Idea…Angie’s dictionary…I’m not familiar with some of the styles recommended or terms used. What is “A” line, bell sleeves, rushing? What do you think? Smash or trash idea?

oxox, me

Very good idea – thank you!

[...] Charlize Theron, Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellwegger and Michelle Williams are amongst the most famous “inverted triangles”. You have broad shoulders, narrow hips, slender limbs, a straight waist, flat bottom and varying bust line. You are a rare breed and the least common body type found amongst women – the “pretty pear” being the most common female body type. It is interesting that it was your unique body type that was chosen to represent clothing best on the catwalk from about the 1960’s onwards. Twiggy started off this trend! Despite the fact that you are easy to dress – you’ll still want to think about how clothing affects your shape. Defining your waist and softening your shoulders is what you’ll need to think about most. [...]

[...] The new season speaks volumes, especially when it comes to sleeve detail. Voluminous sleeves on girly tops, romantic blouses and jackets are ideal for pear-shaped body types. Any form of sleeve embellishment draws attention upwards, thereby balancing out the wider part of your body. [...]

[...] Longer length tops are most flattering scrunched up to just above your crotch point, or extra long to cover your thighs (but still above your knees). Pretty pear body types need to stay clear of longer lengths that fall in-between the 2 lengths described above. [...]

[...] Wear clothes best suited to your body type – whether you are pear, apple, rectangle, hourglass or inverted triangle, refresh yourself with which shapes are best for you before you make your Spring shopping list. [...]

[...] Pointy-toed heels are especially good for pretty pear shaped bodies that need the extra height. The length of the point elongates the leg, giving it that slimming effect. The “stumpy” look of round-toed shoes does exactly the opposite, making your legs look shorter and wider. [...]

[...] Keep it short. Above or on the waistline is preferable especially if you are a pretty pear or petite body type. [...]

[...] The pretty pear (winner by far!) [...]

[...] All body types can look fab in the right dress. It’s a question of knowing which style is best for you. With Spring’s dress explosion and mid-season sales upon us, it’s an excellent time to buy frocks. Pretty pear body types look wonderful in A-line or what I call “fit-and-flare” dresses (fitted at the top and flared at the bottom). The key is to define the waist and torso and add a bit of volume at the bottom. [...]

[...] It isn’t always easy finding a pair of jeans when you are a pretty pear. Here are three important style features that will help to narrow your search: [...]

[...] The pretty pear Perfect pants lengths Your fashion persona Smart casual for ladies The racy rectangle The androgynous look Body type balancing act Rethinking the skinny The inverted triangle Dressing your age Summer Day Wedding Evening Wedding « The new fancy flat [...]

I love your website. Very informative. I’ve been following most of your advice for the pear shape for years and it’s paid off for me, thank God. I get a lot of compliments, however, what kind of tops are flattering to a smaller bust? I don’t want to increase my bust with surgery, but I sure want the best appearance! My husband appreciates me either way. (smile)

When you have a smaller bust Neecy, you need to keep your neckline higher and keep your shoulder line strong. Wear garments that fit you well on the shoulders and layer tops with low cut necklines with camisoles.

I know I am a pear shape, but have not found dressing myself easy by any means!! I have a smal waist and bigger bottom and thighs. If pants fit me at my hips and thighs, they are HUGE in the waist. And if I find a pant or jean that does fit well at my waist and hips, then they are old lady tapered leg and not flattering (or stylish!!). I am SO discouraged. I am a busy mom of 5 and don’t have the time to get out and shop, shop, shop. When I do go out, I try on a million things and come home discouraged. When I look online, I find some things that “look” like they will work, but I feel like I’m so hard to fit that I shy away from ordering clothes this way. And of course, budget is always coming into play. I want to look classy and stylish but I can’t spend over $100 on a pair of pants! Why do I feel like I am the only one who has this problem?!?? Help!!

Cynthia –

You may want to consider finding yourself a good seamstress who can tailor your clothes – it would be a huge time-saver (and stress-saver!). I also recommend Kendall Farr’s book “The Personal Stylist,” which is a great resource to learn about everything from body shapes to tailoring and sizing. The “What Not To Wear” books by the original WNTW British hosts Susannah Constantine and Trinny Woodall are also worth a look and will make you laugh too.

Best of luck!

I am clearly an inverted triangle, but I have an…ample…chest! I am really frustrated with and self-conscious about clothing. I wear a 36D, have a wide upper ribcage and broad shoulders (now one of my favorite features, especially in tube tops or halter tops, which show them off), but narrow hips, a none-too-dramatic waist, and short torso/looong legs (I am 5′10″).

I feel like I am pieced together out of misfitting parts! Like, my shoulders are wide and toned, but…when it comes to jackets, work suits, button down shirts, etc., they are a pain (same with the boobs!). Then, there’s the issue of finding pants long enough for my legs, and items with waistlines that accomodate my uni-torso/waist/butt. I also have a thick (not fat, but thick) waist, which is strange with my super narrow hips. Dress shopping is a nightmare–I look like a professional swimmer in a shapeless drape or something.

ANY suggestions on what to wear and look good would be appreciated. I feel like Frankenstein’s monster when clothing shopping.

hey shannon,
don’t feel like frankenstein’s monster! I am a pear shape (ie the complete opposite) and I can assure you we all have days like that! I think for you the best thing would be to try to emphasize your slim legs and nice boobs. On the bottom I would wear sporty styles like capri pants and cargo pants with lots of pockets. For work maybe try those very tailored pants that are fitted at the ankle and have details around the hips. Or for something more feminine you could look at skirts with lots of layering, pockets, ruffles etc in a light fabric. Paler colours or brights or patterns would all be a good idea on the bottom, but avoid them for the top. For the top I would try to find styles that cut you in half visually- vertical detailling, v necks (make sure it is deep enough to finish between your breasts) and stick to plain colours and simple fabrics.
Anyway some ideas…. hope that helps!!

I think I’m a “pretty pear” but I must be an unusual one. I’m about 5′8″ and quite slender, although thank god I’m not a waif! My widest point (thighs) are about 35 inch and my bust is 32 (I’m a B cup). My actual hips aren’t really any wider than my bust, but like I said my thighs are the widest, so I can definitely see the pear-shape in my mirror. However, my shoulder width is similar if not the same as my thigh width….

I’m searching for the perfect prom dress and wanted to know if a mermaid/trumpet style dress would work. I love the silhouette of that particular style of dress but I’m not sure if I’m enough of an hourglass to pull it off with success. I really wanted to wear something elegant but sexy and thought that a form-fitting mermaid dress would be perfect. Should I go for it or stick with something more A-line?

hi angie! i love doll tops and dresses and empire cuts. are they ok for a pretty pear like me? thanks!