocking and graphics that will add dimension to your linear body. 

Busty

Challenge: Vests

Why it works: It can be quite difficult to find a vest that not only fits, but doesn't struggle to fasten over your largest measurement. However, a long, tailored vest is just the trick. Choose a larger cut that falls past your hips, and use it as a layering piece that can hang open over any chic ensemble.

Small Chest

Challenge: Deep V-necks

Why it works: You don't need tons of cleavage (or a push-up bra) to make a flowing, V-neck look as sexy as ever. And for the not so faint of heart, dare to choose an extra-deep plunging neckline — it's a risqué move that you can totally pull off. 

Hourglass

Challenge: Peplum

Why it works: Your shape has been blessed with the very same curves that peplum provides — a narrow waist and voluptuous hips. But this kind of top will only help emphasize what nature has already made possible. And, really, what's wrong with that?

The Pear

Challenge: Printed trousers

Why it works: Printed pants definitely have an eye-catching kind of effect. Don't shy away from it. Pick a print that's impactful, yet compact. It will have the same wow power but won't make you feel like your derriere is on display. 

Petite & Compact

Challenge: Ruffled

Why it works: Ah, ruffles. They can be the perfect accent, or they can straight up swallow you whole. Please go with the former for your small frame and look for understated, demure ridges that act as a sweet, not obnoxious, add-on. 

Short Legs

Challenge: Full, midi-skirts

Why it works: For most women, a midi-skirt falls about mid-calf, but that may not always be the case for you. Choose one that's high-waisted (perfect for your longer torso) and don a pair of your highest, super-femme heels (without ankle straps is best) to give a boost of height and lengthen your legs.

Short Torso

Challenge: Cropped jackets

Why it works: Despite what the measurements tell you, you can pair short (waist) and short (top) without actually stunting your height. The trick is all in the color combination. Choose a bold jacket and dark or monochrome pieces underneath, so you won't be able to tell where your waist begins or ends. It's all a wonderful illusion. 

There you have it ladies! Dare to be different and try some of the suggestions above for your body type.