Body Type

How to Dress Your Pear Body Shape + Flattering Outfits

Embracing our unique shape is important to feeling fabulous at any age. So, if you’re a proud pear-shaped woman navigating your 40s and beyond, here are some simple style tips to help you showcase your best features and look age-amazing.

What is a Pear Shape Body?

The pear-shaped figure with its narrow shoulders and wide hips is the most common female shape. It’s also called the triangle shape or bottom-heavy shape. Like a pear, most of your weight is on your bottom half.

short pear shaped woman

How to Tell if You Have a Pear-Shaped Body

  • Narrow Shoulders: Your shoulders are narrow compared to your hips
  • Fuller Hips and Thighs: You may have fuller, curvier hips and thighs. This is where you tend to gain weight, often wearing a bigger size on your bottom half.
  • Defined Waist: You often have a well-defined waistline that can be your secret weapon in creating stunning outfits.
  • Long Torso: Your torso is longer than your legs.
  • Smaller Bust: You have a small to average bust.

Famous Celebrities with Pear Shaped Bodies

If you are a pear shape, you are in good company. So does Jennifer Lopez, Kirsten Davis, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Alicia Keys.

How Should a Pear Body Shape Dress?

1. Celebrate Your Waist

Pear-shaped women often have a beautifully defined waistline. Please make the most of it by choosing outfits that cinch at the waist. Belted dresses, peplum tops, and high-waisted bottoms are excellent choices. These styles will accentuate your waist and create an hourglass figure.

 

fit and flare for pear shape
This fit & flare dress with it’s emphasis on the waist is ideal for pear shapes.

 

2. Embrace A-line Dresses and Skirts

A-line dresses and skirts, fit and flare, and Empire waist dresses are your best friends. They gently flare out from the waist down, camouflaging wider hips and thighs while showcasing your waist. Opt for knee-length or midi-length for a classic look perfect for any occasion. Avoid straight-cut or drop waist styles that make you look boxy and bottom-heavy.

3. Dark Bottoms, Light Tops Work:

When choosing colors for your outfits, go for darker shades on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Dark colors like navy, black, or deep brown can help minimize the appearance of your lower half, while light colors like cream, blush, or pastels draw attention upward, balancing out your silhouette

 

V-necklines and pants with a bootcut flare balance out wide hips.

 

 

4. Choose Bootcut and Wide-Leg Pants

Say goodbye to skinny and tapered jeans and hello to bootcut and wide-leg pants. These styles create a more balanced look, especially when paired with heels. A well-fitted pair of bootcut or wide-leg pants can elongate your legs and make you appear taller.

5. Layer Smartly

Layering is a stylish way to create visual interest. Wear a fitted top or blouse under a structured blazer or jacket. Layering a stuctured jacket or cardigan adds definition to your upper body and complements your shape.

Velvet Dresses - Green
This off the shoulder neckline on this green velvet dress makes the shoulders look broader and balances the hips.

6. Wear Tops with Necklines that Create Horizontal Balance

Your best choices are boat necks, cowl necks, square necks, and off-the-shoulder necks. Tops with structure or detail at the shoulder broaden your shoulders and draw the eye up and away from your bottom half. Stay away from deep

7. Watch Where your Top Ends

The right length of the top will make you look more balanced. Avoid tops that end at the widest part of your body- at your low hips or over your hipline. Instead, choose tops shorter or cropped tops or tops that end at the waist or very top of hipbone. For example, a cropped Chanel style jacket would be great.

8. Opt for Structured Fabrics

Non-flimsy fabrics that hold their shape and add definition to your figure. Fabrics like tweed, structured cotton, and denim work well. Avoid clingy fabrics that emphasize the difference between your upper and lower half.

9. Invest in Shapewear

Shapewear can be a game-changer. It smooths and shapes your silhouette, making your clothes fit better and boosting your confidence. Look for high-waisted shapewear that targets your tummy and hips.

10. Statement Accessories Help

Draw attention to your upper body with statement accessories. Chunky necklaces, bold earrings, and eye-catching scarves can all help balance your pear shape by focusing on your upper half.

11. Tailoring is Key

Remember not to underestimate the power of tailoring. You can use a good tailor to customize your clothing to fit your unique proportions perfectly. A well-tailored outfit can make all the difference in how you look and feel.

12. Footwear Matters:

Pear-shaped women often have shapely legs, so show them off with fabulous footwear. Heels, ankle boots, and knee-high boots can elongate your legs and add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

 

Above all, remember that confidence is your best accessory. Regardless of your body shape, confidence radiates beauty. So embrace your curvy pear shape, carry yourself gracefully, and smile to look Fabulous After 40, 50, and beyond!

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