Posted on June 01 2017
As a woman, it can be very difficult shopping for our personal body shape. Searching rack to rack can be discouraging when we are constantly wondering:
“Will that hug me in the right place?”
“That would look better on someone thinner.”
“Can I wear that to work or is it too tight?”
“How do I hide my insecure spots?”
Let’s face it, we all have some area of our body that maybe we just don’t love; for whatever reason, it’s become a habit that we try to hide our shape as a result. We then tend to buy bigger, looser fitting clothing because we feel more comfortable, but ultimately we aren’t doing ourselves any favors.
No matter what your shape or size, buying fitted and tailored clothing is the best thing you can do for your body. This will allow your clothes to hug all the right places, show off your personal shape, and leave you feeling more confident with how you are presenting yourself. When you look good, you feel good…we’ve said it time and time again.
So many times I’ve heard women say, “I know someone who would look great in that pencil skirt”, or “I wish I had the figure for the pencil skirt”. The fact is, the pencil skirt is a wonderful piece of apparel that is very forgiving to each and every body type; it’s silhouette allows for bodies to form and shape to the skirt. In most cases, the curvier the better. While shopping, it is important to keep in mind, the woman makes the clothes, the clothes don’t make the woman.
There are several different body shapes and sizes and a range of in between, as well. The below four are the most common types:
Not exactly sure what your body shape is? Let the numbers do the work and calculate your measurements with this amazing body shape calculator we found from calculator.net.
Hourglass shape: curvy with a tiny waist
Make sure you are showing off your curves, not hiding them. Your shoulders and hips are about the same width, your midsection is what creates the hourglass definition. The pencil skirt is most flattering on this body shape.
Scarlett Johansson has always been known for her curves. She is an example of a true Hourglass Body Shape. Look at how the pencil skirt lengthens her short figure in this photo. Photo Credit: Tom + Lorenzo
Apple shape: slim lower body but carry your weight around your stomach
Try highlighting your legs and shoulders to take the aim off of your midsection. The more your legs are elongated, the taller and slimmer you will feel. The pencil skirt is a piece known to do just that. In addition, a high waisted cut can make you look like you have “Legs For Days”.
Jennifer Hudson is a stage worthy example of the Apple Shape body type. Photo Credit: Justin Goff
Banana shape or Straight shape: your hips are the same width as everything else
Emphasize your midsection to make your hips and shoulders seem wider than they are to give you definition. With the pencil skirt nipping in at the waist, it can help you with this.
Cameron Diaz is a great example of a Banana or Straight Shaped body type. Photo credit: FameFlynet
Pear Shape: widest part is around your hips
What makes a pear shape? Your lower body is wider than your upper body meaning your hips are wider than your shoulders. To balance out your look from top to bottom, try emphasizing your waist and shoulders.
If you feel you have more of a pear or hourglass shaped body type the pencil skirt will work wonders for you, trust me. Try out a fitted skirt that hugs your hips, not hides them. A woman who feels positive about her curves is a satisfied woman. Adding a knee length hem will give the illusion of longer legs to boot.
Kim Kardashian is the ultimate in Pear Shaped body types. Photo credit: Marie Claire
For me personally, as a younger woman who truly has no curves at all, I would say I have a very straight figure. I have found it difficult to buy professional clothing that fits my body type and doesn’t swallow me. With the pencil skirt, I have found nothing but success. I am able to buy tailored skirts that hug my waist to give me, definition. I can’t find this with a pantsuit or maxi skirt. With my waist defined, I feel like a confident woman who has curves, even though I do not. It helps me fake it until I make it (always the trait of a #GirlBoss in the making).
Next time you head out to shop, don’t focus on how to hide the most insecure part of your body, focus your energy on how to embrace it and make it look great…a pencil skirt is a great step in the right direction as you’re headed #ToTheTop.
Want other ideas on how to dress for your body shape? Check out this additional article we found from WhoWhatWear.
What pieces do you feel you’re most confident in?
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