The problem
So I’m pear, or triangle-shaped, and I still don’t really know exactly how to dress for my figure.
I’ve got wider hips, bum and thighs that I’m self-conscious about, but small boobs and a small-ish waist.
I feel like being short just emphasises my bottom-heaviness. How do I look slimmer and more in proportion?
Our advice
Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think. Dressing when you’re pear-shaped simply means balancing everything out. In other words, emphasising your top half, showing your waist, and minimising your bottom half.
We’ve got lots of tips to cram into this one – really hope you find them helpful.
Celebrities with your body shape
(from L-R: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Winslet, Beyonce, Rachel Bilson)
5 ways to do your figure justice
1. Enhance your top half
The goal here is to broaden your shoulders to balance out your hips. You can do this by choosing short, wide necklines (square, slash, boat) or bardot tops. You can also enhance your shoulders – think padding, puff sleeves, or other embellishments.
2. Draw the eye upwards
This one’s as simple as it sounds – pulling more focus towards your top half, which naturally detracts from the area you want to minimise. You can do this using a bold necklace or earrings, wearing brighter colours on your top half, or choosing tops that have a print.
3. Define your waist
If you’re pear-shaped, you really want to define your waist. Tucking your top in or choose cropped tops, and high waisted trousers. Cinch trousers with belts or use the shoelace trick to tailor jeans that fit your lower half.
4. Skim over your hips
Bottom half next. Avoid large back or side pockets, and hip-height embellishments (like buttons or whiskering on jeans – those distressed lines). Skirts and dresses are great. Go for a flouncy A-line or bias-cut to balance you out. (Our midi skirts are perfect for this – just saying).
5. Minimise your lower half
Finally, to streamline your bottom half, choose your jeans carefully. Skinny ones will accentuate the width of your hips, and distressed jeans will draw the eye there. Instead, bootcut, flared, straight, or wide leg will flatter you. Choose darker colours for extra effect. High rise will always look best on you, too.
And a few things to avoid...
- Deep, slim necklines (they draw the eye downwards)
- Hip-length tops and jackets (they accentuate your widest point)
- Belts worn on the hip (for the same reason – wear them on your waist)
- Sleeves that are wide at the cuff (with arms by your side they again accentuate your widest point - keep them slim-fit)
- Tops with embellished hems (ruffles, peplums, that sort of thing – it draws the eye to your widest point)