MATERIAL NEEDS
Dove's Real Beauty Campaign
DRESS TO SUIT YOUR BODY SHAPE
Apple, Pear, Rectangle or Hourglass – what body type are you? So many of us dress to hide those parts we’re non too plussed with. Instead, learn how to accentuate you best features. Discover in an instant what to flaunt, what styles and fabrics to steer away from, and what pieces to reach for to present yourself positively. Remember, it doesn't matter if you are a size 8 or a size 22, your body shape doesn't change, so embrace it!
APPLE
You have an apple shape if you have:
An average to big bust
Fullness around the middle / a less defined waist
Narrow hips
Good legs
Your styling goals:
Minimise your mid-section by highlighting your neckline, shoulders and show off your great legs
Invest in:
Wide and deep V necklines to draw the eye to the open neck region
Properly fitted bras to supported the bust
Tops that are slightly longer which fall at your hip bones instead of the waist
Jackets will instantly lift your look and give your shape structure, so invest! Simple single-breasted jackets with out too many details are best. Ideally, ones that nip in at the waist and fall at the hips
Tops in fabrics that have a little stretch that are not too thin so they provide the most comfort and movability
Short or knee-length dresses that doesn't hug the body with a-lines or slightly flared hemlines to minimise your middle region – show off your legs
A coat that sits at or just below the knee to elongate your body
High rise jeans and pants with a side zip to keep the tummy as flat as possible
Keep away from:
Bulky, sheer or clinging fabrics up top
Empire line tops or dresses, unless you have a flat tummy
Body-hugging or wrap dresses
Belts, as they add bulk to your middle
Large prints and fussy details like frills and rouching
CASUAL: skinny ankle jeans show off shapely legs. Wear with an untucked button down shirt with rolled up sleeves
WEEKEND LUNCH: a simple straight dress that doesn't cling to the body should sit at knee length. Wear with metallic heels to break up monochromatic colour
WORK: skinny leg pants work best with a jumper that doesn't cling to the waist and a long line jacket to elongate the body
LUNCH DATE: a flowing feminine dress that highlights the neckline and doesn't hug the hips and thighs
WEEKEND: a strapped maxi dress defines the waist and shows off the slim upper body. Add a denim jacket here for cooler months or evenings
DATE NIGHT: a simple black silk dress that sits loosely on the hips covers up this lower region. Add a leather jacket for additional structure and a necklace to draw attention to the neckline
WORK: the jacket adds volumn to your upper body and the wide-legged pants flatter the hips and thighs. High heels are a must
MEETING: a coat hemline that sits below the knee and ties in at the waist to define it works perfectly
PEAR
You have a pear shape if you have:
Narrow shoulders
A well-defined waist
Greater width in your hips than shoulders
Wide-set thighs
Your styling goals:
Enhance your small waistline and stay away from figure-hugging clothing that draws attention to your hips and thighs
Invest in:
Dresses and skirts that nips in at the waist with flared silhouettes to balance out wide hips and thighs (midi and knee length are the most flattering)
High waisted pants that fall to the floor to lengthen your leg
Jeans with a straight leg or a wide leg to balance the hips
Coats and jackets with medium to large collars and lapels plus shoulder pads to add top-end volume and broaden your shoulders (ideal length is three-quarter or knee-length to cover your thighs)
Keep away from:
Heavy or enhanced detailing around hips and thighs (large pockets, big prints, studs or other finishes on pockets) – the aim is to draw the eye to other parts of your body
Slim-fit pants tapering in at the ankle that accentuate wider hip and thighs
Bias cut dresses and skirts as they cling to the thighs
Low/drop-waisted anything (they hide your slim waist)
RECTANGLE
You have a rectangle shape if you have:
A small to average bust
An undefined waist
A straight line between your hips, waist and thighs
Not many curves
Your styling goals:
Create the illusion of curves and a defined waist
Flaunt your lean arms and legs
Invest in:
Off the shoulder, scoop and round necklines
High-waisted pencil, A-line and tulip skirts
Jackets that gently shape the waist (ones with a kick flare hemline or a cinched-in waist or button option) to break up a long linear look
Low-lying statement necklaces (ending between your bust and belly button) to draw the eye to your waistline
Tops with horizontal stripes or bands to conjure a broader illusion around your bust and shoulders
Keep away from:
Square necklines
Straight and drop-waist dresses or skirts that don’t define your waistline
Tube dresses that has no texture or details
PARTY TIME: the pleated layers provide shape and curves at all the right places
FRIDAY CASUAL: the details of this denim dress help give the illusion of a waist whist the linear button down elongates the body
WORK EVENT: most jackets will work, but ones that cinch in at the waist work works best
WEEKEND: wearing separates in different colours will help define the waistline. By tucking tops in slightly at the front, more of the jeans are revealed which elongates the legs especially if they are a high waisted style
WORK: a simple knee-length dress with a wide open neckline balances wide hips. Add a trench coat for cooler months
MEETING: a longer line jacket will flatter wide hips and give structure to the upper body. The ankle length pants looks best with a pointy heel to elongate the leg instead of cropping it
WEEKEND: a long line cardigan will visually elongate the body. Wear it loosely tied or untied. Swap the heels for white trainers for a cool vibe
DATE NIGHT: define the waistline with a simple v-neck top and maxi pleated skirt. A statement necklace draws attention to the upper body's finer features
HOURGLASS
You have an hourglass shape if you have:
A full bust
A well defined narrow waist
Similar proportions for your shoulder and hip widths
A curvy body
Our styling goals:
Highlight your natural curves (bust, hips, bottom)
Accentuate your defined waist
Invest in:
Fitted and tucked-in shirts
Wrap tops and dresses that nip in around the waist
V neck and scoop neck tops and fine knit jumpers (narrow necklines slim down your bust, keeping it looking balanced)
Skirts that defines the waist, can be fitted knee length, long maxi, or fishtail
Pants that have a slight flare. Think wide-leg and boot-cut styles too as they balance your wide hips
Mid or high-rise pants as they elongate the leg
Keep away from:
Low-rise pants (they make your hips look wider and your legs look shorter)
High and wide necklines (they tend to make you look top heavy)
Billowing and loose sleeves (they will merge your arms and chest into one mass)
Need a guiding hand to put this into practice?
Chose from any of my CSY Services below to get you and your wardrobe fully kitted out:
Slashing: a 1-on-1 consultation in the comfort of your home editing your wardrobe and identifying what to keep, alter, donate and discard with signature precision. You’ll receive honest and professional feedback about what colours, fabrics, cuts and styles best suit your personality and lifestyle whist flattering your body shape. The culling session leaves you with functional shelves, drawers and cupboards plus room for new purchases. See more here;
Shopping: hit the streets for a wardrobe refresh. Most makeover shops usually involve stocking up on the basics to build a capsule wardrobe and investing in one or two ‘future classics’ – timeless pieces to wear now and love forever. It can also incorporate ‘hero buys’ – key seasonal pieces that can modernise and renew your entire closet. See more here;
Styling: together amongst your wardrobe we determine your strategic game plan, incorporating existing and newly acquired pieces to maximise your closet’s potential. I’ll demonstrate how key seasonal trends can be woven in and show you how to mix and match accessories for individual looks. See more here;
To book in, simply email me at hello@carolsaeyang.com
Image credit: Pinterest, Net-A-Porter, ASOS, J-Crew