Style Guide: How to 'Rock' Shapewear with Your Body Shape!

The word shapewear conjures thoughts like corsetry, bones, underwire, restrictive, tight and downright uncomfortability (aghhh). Not something you would like to wear all day every day right?

Although, there is a huge problem here….We still love to look good! 

Shapewear, or slim wear as I like to call it, for me is like wearing makeup….You always put on a foundation on your face so you can cover and smooth those slight imperfections and this is what shapewear does….The difference though, is how much coverage do you want and need and what style is best for your dress? (And your body shape).

At Bella Bodies we design Shapewear so you are firm, sculpted and comfortable.

For us, it’s no point making something that looks great for an hour then suddenly you are are screaming to get this thing off because the discomfort of having your insides pressed so tightly against your spine is causing you not to have a great time. Hey but you do look 2 sizes smaller LOL.

Hmmm doesn't sound like a fun night to me ?? 🥳

 

This is what you need...

A quick fun guide to shapewear for your body shape.

Enjoy some helpful hints on dressing for your body shape along with our shapewear guide.

The “Apple” body shape

Bigger on top with slimmer legs

You lovely apples generally have slimmer legs/hips and tend to hold weight on tummy and bust.  To create a curvier look there are a few little tips you can try to optically create more curves and show off those legs

1. Wearing V necks always take the eye to the centre. Whether it’s a V neck kaftan, or loose fitted shirt the V will create a slimmer bust look and you can hang some longer pendants with it to double the effect. (avoid chokers unless they are attached to a longer line pendant as these will add bulk to your neck area.
2. Waterfall jackets (summer or winter) will slim down the side of your midsection also forcing the eye into the centre. Only wear wider belts when you have a crop or waterfall jacket otherwise stick to a skinny belt.
3. Go for dropped waisted tops and dresses. Being that your hips are generally slimmer this will hide your fuller waist and draw the line down to the hip/leg area.  Wide legs pants are really in for 2017/2018 and you can wear them as long as you have dropped waisted tops or tie your longer tops at the side to show your legs so it creates length. Steer clear of any tops like baby doll types
4. All of our shapewear is designed for all shapes but we suggest our beautiful firm control body shaping Bodysuit to really create the best curvy shape possible.

A FEW EXTRA TIPS

• DO go for monochromatic looks.
• DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
• DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
• DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
• DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.
• DO wear tops that tie in the centre drawing the eye into the centre.  Preferably a darker colour

The “Pear” body shape

Tend to hold weight in the bottom and thighs and smaller in the bust

Ah the Pears. You guys are really lucky. You already have the beautiful shape that the rectangles and apples would kill for as your waist hip ratio is gorgeously curvy.  What you probably are wanting to do is firm the hips/legs/bottom to offset that lovely waist. As you mature the waist may be thickening so you would be looking at our Sculpting Shorts to firm the tummy, take the waist in and sculpt the bottom and legs.

A few hints to maximise your curve, and cover those bits you may not like.

1. Longline jackets worn open not only cover your bottom but make your legs look slimmer as the jacket gently covers the sides of your thighs. In summer you can pull a kaftan in at the waist to accentuate your curvy figure with a belt of any width.
2. To create the illusion of a larger bust you can wear tops with lace and frills to add extra bulk also halter neck or trapeze tops/dresses will show off your slim shoulders while giving the illusion of a larger bust. Cap sleeves will also create more width in the shoulder/bust area. Your shape is best suited to round, boat or scoop neck lines. This helps creates more bulk to balance out you hips and legs
3. Always wear a slim fit to the waist or a belt to show off that beautiful curvy waist of yours.

TRY THESE EXTRA TIPS.

• DO try A-line skirts
• DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips.
• DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
• DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
• DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
• DO try styles with ruffles on top.
• DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist especially with A line skirts
• DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.

The “Hourglass” body shape

Typically has wide hips and an equally wide bust with a defined waist

Let’s face it girls, you have the absolute best shape to dress. You got the curves so you can really wear anything! You might just need a little firming so we suggest for everyday our gorgeous Sculpting Shorts for beautiful bottom and leg smoothing.

A few small tips that might assist when dressing for maximum awesomeness

1. V neck tops and dresses will slim the look along with a lovely long line pendant to draw attention to your figure. Creating curve is easy with your figure so don’t hide too much under too many floaty tops unless they accentuate your bust.
2. Wrap dresses and A- line skirts were made for you. Anything that has a waist in it will suit you.
3. Avoid dropped waists and shift dresses unless you are trying to hide your great silhouette

A FEW EXTRA TIPS

• DON'T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
• DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
• DO wear fitted dresses.
• DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
• DO go for high-waisted skirts.
• DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
• DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.

The “Rectangle” body shape

Straight up and down with no defined waist

Hello you beautiful Rectangles. Most woman always comment that they wish they had your figure. You have generally long great legs and a more athletic figure than all the other shapes. In your maturing years you may get softer and thicker on the waist, become more bustier but you have great shoulders and definitely rock a strapless dress.

Our aim here is to create more curve in the waist so our Shapewear Collection of firm control body shapers, shaping leggings, shorts and bamboo underwear will be your best friend. Other tips you might like are:

1. Dropped waist styles are fab on your figure and will go with any pant or skirt you want to wear
2. Pencil skirts or slim fitting jeans will show off your legs and combined with a wrap tie top will optically take that waist it. Either button up a jacket in the middle over a long line tee shirt and your are done!
3. V neck tops with long line pendant s will slim the shoulders and bring the eye to the middle.
4. Floaty tops that come just above the legs will highlight the length and slimness of your legs but ensure the top fits close the bust to create more shape above the waist

TRY THESE EXTRA TIPS

• DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
• DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
• DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
• DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
• DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
• DO layer to add more dimensions.
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO have fun with colorful bottoms... feel free to experiment.

The 'STRAWBERRY' body shape

Typically has wide shoulders, a decent bust, no real defined waist, small hips and slim legs

You beautiful strawberry shapes tend to have a great bust, wide shoulders and excellent legs with not such a huge waist definition. What we need to do is balance the top half with the bottom and create more definition to the waist giving a more curvier shape. You and the columns can rock shorter skirts than the other shapes as generally, you have great legs. You might want to look at our gorgeous Curve Control Bodysuit to really create those curves.

OK the Do's and Dont's for some  awesome looks

The key to dressing a Strawberry body shape is to create curves and balance the top with the bottom. As you tend to be top heavy we have some tips and tricks to help

General Guide

1. Plain not pattern  worn on the top are best for you as patterns tend to make you look larger
2. To lessen the bulk of the top half do not wear tops with lace, frills or cap sleeves as it will add extra bulk.  V neck tops and dresses will optically take the eye to the centre, slimming the top half especially if you wear half or 3/4 sleeve.
3. Belts are fine but not generally wide ones. 

TRY THESE EXTRA TIPS

• DO wear cargo,  safari pants, jeans with embellished and or flap pockets that will add curves to your bottom half
• DO wear  slightly flared pants or palazzo that add more curve your look.
• DO wear pencil skirts as they will enhance your slim legs 
• DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
• DON'T wear  high waisted jeans...or skirts as they will just emphasis your waistline. 
• DO wear dropped waistline dresses and skirts.  A jumpsuit is ideal when you tie at either lower waistline or hips...
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO have fun with colorful bottoms...

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