Last season, I helped you find the perfect LBD for your body shape {here, here, and here}, so… I’m featuring sweaters on my fashion app and thought I’d give you a few ideas on the perfect sweater for you body shape. Of course, remember, if you love it, wear it! These are just some guidelines to helping your best assets shine…
Let’s begin with a refresher on the types of body shapes:
Hourglass- shoulders are the same width as your hips, and you have a definite waist.
Diamond- opposite of the hourglass, a diamond figures shoulders and hips are narrow with a fuller mid section.
Pear- {also called triangle shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately narrower than your hips, and your thighs and hips may be full and rounded.
Wedge- {Inverted triangle or Heart shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately wider than your hips, and you’ll find your hips are narrow and you may have a shorter, less defined waist
Rectangle- this body type finds it’s measurements are nearly the same at the shoulders, waist, and hips, with little waist definition.
Apple- {commonly referred to as rounded shape} has rounded shoulders, fullness in the tummy area, and average to full bust.
Let’s get started!
Hourglass-shaped Body:
Like the LBD, wraps are a must. You’re highlighting your curves, and a tailored wrap sweater will define your tiny waist and accentuate your bust without being overtly sexy. Another thing to consider is sweaters with detailing: buttons or embellishments along your bust line are perfect. Belted sweaters, and peplum work nicely as well. Actually, anything is going to be great for showing off this figure!
ballerina wrap sweater // faux wrap sweater // button wrap sweater // bowknot embellished sweater // knit peplum sweater natural // long sleeve peplum sweater w/belt
Diamond-shaped Body:
Since we’re trying to achieve more of an hourglass shape, we’re looking to elongate the figure and draw attention to the center of your body, arms and legs. Avoid bulky fabrics and think long tunics with side slits, v-neck, detailed and 3/4 sleeves, and color blocking.
3/4 sleeve contrast neck tunic // draped turtleneck sweater // colorblock dolman sleeve sweater // colorblock cashmere tunic // colorblocked tunic sweater
Pear {Triangle} Body Shape:
We’re trying to accentuate your upper body while minimizing the lower region, so choose sweaters in light colors, and opt for horizontal lines to add width to your upper body. Go for bulk: thick, cozy sweaters are perfect for your body type. Love patterns? Embrace them! Or try out ruffled detailing, larger neck lines, shorter and/or puffier sleeves, and stick to hemlines that end above or below the widest point.
striped cowl neck sweater // tunic aztec cardi // printed wool sweater // cable knit side slit sweater // cable knit sweater // ruffle-trimmed 3/4 sleeve cardi
Wedge-Shaped {Inverted or Heart} Body:
Your goal is to draw the eye to the lower body and minimize the upper area. Select slim fitting sweaters, dark colors, and v-necks to draw the eye in {giving you an illusion of a defined waist}. Strategically placing color blocking helps minimize your wider upper body, but avoid horizontal striping and bulky fabric.
cashmere v neck pullover // drop shoulder v neck sweater // ruffle drop-waist sweater // colorblock crewneck sweater // lace-trimmed tunic sweater // cashmere colorblocked sweater
Rectangle Body Type:
Creating the illusion of curves, and defining the waist, opt for abstract, bold, bright prints. These add interest, shape and definition to your figure. A great touch is ruched detail. Wrap sweaters define a waist, and off-the-shoulder and cowl necks give a softness to your shape.
aztec side-ruched sweater // ruched detailed sweater // side tie wrap sweater // striped cowl neck sweater // off-the-shoulder sweater // side lace-up tunic sweater
Apple-shaped Body:
We’re going to create an illusion of narrower shoulders and waist while accentuating your legs and chest. Choose a longer tunics that skim you figure, but don’t cling and opt for lighter, less-bulky fabrics. V-necks draw the eye in to create an illusion of a waist. Longer lengths, button-downs, and small patterns, and eye-catching details are your go-to.
Haven Street Style Studio 