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3 Essential Quick Tips for Dressing Your Pear Shape

Let’s talk about dressing your pear shape. Or J-Lo-shape, rather. Bottom-heavy. Junk in the trunk. Whatever you want to call it, more of your body weight is distributed around your hips, thighs, and tush.

While dressing your curvaceous figure can seem daunting, with a few tips and tricks you can actually use it to your advantage (think of Joan Holloway’s amazing Mad Men wardrobe).

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Top 3 must-knows for dressing your pear shape

Woman with pear-shaped body wearing underwear smiles.
Source: Envato.

1. Balance it out

As with any body shape, you want to start by paying attention to balance and proportion. The proverbial “if you’ve got it, flaunt it,” does not mean you have to draw extra attention to your ample derriere.

Avoid clothes that add even more volume — skirts with extra large pleats, ruffles, and giant prints will only magnify your hips.

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You do, however, want to draw the eye up and towards your face. Lace detailing, pretty prints, and eye-catching details around your neckline will keep the focus where it belongs.

2. Get to know your tailor

Because you have more to love on bottom, you want to keep things sleek and tailored below the waist. You may be tempted to hide in super-baggy pants or mu-mus, but that will only make your whole body seem saggy and shapeless.

Stick to pencil skirts or A-lines that skim your curves (without drowning them in fabric or hugging them too tightly), and trouser-cut pants that balance the hips (just say no to a tapered leg!).

And yes, you can wear jeans! See Style Your Occasion’s fabulous advice on best jeans for pear shape.

If you need to go a size up to fit your hips when dress shopping, make sure the top could be easily taken in to fit your smaller frame.

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3. Color is not your enemy

Black is great and all, but it isn’t your only option. Sure, you want to avoid giant neon flowers plastered across your backside, or fushia hot pants (ok, any hot pants), but colors are not your enemy. A navy or emerald green skirt can be great options for spring, and small patterns can be flattering, too.

Dressing your pear shape FAQs

What should I avoid wearing if I have a pear-shaped body?

Avoid baggy clothing on the bottom half of your body. Wear clothes that fit you and skim your curves.

What tops should I wear if I have a pear-shaped body?

Some good options include V-neck tops, off-the-shoulder tops, and tops with details around the neckline. These draw the eye up and create the illusion of balance.

What bottoms should I wear if I have a pear-shaped body?

Wear bottoms that balance out your proportions and highlight your waistline. Try A-line skirts, bootcut or flared pants, and high-waisted jeans.

What types of dresses should I wear if I have a pear-shaped body?

Try fit-and-flare dresses, wrap dresses, and A-line dresses. These show off your waist and create a more proportional-looking shape.

Should I wear shapewear if I have a pear-shaped body?

You can wear shapewear if it makes you feel good, but you don’t have to. Shapewear won’t change your shape, though it can smooth out lumps and bumps.

Are there any colors or patterns I should avoid if I have a pear-shaped body?

You should avoid big patterns and screaming bright colors on the bottom half of your body. Big patterns are universally unflattering and neons will draw the eye to your hips and thighs. Stick to darker colors and simpler patterns on the bottom half and keep the brighter colors and bolder patterns for your top side.