DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE | THE BASE

Fashion

07 April 2022

This School Holidays, we’re going bananas with our insta-worthy and interactive fruit and vege activations.  Bring the kids in to enjoy our games – or come along with friends to grab some delicious social shots (don’t forget to share to #beintowin!) and tasty recipes.

Even better, Autumn-Winter stock is in store NOW and we have some the pear-fect tips and tricks to have you looking great, no matter your shape.

PRETTY PEARS

The Pear is one of the most common body shapesfor Ne w Zealand women who carry weight around the hips, bottom and thighs and are usually wider at the hips than the bust.

If you’re The Pear, you want to focus on your curves by creating a balance. A good bra is key! Make the most of your shape by focusing on your top half and by adding detail, especially with collars, necklaces or drop earrings.

What to wear:

  • A great bra is a must – make sure your bust is supported properly to create definition between it and your tummy
  • Deep V’s or wide, round necklines to elongate
  • Puffed sleeves and shoulder pads are also great for you
  • Empire waistlines, wrap tops and jackets that narrow at the waist
  • Loose or ¾ sleeves will make your arms look lean and feminine
  • A-line skirts will skim over your hips
  • Try dresses that fall from your waist

What not to wear:

  • Body hugging dresses and skirts will emphasise your hip area
  • ¾ pants can make your legs look shorter and in turn can make your tummy and hips look bigger
  • Skinny jeans can give you an ice cream cone look and accentuate your hips.

Top tip:  Have fun with colour, prints and patterns up top

Swing top K&K, V-neck t-shirt Cotton On Mega.

ADORABLE APPLES

The Apple carries weight around her middle and often has amazing legs.  If you’re The Apple, you want to focus on those legs, create curves through your mid-section and make sure your bust is supported properly.

Tailored, structured fabrics that come in at the waist are a must, rather than loose fabrics that can give you a tent-like appearance. Avoid zips or pleats around your middle as these can also bulk you up. Instead, try back or side zips and trousers with no pockets.

What to wear:

  • Deep necklines will flatter your top half
  • Side or back zips and flat-front trousers to avoid adding bulk around your tummy
  • Tailored, more fitted looks. Avoid baggy, ill-fitting clothes that may make you look bigger than you really are!
  • Loose or fluted sleeves will make your arms look lean and feminine
  • Structured jackets, worn open, will break up your top half

What not to wear:

  • Belts – as they say ‘look here’. If you’re The Apple, you want to avoid focusing on your tummy
  • Pleats, especially around your mid-section
  • ¾ pants. These can make your legs look shorter and in turn can make your tummy look bigger

Top tip:  Use colours and textures to your advantage – mix them up to create illusions and angles.

V-neck top K&K, Cropped jacket Pagani.

DELICIOUS DOUBLE-CHERRY

The Double-Cherry (or hourglass-shaped) woman narrows at the waist and usually has a fuller bust and bottom.

Make the most of your gorgeous curves by accentuating your tiny waist. If you hide your curves under clothes, you might give yourself a tent-like appearance.

What to wear:

  • Deep V’s or wide, round necklines. Go ahead and show as much skin as you’re comfortable with!
  • Wrap tops and dresses that narrow around your middle, and jackets that nip in at the waist
  • Side or back zips, and flat-front trousers or skirts will avoid adding bulk around your best asset – your waist.
  • Loose or ¾ sleeves will make your arms look lean and feminine.

What not to wear:

  • Skinny leg jeans, as these will emphasise your hips
  • Soft, chiffon type fabrics
  • High necklines and turtle-neck tops will distract from your natural hourglass shape.
  • ¾ pants. These can make your legs look shorter and in turn can make your tummy look bigger.
  • Baggy, ill-fitting clothes which can make you look bigger
    than you are.

Top tip:  Use colours and prints to your advantage – wear embellishments and patterns around your bust to keep the attention on your top half.

V-neck top Max, V-neck top and flat front pant K&K, Structured jacket Glassons.

SWEET STRAWBERRIES

The Strawberry has a generous bust and midsection with wide shoulders. She’s also got the
most amazing legs.

If you’re The Strawberry, you’ve got one of the only shapes that can have fun with pants and leggings so don’t hold back! Try metallics, patterns, sequins, leather… in fact whatever takes your fancy. Have some fun as you want to create a focal point around those legs and draw attention away from any areas you don’t want to emphasise.

What to wear:

  • Straight or slim leg pants and jeans. You have the legs for it so make sure you are showing them off
  • Open and V necklines. Show as much skin as you’re comfortable with. High necklines can make your bust look bigger
  • Fluted hemlines will balance your top half as they add volume around your knee
  • A good, supportive bra is key. You want good construction so you’re well-supported all the way

What not to wear:

  • Stilettos or thin heels. Instead, try heavier heels or wedges as these will even out your proportions
  • ¾ pants. These can make your legs look shorter and in turn can make your tummy and hips look bigger
  • Skinny jeans can emphasise your top half in a way you won’t want
  • Elaborate necklaces and earrings can bring attention to your bust and tummy.

Top tip:  Have fun with colour and prints on your bottom half.

V-neck top Decjuba, Straight leg pant Farmers.

RACY RHUBARBS

The Rhubarb (or column) is the straightest shape.

If you’re The Column, lucky for you, it’s the easiest to dress. The key is to focus on your curves and accentuate them wherever you can. Adding detail is a must – try darts, pleats and embellishments – these are your best friend so the more the merrier.

What to wear:

  • Mid-length skirts or dresses that bring focus to your legs
  • Straight or skinny leg jeans – you have the best shape for a skinny leg so rock them whenever you can!
  • Tailored, more fitted looks. Show off your figure! Don’t hide under baggy, ill-fitting clothes that will only make you look shapeless
  • Horizontal stripes are great for creating shape. However, vertical stripes can make you look wider, instead of slimmer, so they aren’t best for you

What not to wear:

  • ¾ pants. These can make your legs look shorter and in turn can make your tummy and hips look bigger.
  • Ankle straps on shoes – avoid these as they will cut you off at the ankle.

Top tip:  Have fun with different colours and patterns, especially asymmetrical patterns as these are great for enhancing curves.

Mid-length dress Pagani, Skinny jeans Just Jeans, Tailored blazer Decjuba.

FOR THE GUYS

 

Many of the same principles apply to the guys:

Triangle (or pear):  Use tailored blazers or jackets with structured shoulders to create shape and square up the shoulders for an illusion of balance.  Using patterns on the top half and vertical stripes draws the eye upwards while colour panels across the upper torso and shoulders, balanced by darker colours around the mid-section will broaden a narrow torso while creating shape through the  middle.

Oval (or apple):  While more classic and simple looks in solid colours are great for slimming and framing, fit is the name of the game.  A good fit will avoid pinching and wrinkles while avoiding billowing and excess fabric that ads bulk.  Single-breasted, lighted tapered jackets frame the upper body, providing structure.

Inverted triangle (or strawberry):  Look for slim fit (but not skin tight) shirts with a v-neck to draw the eye down.  Choose straight leg – slim fit pants and jeans (but avoid skinny jeans) and look for camo or other patterns to balance your broader torso.  Finish up with slim fit jackets that follow the your silhouette without being boxy.

Rectangle (or rhubarb):  Use structured looks, layers and accessories (eg scarves) to create the illusion of bulk at the shoulders and styling that nips in mid-body.  Horizontal stripes across the upper body (colour block t-shirts are great for this) and pops of colour or well-placed detail draw the eye and create balance and shape.

Dressing for your shape is less about hiding those bits you don’t like and more about celebrating your favourite features.  And with so many gorgeous new season styles in store now, we know you’ll find something you’ll love!