Accept your Imperfections
Accepting your imperfections is the key to everything in life, and learning to love your body with its flaws should always be your aim! Clothes can help you enhance your body, and styling tips are everywhere to improve the way you dress, camouflage the “not-so-lovely” parts of your body, and most importantly flaunt your favorite features.
Your major aim is to look good on the outside and feel great on the inside in whatever you choose to wear, whether you are dressing to an outing, for an errand or simply to the beach. Yes, you heard me, to the beach! Even at the beach, like any other event, you can use several tips to feel comfortable with the way you look while splashing the waves.
In order for you to achieve this objective, you must first identify your body shape. So, let’s have a look at the five different body shapes. I will be addressing each one separately with tips that will help you feel comfortable in your own skin!
1- Triangle Body Shape
If you are the one with this body shape, you’ll be having narrow shoulders. Your upper body is smaller than your lower body. You should concentrate on subtle vertical stripes that are helpful to elongate and lengthen the legs: pinstripes are great, for instance! Aside from the subtle vertical patterns on the lower body, always wear plain colors below the waist and avoid prints. As for the upper body, you’re free to choose any pattern even horizontal stripes.
An example of a celebrity who has a triangle body shape: Beyonce.
2- Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Usually, this body shape is exactly the opposite of the triangle shape where the upper part of the body is bigger than the lower part. On the upper part, keep patterns simple and minimal. While on the lower part, you can choose stripes, checks, geometrics, squiggles, spots, abstract and asymmetrical designs, etc.
An example of a celebrity who has an Inverted Triangle body shape: Naomi Campbell.
3- Rectangle Body Shape
Mostly models have this body type. The ones who have a rectangle body shape are known for their straight shoulder line, straight ribcage and flat bottom. Their waist is undefined. If you have this shape, you’ll be able to have the most fun and freedom when it comes to patterns! Choose from abstract, bold and bright prints, vertical stripes, geometrics, squiggles, spots, and florals in moderation.
An example of a celebrity who has a Rectangle body shape: Cameron Diaz.
4- Round Body Shape
The curvaceous body! This shape is characterized by its rounded (often sloping) shoulders and balanced hips and shoulders. If you have a round shape you tend to carry weight around the tummy and upper body. However, the legs are shapely! The best prints will be those that have regular spaces between them and a low color contrast between the prints and the background. Vertical detailing such as soft or faded prints can really help to elongate the figure. Avoid large floral prints and horizontal designs.
An example of a celebrity with a Round Body Shape: Oprah Winfrey.
5- Hourglass Body Shape
The shoulders are about the same width as the hips, and the waist (which is the smallest part of the upper body) is clearly defined. This body shape is already balance so always be conscious of not creating an imbalance by using patterns that are too bold on the top or the bottom.
An example of a celebrity with an Hourglass body: Scarlett Johansson.
One last notion to be aware of is that all body shapes can take three forms: Slender, full and athletic. Keep in mind that no matter what body shape you have, you are uniquely beautiful, and your aim is to create balance and accentuate your best body parts.
A tip to consider, always try to see yourselves positively in your mind’s eye. Someone once said, “What a great blessing it would be if we could see ourselves as others see us!” We are our own worst critics. Here’s an interesting question to ask yourself: “Who is doing the judging?”