Unveiling Confidence: A Stylist's Guide to Lingerie and Body Types
In the realm of self-discovery, exploring one's body type is a journey that aligns closely with that of confidence. As we focus on lingerie and styling, allow us to take you on a guided tour through the diverse landscapes of body shapes, each uniquely beautiful and deserving of celebration. These figures, while common in the fashion industry, do not suggest there there is a set norm for how any one person’s body should look. Genetics and biology also play a significant role, regardless of these categorizations, which are meant to serve as a general guideline to offer direction for those who want a more guided styling experience.
You can watch our video with Professional Image & Beauty Consultant, Varnessa Bails below or continue reading the blog.
Understanding Body Types
The spirit of body positivity lies in acknowledging and embracing our unique body types. In this exploration, we encounter five foundational body types: Inverted Triangle, Pear, Hourglass, Rectangle, and Round. Each silhouette tells a different story, and the key lies in finding lingerie pieces that accentuate the positives and make a woman feel confident and beautiful about existing in her own skin.
Inverted Triangle
Inverted Triangle: Represented by Angelina Jolie, this body type boasts broad shoulders, a large bust, a slim waist, and slim legs. The goal is to balance the broader shoulders and create an hourglass effect, drawing attention to the lower body.
Lingerie Suggestions for Inverted Triangle Body Type:
Babydoll Chemise: The flowy silhouette of a babydoll chemise adds volume to the lower body, creating balance by drawing attention away from broad shoulders and highlighting the slimmer legs.
High-Waisted Panty with Lace Details: High-waisted panties accentuate the slim waist while intricate lace details add a touch of femininity, creating a visual focus on the waist and hip area.
Strappy Bodysuit: A strappy bodysuit with a plunging neckline shifts attention downwards, emphasizing the bust and lower body, achieving a harmonious balance for the inverted triangle shape.
Silk Robe with Belt: A silk robe with a cinched belt at the waist softens the shoulders, providing an elegant and comfortable option that complements the body type.
Pear
Pear: As is the silhouette of Jennifer Lopez, the Pear body type features slimmer shoulders, a defined waist, large hips, and proportionate legs. With the Pear body type aim for drawing attention upward to create balance.
Lingerie Suggestions for Pear Body Type:
Balconette Bra with Matching Panties: A balconette bra enhances the bust, while matching panties with a bit of lace draw attention to the hips, creating an hourglass illusion.
High-Cut Teddy: A high-cut teddy elongates the legs and showcases the shapely legs characteristic of the pear body type, emphasizing the narrow waist.
Lace Garter Belt Set: A lace garter belt set paired with thigh-high stockings draws attention to the hips and legs, providing a sensual yet flattering look for pear-shaped figures.
Off-the-Shoulder Chemise: An off-the-shoulder chemise widens the visual focus to the upper body, balancing the proportions and showcasing the shoulders, adding elegance to the overall appearance.
Hourglass
Hourglass: Beyonce personifies the Hourglass body type, characterized by round shoulders, an average to large bust, a defined waist, and proportionate hips, and legs. With versatility as its forte, an Hourglass body type can experiment with various styles to highlight its natural curves.
Lingerie Suggestions for Hourglass Body Type:
Corset with Matching Panties: A corset cinches the waist, enhancing the hourglass figure, while matching panties maintain the balance and highlight the shapely legs.
Bralette and High-Waisted Panty Set: A bralette provides gentle support to the bust, and a high-waisted panty set accentuates the waist, celebrating the natural curves of the hourglass shape.
Satin Slip Dress: A satin slip dress skims over the curves, emphasizing the round shoulders and highlighting the well-defined waist and hips, creating a sensual and sophisticated look.
Lace Bodysuit with Cutouts: A lace bodysuit with strategic cutouts enhances the hourglass silhouette, showcasing curves and adding a touch of allure to the overall appearance.
Rectangle
Rectangle: Think of Cameron Diaz—a straight back, a straight body, balanced bust, hips. The goal for this body type is to create a defined waistline through clothing and accessories.
Lingerie Suggestions for Rectangle Body Type:
Corset with Garter Straps: A corset with garter straps creates the illusion of a defined waist, transforming the silhouette into a more hourglass shape, adding curves to the rectangular frame.
Frilly Bralette and Panty Set: A frilly bralette paired with matching panties adds volume to the bust and hips, creating a more curvaceous look for the rectangle body type.
Bodysuit with Side Cutouts: A bodysuit featuring side cutouts adds visual interest, drawing attention to the midsection and creating the appearance of a more defined waist.
Ruffled Chemise: A ruffled chemise provides a playful and feminine touch, adding volume to the upper and lower body, creating the illusion of curves for a rectangle figure.
Round
Round: Oprah embodies the Round body type, featuring round shoulders, a large bust, a full midsection, narrow hips, and proportionate legs. The focus here is on de-emphasizing the midsection, choosing clothing that adds curves to the lower body, and tops that taper off at the waist.
Lingerie Suggestions for Round Body Type:
Long Slip with Side Slits: A long slip with side slits offers a flattering drape over the midsection while elongating the body, providing comfort and style for the round body type.
Kimonos with Waist Tie: Kimonos with a waist tie allow for a customizable fit, while highlighting the waist, creating a balanced and elegant look.
Floral Lace Camisole and Tap Shorts Set: A camisole and tap shorts set in floral lace adds a touch of romance, drawing attention to the bust and legs.
High-Waisted Briefs: High-waisted briefs provide gentle shaping, offering comfort and confidence for a flattering appearance.
How to Find Your Body Type
If you’re not able to eyeball your body type while looking in the mirror, we suggest using this Body Type Calculator. However, there are no rules when it comes to dressing your body! Be free to experiment with all of these styles to see what you love best!
Styling for Confidence
As we embark on the journey of self-expression through lingerie, Varnessa Bails, a seasoned wardrobe stylist based in Greenville SC, offers valuable insights. She emphasizes the importance of shopping for pieces that complement one's body type. A significant recommendation is Frederick's of Hollywood, a haven for lingerie enthusiasts that caters to a wide range of sizes. Their quality and variety, coupled with ongoing sales and promotions, make it a go-to destination for those seeking a touch of sensuality. For those seeking local options, Varnessa suggests Breakout Bras, especially for plus-size women. Breakout Bras is located at 525 Haywood Rd in Greenville, SC. Their expanding range of undergarments and lingerie provides an inclusive and comfortable shopping experience.
A few other online retailers that we recommend for inclusive sizing are AdoreMe, SavageXFenty, Love,Vera, CUUP, and ThirdLove.
Embrace Your Unique Beauty
In the realm of lingerie, there are no rigid rules. We encourage you to embrace your body with confidence and have fun with your choices. The goal is not only to feel beautiful but also comfortable in your skin. Whether it's a cute push-up bra, a flattering corset, or a long slip, the key is to choose pieces that make you feel empowered and confident.
In the end, the message is clear—lingerie is not just about aesthetics; it's a form of self-expression, a celebration of confidence, and an ode to the beauty that resides in every woman, regardless of her body type.
