Photo by Luke Michael on Unsplash
What do fruit and power dressing have in common? Simple. Shapes. More precisely, body shapes.
Knowing which types of cuts look best on your body shape can help avoid that annoying pulling, fixing, and tugging situation when a new piece just does not fit right (you know what we mean).
Here is our break down of which business outfits best fit the most common body shapes. With just a few tips, you can build that dream work wardrobe you have always wanted. Plus, you can spend less time pulling down your skirt and more time feeling like the bosslady you are.
Heavenly Hourglass
If you find that your shoulders and hips are equal and you have a defined waistline, then you my lady probably have an hourglass figure. Blessed with balance, most styles suit you. The overall aim here is to enhance, and not hide your figure - even in your work wardrobe.
DO WEAR:
Be brave and experiment with different cuts and shapes
Fitted (but not too tight for the office) dresses, pants and skirts are flattering on you
Pieces that come in at the waist: think wrap dresses and tucked-in blouses
Tailored pieces that have some structure and stretch to them
Scooped or V-necklines that accentuate your natural curves without looking bulky
THINK TWICE ABOUT:
Overly short skirts and hems that end at the widest part of the leg
Loose and shapeless clothing
WE RECOMMEND:
JANET Faux Wrap in Organic Cotton
The Perfect Pencil
Poached Pear
If you’re like founder, Jovan, you are curvier on the bottom half of your body. Think sexy hips and strong thighs. Up top you have elegant and slender shoulders. For powerful office looks, opt for pieces that highlight your top half and shoulders.
Photo courtesy of Ana Druga via Styles4Work
DO WEAR:
Structure on top, such as ruffles, ruching and gathering, that are eye-catching but still refined enough for a business look
Dropped shoulders, scoop or boat neck lines - they will give the illusion of wider shoulders
Louder colours on top and darker shades on bottom
Straight fitting skirts or pants to visually balance hips and elongate your curvy body
Cropped pieces that accentuate your waist with
THINK TWICE ABOUT:
V neck styles
Cuts that finish on the hips (always aim for them to finish on the narrowest point on the body)
WE RECOMMEND:
Favorite Turtleneck
ANJA Jacket in French Tweed
Apple Crumble
An apple shaped lady is one who has a petite derriere, slender limbs and a bit more lovin' around the middle. You are also likely blessed with a voluptuous bust and slender legs. When choosing outfits for the office, focus on pieces that visually elongate your figure and flatter your higher waist line.
DO WEAR:
Wrap styles with ruching or peplum tops with an empire waist line
Loose fitting tops, especially around waist, that extend to the hips
Bold colors or luxe fabrics to make loose fitting garments look more business casual than just casual
Structured shoulders to focus on top of body
Necklines that suit you, including V-neck, boat-neck and slits
THINK TWICE ABOUT:
High waisted pants or pieces with a prominent band at the waist
Overly shapeless and boxy clothing or midi-pleated skirts
WE RECOMMEND:
SHARON Peplum Top
SARA tie-side top
Banana Fritter
If you’re naturally quite slim and your waistline, shoulders, and hips are all relatively the same width, then you are a banana. You've likely got killer legs, so the perfect business look for you is one that shows them off and creates the illusion of curves with key details.
DO WEAR:
Horizontal stripes
Tops with pockets on the bust or peplum cuts
Pockets that are placed in areas you want to visually increase in size, such as the bust, hips and derriere
Flared hems to direct attention to your legs
Mini lengths work well for you, but for a more business casual outfit, pair with flats or tall boots.
THINK TWICE ABOUT:
Vertical patterns
Square neck and fitted tops
WE RECOMMEND:
MEHA Organic Cotton Shirtdress
CHARLOTTE Mini Dress
Strawberry Sundae
If you've been blessed with defined shoulders, a bigger bust and slimmer hips, then you are a strawberry. The aim in dressing for the office for you is to draw the eyes down away from the top of the body and focus them on your enviable lower half.
DO WEAR:
Smartly placed panels and vertical stripes will give the illusion of curves
Skirts with some flare, such as an A-line, to balance your bust and give your derriere a lift
Tailored, work appropriate jackets and blazers with slim lapels to lengthen broad shoulders
Bold and solid colors are great on the lower body
Asymmetric styles are a creative way to lengthen and extend different body areas
THINK TWICE ABOUT:
Crew or round neck tops
Voluminous tops with puffy sleeves or shoulder pads
WE RECOMMEND:
CAROLINA A-line skirt
MONICA Asymmetric Neckline Dress
So ladies, that's it. These are our suggestions - not rules. When it comes to finding the right pieces for your office wardrobe, the best thing to do is experiment, see what works. Oh - and become friends with a good tailor!
You can shop all of our recommendations here. If you refer a friend, you also get 10% off your order. Learn more here.
P.S. send in your j.jackman outfits! We'd love to see how you use our styling tips and tricks.
