Accessorizing For Your Body Shape: Golden Rules For Getting It Right
When you want to look your best, the chances are that you already know the right clothes to wear to complement your body shape. If you need a little volume in your hops, for example, it’s a good idea to reach for the nearest A-line skirt. Similarly, spaghetti straps and anything that draws attention to your shoulders is likely to be a no-no if you have exceptionally broad shoulders and an inverted triangle shape. But did you know you can perfect your dress sense and style for your body shape and still get things wrong if you choose the wrong accessories?
If you weren’t aware, then this guide is for you. Now, of course, it’s important to state one important thing before we get started – there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ body shape. This post is nothing to do with body shaming. But it is possible to wear the right clothing and accessories that will enhance your figure and downplays your trouble spots. There’s really no need for expensive surgery or difficult diets – it’s all about the tops, bottoms, and accessories you choose to wear.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the types of accessories you should be wearing – and discounting – dependent on your body shape. There is a huge range of ways that you can make your body type shine, and these are some of the best – so read on to find out more!
Jewelry Basics
Let’s get started with some of the jewelry basics you need to know. If you have a small bust, the idea is to make your chest appear a little fuller than it is, and you can do this by extending your body with long, thin necklaces, and perhaps some stunning, chunky earrings. On the other hand, what if you want to draw attention away from your chest? In this case, avoid dangly earrings that draw the eye towards your tops half, and those long necklaces that dangle either in or near your cleavage. All you will be doing is making your chest a lot more noticeable, so go with smaller, tighter pieces instead, and keep the focus on your neck.
While we are on the subject of the neck, it’s important to remember the golden rule about the chokers. It’s best to avoid these if you have a short neck, as they can create the illusion of width, and add weight to your face. If you have a long, thin neck, however, a choker necklace can really draw attention to your stunning body feature. Bear in mind that chokers are best worn on women with smaller chests, too; again, because they tend to bulk your top half up a little.
The rule of opposites works with your arms and hands, too. Slim, long arms can be topped off with lots of different bracelets and bangles, chunky or otherwise, whereas those with thinner, chunkier arms should avoid large, thick bracelets and too many bangles, concentrating instead on thin, single statement pieces. For your hands, again, avoid chunky rings if you have chunky fingers – it will draw attention to them in all the wrong ways. Focus on thin rings that will complement your finger shape.
Glasses
Wearing glasses is a lot easier than it used to be, thanks to the enormous range of stylish specs you can pick up at your local opticians. But don’t assume that finding a designer pair will look good on you – it’s vital to take your face shape into account. If you have a circular face with wide cheeks and round chin, the idea is to make your face look narrower. IN this case, angular, narrow frame styles can help you add a little definition to your face.
There are a few golden rules to follow, and the reality is that everyone has a different face shape. If you have an oval face, you’re in luck, as your balanced proportions are thought to be ‘ideal.’ However, you still need to choose your frames carefully. Because your face is longer than it is wide, you should look for specs that have frames a touch broader than the widest point of your face. And while most styles will suit you, try looking for something that isn’t too deep or narrow – and make sure the color matches your hair and complexion.
With triangle shape faces, the idea is to minimize the width of the forehead and place more emphasis on the lower half of your face. Look at frames that are wider at the bottom, and also consider rimless specs and light colors.The opposite of the triangle shape is the pyramid – you’ll have a wide jawline and cheek, with a narrow forehead. Unsurprisingly, you should take the opposite style of the triangle shape, with frames that are heavier at the top to help you bring your face back into balance.
Moving on, let’s take a look at the square shaped face, the rectangle, and the diamond. People with square face types should focus on finding frames that soften the angles of the jutting chin – oval and round frames can be perfect to soften the harsh, square lines, whereas square shaped frames will emphasize it. Rectangular face shapes, however, suit rectangular frames the best, which help make your face appear shorter and more balanced. Finally, the diamond. Because your face is narrower at the chin and forehead, you want to draw attention to your eyes. So, you can get pretty creative here, by choosing glasses with a lot of detail, and dramatic, outsized frames.
Belts and shoes
Belts can be tricky to get right, but only if you try and fool people by wearing it in the wrong place. Regardless of your body type, belts should always go around your waist – not right under your boobs or below the hips. You can create a thick waist by tying a thin belt, whereas thick straps will make you look even bulkier than you actually are if your stomach area is a bit of an issue.
It’s the same principle for the shoes you wear. If you have thin, skinny ankles, you can add the illusion of shape by wearing chunky platforms or even sneakers. The opposite is true if you are trying to draw attention away from your ankles – thin straps and heels can make them appear less imposing.
Hand bags and clutches
Finally, let’s take a look at the good old handbag and clutch. It makes sense that if you are a petite little thing that a huge bag is going to make you even smaller than you actually are. It’s not always a problem, of course, but if you are trying to appear like a powerful business person, it might give off the wrong image. Similarly, if you have a big frame, then a tiny bag or clutch will make you look large and ungainly. There will be exceptions, and it might not be a problem for you, but in general large women will look more in proportion with a similarly large bag or clutch.
It’s also worth considering that your bag can draw attention to various areas of the body. For example, let’s say you have a classic pear shape and want to draw attention away from your hips and bottom – any bag resting on your hip is going to do the opposite. You will be better off wearing a satchel or hobo style bag, that rests just under your arm.
Your body shape doesn’t have to define what you wear, whether it’s clothing or accessories. You do, however, have the opportunity to draw away unwanted attention to specific areas of the body by choosing the right products. Good luck!