How to Find Your Body Type and Dress for It: A Guide for Women Over 40
Have you ever tried on an outfit that looked amazing on someone else but just didn’t feel right on you? That’s because when it comes to fashion, it’s not about size—it’s about proportion. Every woman has a unique body shape, and knowing how to find and understand your body type can make shopping and styling so much easier. Instead of chasing trends that don’t work, the key to looking effortlessly stylish is recognizing your natural shape and choosing clothes that enhance your best features.
If you’ve ever wondered, What’s my body type, and how do I dress for it?, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down in a way that makes sense and helps you feel confident in your wardrobe choices.
How to Find Your Body Type and Dress for It: A Guide for Women Over 40
Why Knowing Your Body Type Matters
Your body type isn’t about weight or height—it’s about proportions. Two women can wear the same size, but if one has curvier hips and the other has a straighter frame, they’ll likely need different styles to highlight their best features.
When you know your body shape, you can:
- Pick the right cuts and silhouettes that flatter you
- Balance your proportions for a naturally stylish look
- Shop smarter and avoid pieces that don’t work for your shape
- Feel more confident in what you wear
Instead of forcing your body into fashion trends, the goal is to find fashion that works for you.
How to Find Your Body Type
The easiest way to find your body type is to stand in front of a full-length mirror wearing fitted clothing, like leggings and a tank top, and take a good look at your overall shape. You can also grab a measuring tape and jot down four key measurements:
- Shoulders – Measure around the widest part.
- Bust – Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist – Measure around the smallest part of your waist (usually above the belly button).
- Hips – Measure the widest part of your hips and seat.
Once you have your measurements, compare them to see which shape best describes you.
The Five Main Body Types
Most women fall into one of these five general categories. Keep in mind, your body type is just a guideline—the goal isn’t to fit into one box, but rather to understand your natural proportions so you can dress in a way that flatters you. Now, let’s chat about how to know which of these is your body type, as well as my top tips for dressing each one!
Pear Shape: Curvier Hips, Smaller Upper Body
How to Know If You’re a Pear:
- Your hips are the widest part of your body.
- Your shoulders and bust are smaller in proportion to your hips.
- You have a naturally defined waist.
How to Dress a Pear Shape:
To create balance, draw the eye upward by choosing tops with interesting details like ruffles, boat necklines, or statement sleeves. Structured blazers and jackets that nip in at the waist help create shape, while lighter-colored tops paired with darker bottoms enhance the overall look.
For pants, opt for straight-leg, bootcut, or wide-leg styles that skim over the hips. A-line skirts and dresses are also great for adding balance.
Want more tips on dressing a Pear Shape? Head over to: How to Dress Your Pear Body Shape + Flattering Outfits
Apple Shape: Fullness in the Midsection
How to Know If You’re an Apple:
- You carry weight around your stomach.
- Your bust is fuller.
- Your arms and legs tend to be slimmer.
How to Dress an Apple Shape:
The key here is to create definition at the waist without emphasizing the midsection. V-neck tops and wrap-style blouses elongate the torso, while structured jackets that skim over the stomach create a flattering silhouette.
Empire-waist and A-line dresses work well, as do high-waisted pants with a bit of stretch. Look for bottoms that flow away from the body, such as straight-leg or wide-leg trousers.
If you’re an Apple Shaped lady, you can find more tips for dressing your body type here: 5 Tips for Dressing Your Apple Shaped Body
Hourglass Shape: Balanced Bust and Hips with a Defined Waist
How to Know If You’re an Hourglass:
- Your bust and hips are about the same width.
- You have a naturally defined waist.
- Your curves are proportionate.
How to Dress an Hourglass Shape:
Your shape is already balanced, so the goal is to highlight your waist without overwhelming your curves. Fitted tops, wrap dresses, and belted styles work beautifully.
For bottoms, high-waisted pants and pencil skirts enhance your natural shape. Avoid overly boxy styles that hide your curves rather than flatter them. A structured blazer that cinches at the waist is a must-have for you.
For my Hourglass Shaped readers, you can find 5 Tips for Dressing Your Hourglass Figure in this post.
Rectangle Shape: A Straight, Athletic Silhouette
How to Know If You’re a Rectangle:
- Your bust, waist, and hips are fairly equal in width.
- Your waist is not very defined.
- Your silhouette is naturally straight.
How to Dress a Rectangle Shape:
The goal is to create the illusion of curves. Peplum tops, belted jackets, and tops with ruching or ruffles help define the waist. Horizontal stripes and bold prints add interest to the upper body.
A-line skirts, flared pants, and fit-and-flare dresses can add movement and shape. Shapeless styles, on the other hand, tend to make a rectangle frame look boxier, so opt for pieces with structure.
If you’re looking for more tricks for dressing a Rectangle Shape, you can hop over to this post.
Inverted Triangle Shape: Broad Shoulders with Narrower Hips
How to Know If You’re an Inverted Triangle:
- Your shoulders or bust are wider than your hips.
- You have little definition in the waist.
- Your lower body appears smaller in proportion to your upper body.
How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Shape:
To balance your proportions, soften the upper body and add volume to the lower half. Choose tops with V-necklines or scoop necks to break up the width of your shoulders. Stay away from heavy shoulder details or structured shoulder pads.
A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and flared jeans help create curves on the bottom half. Play with prints and brighter colors on the lower body to create a sense of balance.
Read more about dressing to flatter your Inverted Triangle Shape here: 5 Tips for Dressing Your Inverted Triangle Shape
Tailoring and Fit Matter More Than Body Type
At the end of the day, the best clothing is the clothing that fits well. No matter your shape, a blazer that hugs in the right places, a pair of pants that skim the hips perfectly, or a dress that cinches at the waist can make all the difference.
If something doesn’t fit quite right off the rack, don’t be afraid to get it tailored. A small adjustment to the length or waist can completely transform the way an outfit looks on you!
Do you know your body type?
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Deborah
Thank you for your wonderful advice and helpful clothing finds. You are the best!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for the lovely compliment. You have truly made my day! Cheers, Deb