Easily the most common body shape of all for women, the A-shape (also unflatteringly called the Pear shape) has hips that are wider than shoulders. This is a very feminine shape, and looks great in dresses with some accentuation at the waist and a flared skirt. Naturally curvy, the A shape's torso is widest at the hip socket. Waist bands and belts are very flattering, but it can be difficult to find pants and skirts that fit both waist and hips, so alterations may be necessary.
An X shape (hourglass) who gains weight usually turns into an A shape: the hips become wider but the shoulders remain much the same size as before.
If you are A-shaped:
Your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you have a relatively small waist
You often wear a size or two larger on the bottom than the top
The widest part of your hip is low - at the hip socket
The hips have a natural angle, like a triangle - not straight down
You have the healthiest distribution of fat of all the body shapes, which means less chance of heart disease!
You will look great in:
A-line skirts, bootleg or flared trousers
Jackets/tops that end above widest point of hip
Wide necklines, shoulder pads
Summer dresses!
Dark-coloured, plain bottoms; light, bright or patterned tops
Layering on top half to create volume
Wide V-necks, sweetheart necklines, boat necks
Empire waist and wrap styles
Flat-fronted trousers with roomy thighs
Avoid:
Bottoms that are light-coloured, shiny, textured or clingy
Bottoms with horizontal lines or detail, e.g. tiered skirts, cargo pants
Anything boxy
Halter necks, raglan sleeves, dolman sleeves,
Pants with tapered legs (skinny jeans!), back pockets, low-rise pants
Accentuate:
Your waist
Your shoulders, bust or decolletage
Goal:
Showing your curves without over-emphasizing them
balancing shoulders and hips
Alterations:
Fit bottom/hips/thighs and have waist taken in
Famous A shapes:
Katie Holmes
Christina Aguilera
Kate Winslet
Kim Kardashian
Rachel Bilson
Cate Blanchett
Beyonce (when she carries a bit of weight)
Comments