Not an Hourglass Figure? Secrets to Dressing an Apple Shape

Not everyone is lucky enough to be that ideal 36-24-36 or whatever measurements mean an hourglass figure. That's okay. That's why we wear clothes. (amongst other reasons) There is evidence that beauty is about symmetry and an hourglass figure is the most symmetrical shape, so if you're more top heavy, here are some things you can do to dress and create an illusion of a more proportioned body:

1. Wear V-Necks
In The Science of Sexy, author Bradley Bayou says that V-Necks look good on everyone. V-Necks are the most flattering neckline because they draw your eye downward, elongate the neck and cinch the waist! For an apple-shaped body, this is good news. Top heavy women usually are more round in the middle. Also, avoid scoop neck anything or boatneck anything. The former will emphasize the roundness of your upper body and the later will add to the width of your shoulders.

2. Wear ¾th sleeves
If V-necks look good on everyone, ¾th sleeves are the equivalent in the sleeve department. ¾th sleeves look better than long sleeves because they stop short of looking boxy. The problem with long sleeves is that they end too close to the end of the shirt so with your hands down, your entire top half looks like a box.

3. Wear Cap-sleeves
If you are top heavy and also have large arms, the worst thing you can do is wear a tight sleeve with a length that hits right at your chest. The horizontal line will add width to your already broad shoulders and chest area. Cap-sleeves do the opposite. Because they are slightly diagonal, they break the horizontal line and also help to give the illusion of a smaller midsection.

4. Wear dark colors on top, light/bright colors on bottom
Dark colors make things appear smaller, while bright colors make things appear larger. Wearing the dark on top and the light/bright on bottom will balance out a top-heavy frame.

5. Wear one color on top, prints on bottom
The same principle applies. Also, one color streamlines the eye over an area, while prints seek attention and make areas look larger and busier.

6. Wear something on your hips to broaden them
Wear a hip slung belt on your hips or wear low-rider jeans with a bright colored belt that sits at your hips. Wear workout pants that have a bright, horizontal line on the hip area. Also, you can layer a dark-colored hoodie or shirt over a bright-colored thin tank that peeks out at the bottom. This will also create the same effect. The point is to put the brightest color on your hips in a horizontal line to create the illusion of more width in the hip area.

There it is: the secrets to creating the illusion of an hourglass figure!