A pear-shaped figure features hips and a backside that are wider than the shoulders. This is also called a triangle body as there is more weight on the lower part of the body than on the top. Celebrities with this type of physique include Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Khloe Kardashian.
For women who want to balance out their proportions, the key is to conceal a little bit of the bottom part and put the focus on the upper part of the body. Here are five tricks to dress and style a pear-shaped figure:
1. A-Line Skirts
An A-line skirt can easily hide wide hips. Choose a dress with a flared silhouette, which is very flattering on most figures. The A-line skirt will accentuate your shape and create the illusion of a smaller waist while giving you a very feminine flair.
Jennifer Lopez at the “Home” special screening presented by Twentieth Century Fox and Dreamworks Animation at Regency Village Theater in Westwood, Los Angeles, on March 22, 2015
RES Denim Baben Dress, $100 at Shopbop
Elizabeth and James Darrien Cutout Dress, $365 at Shopbop
2. Coverups
Feeling conscious about your figure? Choose a nice coat to cover up the parts you do not want to show off. If you are attending a formal affair, you can go for a dramatic thick coat. For warmer days, a light fabric coverup will do. Just make sure that it will complement your whole outfit.
Rihanna at the Fendi New York flagship boutique inauguration party during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Fendi Madison Avenue in New York on February 13, 2015
3. Embellishments
One of the best ways to disguise wide hips is by drawing the eyes upward. Choose dresses with embellishments or embroidery on the neckline or the bodice to make this the focus of your attire. Another way to do this is by wearing a statement necklace that rests boldly on your collar. This will encourage people to look at the upper part of your ensemble instead of at the bottom part.
BB Dakota Bronwen Dress, $70 at Shopbop
Madewell Embroidered Tassel Dress, $148 at Shopbop
4. Padded Shoulders
To make your curves more proportionate, add a little structure and width to your shoulders by broadening them with pads or cap sleeves. This trick will give you the illusion of having an hourglass figure instead of the more bottom-heavy pear-shaped body. Dresses with padded shoulders will also give you an edgy vibe, perfect for bold fashionistas.
Khloe Kardashian at the Hairfinity launch party held at Il Bottaccio in London, England, on November 8, 2014
5. Bold Prints
Solid-colored dresses, especially fabrics in light hues, generally reveal more of your figure, including your flaws. On the other hand, dresses with graphic patterns and bold prints conceal the not-so-appealing parts because they tend to distract the eyes. When wearing bold prints, remember to tone down everything else, from your hair and makeup to your accessories so that you won’t go overboard.
Just Female Earth Dress, $111 at Shopbop
MINKPINK Flashback Swing Dress, $89 at Shopbop
Credit: WENN/Brian To/Andres Otero