Tips for choosing clothes to flatter your Body Type

The holiday season is right around the corner!  You know what that means?

Photo time!

In order to make the annual family photograph better for everyone, I've compiled a short list to tip to help every flatter every body type.

First of all, it's important you know what body type you are.  Here's a breakdown of the 5 most common body types.

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Most of us don't fit in a perfect box or shape.  That's what makes us so unique!  Try to find the one that fits you the best and go from there.  (And there is no wrong or bad type either)

Inverted Triangle
(larger chest or broader shoulders)

These body types generally have a larger chest or broader shoulders with a small waist/hip in comparison.  For this body type, you want to emphasize the lower half while drawing the viewer's eye away from the top half.

1. Avoid sleeveless and spaghetti straps.  All this does is emphasize the top which won't flatter you in the photograph.
2. Avoid ruffles or brightly colored tops.  Ruffles and bright colors draw the eye in, so the first thing someone will look at is the top.
3. Pants/bottoms with more shape will draw the eye away from the top.
4. Flaired skirts and skirts with movement help draw the eye away from the broadness of the top, therefore flattering your figure more.

The Pear
(fuller or larger on the bottom)

Pears generally have larger hips/thighs in comparison to their shoulders.  For this body type, you want to emphasize the top while drawing the eye away from the hips and below.

1. Avoid bottoms with side pockets and pants with details at the hips or the thighs.  Our eyes naturally will gravitate to look for details.  When trying to de-emphasize it, plainer is better.
2. Plain or dark pants are best.
3. Wear a bright top and a top with fun details.  This draws the eye up instead of down.
4. Bare arms and strapless are fine.  Baring your arms will bring the attention to the top half instead of the bottom.

The Column & The Rectangle
(both are fairly even from the top of the shoulders to the hip)

Both of these are quite similar as there is no sizable difference between the size of the shoulders to the width of the hips.  There can be a little difference but not a significant one.  For this body type, you want to create a waist.

1. Wear a wider belt with a shirt or dress.
2. Wear a shirt with a defining waist element.
3. Wearing pleats or fabrics with shape built into them.
4. Wearing patterns that create or draw the eye inward towards the waist.

The Apple
(larger top and larger bottom)

Apples are a bit more round in shape.  For this body type, we want to create a waist.

1. Do not wear oversized clothing.  Big clothes can make you look even bigger.
2. Wear tighter fitting clothing.
3. Clothing that creates a waist works best.  Think Empire waist, single button jackets, and belts at the waist.
4. Avoid high necklines.  This will make your torso look short.

The Hourglass
(curves)

Think Beyoncé when it comes to the Hourglass figure.  You've already got beautiful curves!

1. Wear tight clothing, not loose.  Show off those curves!
2. Honestly, you have the figure everyone envies (including me) so don't be afraid to show it off!

Thislist is not comprehensive by any means, but more of a guide to help you choose a flattering outfit for photos.

Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from your photographer (me or otherwise).  Any good photographer should be able to guide you in the right direction on clothing choices and suggestions.  Just ask!  We'll help!

The Holiday season is here!  Enjoy!