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Traditionally known as the pear body shape, the A shape is characterized by a curvy set of hips.
- The widest part of the body is the hips and/or thighs
- The shoulders, bust, and arms are smaller compared to the hips
- A defined waist thanks to wider hips
- Tend to have thicker thighs
- Can have a fuller butt, though not always
- Tend to gain weight around the lower stomach, hips, and upper highs
How to Dress the A shape
I believe there are multiple approaches to flattering the A shape depending on what your style goal is. You can either play up your figure more by emphasizing your curves or choose to balance out your silhouette by highlighting the upper body while drawing attention away from the hips and thighs.
How to balance out your A shape
The goal here is to show off your curves without over emphasizing them, elongate your figure and balance out your shoulders with your hips.
Ruched, voluminous sleeves with a square neckline creates width in the shoulders to balance out the hips. A bright color like red draws attention to the upper body. The fitted silhouette with the half sleeves highlights the waist.
Alternatively, a similar silhouette in a mock neckline achieves the same visual interest.
Off the shoulder top widens the shoulders while the flowy fabric gently follows the curves of the body.
Structured shoulders with horizontal stripes draw attention upwards.
Wide V-neck, bat wing sleeves, and diagonal ribbed detail creates volume on the upper body. The belt shows off the waistline while vertical ribbed detail below the waist lengthens the lower body.
- Look for pieces with shoulder detail to visually broaden the shoulders
- Show off your waistline with waist cinching and shaping details
- Wear prints and patterns, textures, or interesting details on the upper half of the body
- Invest in light or brightly colored tops
- Wear layers on your top half draws attention upwards
- Tops and jackets to end at either above or below the widest part of your hips
- Wear darker colors on the lower part of the body
- Slightly flared hem to balance out the hips
- Keep the bottom with minimal detail, avoid shiny or textured fabrics, patch pockets at the hips, pleats.
How to emphasize your womanly hips
Conversely, play up the lower parts of your body to flaunt your womanly hips.
