STITCH FIX/STYLE

“The Guide: Dressing For Your Body Shape” 2017

Based on an online article written by ______, there are four identified body types – each
with a different description and recommendations on how to style particular clothing in a
flattering way.

Pear Shaped Body Type

A woman’s body type is considered pear, or triangle, if she has a “waist wider
than her bust, narrow shoulders in comparison to her hips, and a duller rear”. When it
comes to tops, “plunging v-necks in any silhouette, cowl necks, bell-sleeves, and scoop
necks” are recommended. More fitted or structured tops can give definition to narrow
shoulders and can draw attention to narrow waists. For outerwear, “A-line and princess
cuts waist-length jackets” are the best style for they emphasize the waist. For dresses,
“dropped and embellished necklines, open backs, dramatic sleeves, and belted styles”
are suggested for women of this body type in order to emphasize the upper part of their
body. A-line styles also look good when matched with skirts as long as it hits right below
the knee. This is to elongate the body frame and slenderize the hips and thighs. Lastly
for bottoms, it is recommended to go for “more subtle and dark colors in bootcut and
flare denim or trousers”.

Hourglass Shaped Body Type

Aside from having a “fuller bust, hips, and thighs”, a woman’s body type is
considered hourglass, or curvy, if she has a “well-defined waist” and her “butt and hip
measurements are roughly even”. For tops, “it is all about embracing the waist and
highlighting the neckline”. This includes “form-fitting jersey knits, wrap tops, peplum
blouses, tailored tops with ample room in the chest, and anything with a v-neck, round
neck or boat neck”. It is best to wear fitted tops to show off narrow waists. For outerwear,
“a classic trench, fitted blazers, cropped silhouettes, and bomber jackets” look best on
this body type. It is important to veer away from boxy styles of clothing, for it does not do
any good to the curves of the woman’s body. For dresses, “iconic silhouettes such as
wrap dress or the fit and flare” will naturally show off the body’s best features. Flowy type
is not recommended but could work when worn with belts instead. Lastly, when it comes
to bottoms, “high-waisted, floor-grazing flares, stretchy skinny jeans, and leggings” are
perfect for showing off the curves of the hips.

Apple Shaped Body Type

If a woman’s body has well-proportioned body parts, shoulders that are broader
than the hips but not necessarily as curvy, and do not have a well-defined waistline, then
she falls under the apple, or inverted triangle body type. When it comes to tops, “breezy
A-line silhouettes, flowy tunics, relaxed boyfriend button-ups and v-necks” are
suggested. Fabrics such as “raw silk, linen, tweed, gabardine, and thicker cotton” can
give more structure. For outerwear, “vests, coats, or jackets that hit at the hip or upper
thigh” look great on apple shapes in A-line cuts. When it comes to dresses, maxi styles
with a lower neckline and wrap dresses” are flattering for this body type, as well as
“knee-length shift and sheath style” look great too. Lastly for the bottoms, “skinny jeans,
leggings, and flares with heels” are great for elongating a woman’s silhouette.
Athletic Shaped Body Type
A woman’s body type is considered athletic or rectangle if she is “not particularly
curvy, shoulders and hip measurements are nearly the same, waist is not very small or
well-defined but rather straight up and down, and weight is fairly evenly distributed
throughout the body”. For tops, “halter styles, racer back styles, scoop and round
necklines and strapless”, are flattering for this body type. When it comes to outerwear,
“peacoats, dusters, bomber jackets and flowy” look best. Cropped or elastic waist styles
also help accentuate and emphasize the waistline. For dresses, it is all in the matter of
which feature she wants to show off, since most styles work on this body type. Lastly, for
bottoms, any style could work aside from high-waisted pants since it could be tricky
having straight midsection.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/21/dove-real-beauty-campaign-turns-
10_n_4575940.html

Dove Real Beauty Campaign Turns 10: How A Brand Tried To Change The
Conversation About Female Beauty
Nina Behadur
Dec 6, 2017

The “Dove Campaign for Real Beauty” was made known because of a viral video
entitled “Evolution” back in the year 2006. It showed a timelapse of the process and
evolution of getting the perfect flawless look of a commercial model with the significant
usage of makeup and digital alterations followed by a copy “No wonder our perception
of beauty is distorted.” at the end. Their PR agency, Edelman, conducted a study about
women’s priorities and interests of more than 3,000 women in ten countries, revealed
only 2% of them considered themselves beautiful. This data is what sparked the Dove
into seeing this as an opportunity to go beyond of what they were merely selling.

Followed by “Tick Box” interactive billboards wherein people could vote their
answer and percentages of the results would appear next to the ads. The gesture
caused 1.5 million visits on their website about the campaign showing that their purpose
and pure intentions were heard.

Sharon MacLeod, Vice President of Unilever North America Personal Care

stated, “We can’t just be getting people stirred up; awareness and conversation isn’t
enough. We actually have to do something to change what’s happening.”. Dove did not
stop there – they created a fund in 2004 to partner with organizations such as Girl
Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Girls Inc. with intentions of conducting
activities about online bullying and photography projects capturing the beauty they see
around them.