Pear | Triangle Body Shape
We have arrived at the pear or triangle body shape post in my shape series. A triangle body shape is defined by narrow shoulders, smaller waist, and wider hips. If you don’t what your shape is I created a measuring guide to help you determine what your body shape is. Also remember these are guidelines so don’t worry if you don’t fit exactly into in one type. Our shape is determined by structure but, can change due to weight fluctuation etc. The most important thing is to understand the shape of your body and how clothes affect that shape.
Because triangle shapes have wider hips {creating the base of the triangle) you want to create balance by adding fullness to the top to give you an hourglass shape. Typically you want to avoid adding a lot of frills to your bottom half as it will create more width. This is not to say you can never wear a tulle skirt it’s about being aware of the lines the clothes are creating on your body. Style is your personal expression and the most important thing is how do you feel in what you are wearing!
First thing is first with all shapes is have good supportive undergarments. Wearing a poorly fitted bra will dramatically change your silhouette. So you now have taken your measurements and determined you are a triangle shape YAY!
What To Wear
Breast pockets and embellishments on your blouses
Big lapels on your jackets
Horizontal stripes on your tops
Bright colors and patterns on your tops
Shoulder pads and puffed sleeves
Bold accessories on your upper body
Bootleg, flared and wide leg pants
Jackets and tops that end above or below your hips
Belts to show off your small waist
High rise pants
A-line skirts and dresses
My challenge to you is to go through your closet and and try on clothes looking at your body in this new way. Do you see how different colors, texture, and shapes create a different silhouette? If you need visual inspiration I have created a shopping guide below.
Celebrity Pear Shapes
Jennifer Love Hewitt | Alicia Keys | Kristen Davis | Catherine Zeta Jones | Jennifer Lopez | Beyonce
Tops
Because a pear or triangle is narrower on top you want to think about things that will draw the eye and add width to balance out the wider hips. You want to choose styles that broaden your shoulder line and draw the focus to your bodice.
Bottoms
You want to go with styles that minimize the lower body. High and natural waist bottoms give you a better fit. Pear shapes can sometimes have a trickier time finding pants that fit off the rack. Because your waist is so small in comparison to your hips you often have a gap in the waist. Not to fret this is nothing a good tailor can’t fix. Another solution to the waist + hip gap is elastic waistbands.
Dresses
Same rule applies to dresses. I chose these dresses because I think they are good examples of using of using patterns and color to create shape.
Blazers + Jackets
These are fun examples of different ways to add drama and volume to your bodice. You don’t have to go full tulle asymmetrical blazer but, if you love embellishment, glitter, prints this is the place to shine.
