As we say at Lee Lee’s Valise, “Fit for an apple, a pear or any fruit in-between!” You must shop for clothing that compliments your body-type. Be it an apple or pear. Man or Women.As you know, an apple shape has more belly. So gear more towards clothing with a structured shape. A great fit for an apple shape is empire-waist pieces. This will accent the smallest part of your rib cage and give you an illusion of a smaller waist. Waistlines that sit on your natural waist sometimes make you appear boxier because it lays on your widest part. A modified a-line extending from your empire-waist is particularly flattering for an apple shape. Layering works too. You can add a structured jacket over a dress or top bringing the lines closer to your body. Try to avoid shapeless jackets which can make you appear larger.
A great dress for an apple shape is The Lauren Dress in Rust Dot. The banded empire waist sits perfectly at the smallest part of your rib cage and then skims the body without adding bulk. Another great dress for an apple shape is The Elena, the essential velvet dress for your wardrobe this season. Velvet is not just for the Holidays anymore! The gathered pleats down the front as well as the back are the perfect disguise for any problem areas. We have even gone wild an added a great leather belt to the look for even more shape!
Most plus-size clothing I have come across is geared towards the perfect hourglass. Pear shaped bodies fit into this group perfectly. Pear shapes are mostly smaller on the top half of their body and then more endowed on the bottom. Accent the top half of your body with fitted items. Always try to show off the curves instead of trying to hide them. Alterations might very well be a big part of your shopping life. You must fit the bottom half first then alter the top half to fit your body.
An example of a dress that works great for a pair shape is the 3/4 sleeve Grecian Drape Dress. It is fitted and wraps around the top and is brought in at the waistline. It has a draped front that skims perfectly along the bottom half of the body bringing the shape all together.
Anything that wraps will work for a pear shape! You can pull it all in at the top half and waist and allow the fullness to skim your lower half. Remember if you are much smaller on the top you will have to alter your dress to have these results. Our Lisa Wrap Dress does just that. You must be aware of your princess seams for a perfect fit. See my post on how to wear a wrap dress.
“Under the Belly or Over the Belly.” Many men ponder over this issue every day. I say over the belly. Ladies, I will explain. A man can be a size 40 waist if he wears his pants under his belly. But to fit his actually waistline he may wear a 46 waist pant. He should always fit his waistline. A button-down shirt should fit without buttons pulling. Add a structured jacket to give shape to an apple shaped man. Belts say waistline. I see that most men already do wear a belt. You need to find the proper size belt that is not belted at the last hole. Apple shaped men should stay away from Henley or polo-type shirts or anything that would cling to your belly. Button-down are the perfect choice!
Do you know how to dress to fit your shape?
