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

24
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.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1305
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1167
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

861
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments