How to Dress for My Body Type Quiz (Unlock Your Style Secrets)

Dressing for your body type is important for creating a flattering and stylish look. However, figuring out what works best for you can be overwhelming with so many different body shapes and sizes.

That’s where taking a body-type quiz can come in handy.

To get the most out of our body-type quiz, it’s important to answer the questions as honestly and accurately as possible. Once you’ve identified your body type, you can use the recommendations below as a guide when shopping for new clothes and putting together outfits.

So, learn about your body type and how to dress for it. Trust me, once you start dressing for your body type, you’ll never go back to feeling like nothing looks good on you. Let’s get started!

The Quiz

Discover Your Perfect Style: Dressing for Your Body Type Quiz

What is the shape of your shoulders?

A. Broad and square

B. Sloping and rounded

C. Balanced, neither broad nor narrow

D. Narrow and delicate

How would you describe your waistline?

A. Undefined, straight

B. Slightly defined

C. Well-defined, smaller than hips and bust

D. Very narrow, much smaller than hips and bust

Which best describes your hips?

A. Wide, prominent

B. Rounded and full

C. Balanced with shoulders

D. Narrow and straight

How would you describe your legs?

A. Long and lean

B. Short and curvy

C. Average length, not particularly curvy

D. Slender and delicate

What is the shape of your bust?

A. Full and rounded

B. Average, in proportion to the rest of your body

C. Small and delicate

D. Moderate, neither large nor small

Results

If your answer is mostly A’s: Rectangle Body Type

  • Opt for clothing that accentuates your waist and creates curves.
  • Try belted dresses, peplum tops, and pencil skirts.

If your answer is mostly B’s: Pear Body Type

  • Emphasize your upper body and balance your lower body.
  • Wear fitted tops, boat necklines, and A-line skirts or dresses.

If your answer is mostly C’s: Hourglass Body Type

  • Highlight your natural curves and balanced proportions.
  • Choose wrap dresses, V-necklines, and high-waisted pants or skirts.

If your answer is mostly D’s: Inverted Triangle Body Type

  • Focus on balancing your upper body with your narrower lower body.
  • Wear wide-leg pants, flared skirts, and tops with minimal details.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and personal style is subjective. Feel free to experiment and find what makes you feel confident and comfortable!

An Overview of the Five Main Body Types

woman's different body types
Video | Medical Centric

Before we proceed to the body type quiz, recognizing and understanding the different body types is the first step in learning to dress in a way that accentuates your natural beauty.

While everyone’s body is unique, most people can be categorized into one of the five main body types.

Each body type has distinct characteristics that can be enhanced with specific clothing styles and outfit ideas. Let’s take a closer look at each body type:

Apple

If you have an apple-shaped body, you carry most of your weight in your midsection. Your shoulders are broader than your hips, and you have slim legs and arms.

woman in black and maroon undergarments

Dressing Goals and Recommendations:

  • Create visual balance
  • Highlight the legs and arms
  • Choose v-necklines, flowy tunics, empire waistlines, and slim pants

Pear

A pear-shaped body has wider hips and thighs and a smaller waist and shoulders. Your lower body is curvier than your upper body. 

woman in white tee and fitted jeans holding a flower all smiles walking at the garden

Dressing Goals and Recommendations:

  • Draw attention to the upper body
  • Elongate the legs
  • Opt for boat-neck tops, ruffled blouses, statement jewelry, and darker, slimming bottoms.

Hourglass

An hourglass-shaped body has a defined waist and balanced hips and shoulders. Your curves are evenly distributed throughout your body. 

woman with curly hair in a white two-piece bikini

Dressing Goals and Recommendations:

  • Emphasize the waist
  • Maintain the balance between the bust and hips
  • Look for form-fitting dresses, wrap tops, and high-waisted bottoms

Rectangle

A rectangle-shaped body has a straight up-and-down shape with little waist definition. Your hips and shoulders are about the same width. 

woman in a flowy green dotted short and white long sleeve top enjoying in the green field

Dressing Goals and Recommendations:

  • Add curves and definition
  • Use strategic clothing choices
  • Look for peplum tops, ruched dresses, flared skirts, and waist-cinching accessories

Inverted Triangle

An inverted triangle-shaped body has broader shoulders and narrower hips, often with a more athletic build.

woman in all black; long sleeve and jeans

Dressing Goals and Recommendations:

  • Bring balance by emphasizing the lower body
  • Choose A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and patterned bottoms
  • Opt for tops with v-necklines, scoop necks, or narrow lapels

By identifying which of these main body types best represents your unique shape, you’ll be better equipped to choose clothing styles and outfits that flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.

Fashion Recommendations by Body Type

3 women mannequin on a store

One important aspect of dressing well is understanding your body type and choosing clothing that flatters your unique shape. Now that you’ve identified your body type, it’s time to explore different clothing,

To help you achieve this, we’ve created a table of fashion tips by body type.

Body TypeRecommended Clothing StylesRecommended AccessoriesMakeup and Hairstyle Tips
AppleA-line dresses, high-waisted pants, flowy topsStatement jewelry, scarves, wide beltsVoluminous hairstyles, bold lip color
PearA-line skirts, wide-leg pants, fitted topsStatement earrings, chunky bracelets, clutch bagsHalf-up hairstyles, natural makeup
HourglassBodycon dresses, high-waisted pants, fitted topsStatement belts, delicate jewelry, clutch bagsSoft waves, classic makeup
RectangleShift dresses, maxi skirts, ruffled topsLong necklaces, layered bracelets, tote bagsSleek ponytails, bold eye makeup
Inverted TriangleA-line dresses, bootcut jeans, boatneck topsStatement necklaces, hoop earrings, crossbody bagsUpdos, natural makeup
Note: These are general recommendations and not all-inclusive. Everyone’s body is unique, so trying on clothes and experimenting with different styles is important to find what works for you.

Tips and Tricks

Over time, I’ve learned tips and tricks that have helped me feel confident and stylish in any outfit. Here are some of my favorite ways to dress for your body type:

Emphasizing Your Best Features

woman checking herself on the mirror

When dressing for your body type, the key is emphasizing your best features.

For example, if you have a curvy figure, you might want to show off your waist with a belt or a form-fitting dress. If you have long legs, you can emphasize them with a pair of high-waisted pants or a mini skirt.

Another way to emphasize your best features is to choose clothes that fit well. Don’t be afraid to get clothes tailored to your body. A well-fitting outfit can make all the difference in how you look and feel.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

a dress/blouses hang on a rack

The fabrics you choose can also make a big difference in how your clothes fit and flatter your body.

For example, if you have a larger bust, you might want to choose tops made from stretchy materials that will accommodate your curves.

If you have a pear-shaped figure, you might choose pants made from a thicker material that will help smooth out any bumps or lumps.

It’s also important to pay attention to the colors and patterns of your chosen fabrics.

Darker colors and smaller prints can help make you look slimmer, while lighter colors and larger prints can draw attention to your curves.

Accessorizing for Your Body Type

accessories; sunglass, hair pins, liptick

Accessories can be a great way to add personality to your outfit and help balance your body proportions.

For example, if you have a larger bust, you might want to choose a necklace or scarf that draws the eye up toward your face.

If you have a shorter torso, you might want to choose a longer necklace that helps elongate your body.

Belts can also be a great accessory for emphasizing your waist and creating a more balanced silhouette. Choose a belt that fits well and doesn’t cut into your skin.



References

Books:

  • “The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System that Works for Every Shape and Size” by Bradley Bayou
  • “The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself” by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine

Websites:

Video Reference

Medical Centric

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Maggie Walker
Maggie Walker

Certifications: Fashion Design (BA)
Education: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Lives In: Chicago
Maggie has invaluable experience working in the fashion industry. Regarding fitting and clothing, only a select few can match up with her experience.
She oversees every aspect and has put her heart and soul into MadisonPlus.

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