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Every woman wants to look and feel fabulous in her clothes, but the wrong pieces can instantly take you from flawless to frumpy. Dressing for your body type is key to looking polished and chic at all times. For a pear-shaped woman, crafting a sexy silhouette is all about balancing proportions.
What is a Pear-Shaped Body?
If you're a luscious pear like Mischa Barton or Jennifer Love Hewitt, your narrow shoulders, small breasts, long torso and flat tummy offset wider hips and short legs. You typically buy bottoms one size larger than your tops to accommodate generous thighs and a blessed behind. Though many pear shapes focus on camouflaging a bigger bottom, accentuating your smaller top half is just as essential to achieving balance.
Best Dresses
Pear shapes look best in empire-waist dresses that stop just above the knee. A belted shift dress will emphasize your small waist while narrowing your hips and butt. To elongate your legs, pair a strapless dress that flares at mid-thigh with a pointy-toe heel. For a truly savvy daytime look that's sure to turn heads at the workplace, consider a simple suit dress with a structured jacket that falls just to the top of your hip.
Tops and Jackets
Choose shirts that draw the eye toward the face; show off your chest with a plunging scoop, rounded, squared or V-shaped neckline. A boldly colored wrap top or draping halter will add volume to your bust line and widen your shoulders. To play up toned shoulders without overwhelming them, choose jackets with subtle shoulder pads or high-cut armholes. Make sure to select a jacket with a defined waist to show off your small tummy and avoid looking boxy.
Bottoms Up
Minimize a pear shape's characteristic assets with a hip-slimming A-line skirt that falls straight down from the widest part of your hip. A high-waisted straight-leg trouser or dark-wash denim will shorten a longer torso and de-emphasize hips. If you're petite, avoid leg-shortening boot cut jeans; taller pears can get away with a slight flare. Steer clear of pockets and decorative embellishments that call attention to the hip and thigh area; stick with clean, straight lines for an effortlessly chic look.
Colors and Textures
It's not all about style; play with color and texture to flatter your shape and balance your frame. Wear bright vivid tops to bring attention to your upper body, and camouflage hips and thighs with dark colors, diagonal stripes or subtle pinstripes. Choose a lightweight fabric to balance a heavier bottom, and reserve thicker medium-weight fabrics for your top half, where you may desire more padding.
