Dressing Smart = Dressing Right for your Body Type...
Ladies, let’s talk about the ultimate power move no one seems to be talking about in your office…Choosing the right fit for your unique body type when selecting your office wear! Here at Imagemakers, we believe that every body is beautifully unique. Finding the perfect fit starts with understanding your own body type. That's why we're here to offer expert advice and guide you on this empowering journey of learning about your body type, and how you can choose corporate clothing that accentuates your best features to help you look your best for work. This isn't about rules, ladies—it's about finding what works for YOU!
We celebrate and align with the amazing worldwide movement towards true self-acceptance and body positivity, but we have to break it to you-nothing good comes from ‘one size fits all’. You may think it’s a no-brainer, but more people opt to shop online without a try-on, or at fast fashion retailers these days. Less people are getting their office clothing tailored as well which results in… Being misinformed about what the perfect fit actually looks and feels like.
Whether you’re rocking corporate uniforms prescribed and funded by your company, or perhaps you and your team of two are curating your own capsule wardrobes for ease and efficiency, the right fit for your body shape can do wonders! It improves your confidence, how others perceive you in the workplace, your posture, and how you carry yourself. No more frumpy blazers or ill-fitting skirts…Just sleek, stylish, and flattering corporate wear that make you feel unstoppable. Let’s dive into how you can choose the best pieces to complement and celebrate your beautiful body shape while staying stylish and professional.
The Power of Dressing for Your Shape
Office uniforms for ladies is more complex than for men (who can sometimes get away with throwing on the same styles as their coworkers!). It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear for your unique body shape. We all have different body shapes, and understanding yours can help you pick the perfect business wear that enhances your best features. There’s something for everyone, whether you are a fan of classic fitted suits, or prefer a more relaxed approach to corporate style.
Here’s How to Choose Your Corporate Work Wardrobe Based on Your Body Shape…
The Rectangle
If your bust, waist, and hips are roughly the same size, you fall into the rectangle body type category. Minimal curves doesn’t mean you have no definition at all, you simply need to accentuate what’s hidden at first glance. The goal? Add extra dimension and curves to your frame with these office wear style tips.
- Try structured blazers that cinch the waist to create shape.
- Dresses with belted waistlines are your best friend!
- Play with prints, textures, and bold colours to add invigorating detail to your look.
- A-line skirts or soft, frilly or peplum-style tops help to add volume in the right places.
The Pear
If your hips are wider than your shoulders and waist, you’ve probably got a pear-shaped body. The trick is to draw attention to your upper body while balancing out your lower half.
- Opt for more structured shirts, blouses with soft ruffles or flounced sleeves, or embellishments at the neckline to pull the gaze to the upper half of your body.
- Lighter colours on top paired with darker pants or skirts help create balance.
- Flared, or wide-leg trousers and A-line skirts streamline the lower body.
- Blazers with padded shoulders help broaden the upper frame slightly.
The Apple
Ladies with an apple body shape have a broader waistline, often with a larger bust and shoulders. The focus here is on defining the waist and highlighting your best features.
- Dresses with an Empire waistline, Wrap dresses or tops define your shape beautifully.
- V-neck blouses elongate your frame and draw the eye upwards.
- Relaxed blazers that skim over the mid-section add structure without clinging to the body.
- High-waisted, well-fitted pants create a streamlined effect.
The Inverted Triangle
If you have broad shoulders with a narrow waist and hips, you have a more athletic build-which is awesome, let’s celebrate that with flattering corporate fashion. The goal is to balance your frame by creating volume around your hips.
- A-line skirts and wide-leg pants create balanced proportion for your shape.
- Soft fabrics and draped styles help to downplay broad shoulders.
- V-necks and scoop-neck blouses help break up the shoulder width.
- Avoid overly structured blazers—go for single-button styles instead.
The Hourglass
With a naturally defined waist, hourglass figures should focus on maintaining balance and highlighting their shape without overcomplicating things.
- Fitted blouses and pencil skirts emphasise your curves tastefully.
- Wrap dresses and belted suits work beautifully to maintain balance.
- Simple, clean lines keep the silhouette polished and professional.
- Avoid overly loose or boxy styles that hide your shape.
The Key to Dressing with Confidence for Your Shape
At the end of the day, confidence is the best thing you can wear. Whether you’re shopping for corporate clothing in Durban, Johannesburg, or Cape Town, the goal is to feel good in what you wear. Dressing for your body type ensures that you not only look stylish, but also feel comfortable every single workday.
So go ahead and step into that boardroom, lead that meeting, or close that deal with an office outfit that makes you feel like the powerhouse you are. Need help finding office wear for ladies that suits your shape? Explore our range of corporate uniforms designed for real women with real bodies, and gain real confidence!
