The Most Flattering Clothes—And Hairstyle—For Your Body
In fashion, as in life, it's always best to stay true to yourself, and that means knowing what makes your figure look smashing. A few gorgeous, talented women are here to show you how it's done.
Maria Menounos, 35
Body Type: Pear
Slim on top with curves at the hip...the Extra host, Suave spokeswoman and star of the reality show Chasing Maria Menounos definitely knows what works (and doesn't) for her figure. "I'm never going to wear a sheath dress—that's for Kate Bosworth or Kate Moss," says Menounos, author of the upcoming book The EveryGirl's Guide to Diet and Fitness, which details her past struggles with weight: She lost 40 pounds she had gained in college and has kept it off through careful eating and regular exercise. "I need something fitted at the waist with an A-line skirt. Shoulder pads are good for balancing hips. That, or a lot of pulldowns at the gym!"
What She Knows Works for Sure
Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana are among her favorite designers, as well as American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand and J Brand for jeans. As for shoes, Menounos says she's "allergic to platforms," but loves wedges and stilettos.
An outfit that's sleek on top and flirty on the bottom—like this Sandro dress—looks fantastic on a pear-shaped woman. Trumpet and A-line skirts are more flattering than pencil styles.
If you're pear-shaped...
Keep hems above the knee or higher. Shorter skirts lengthen the leg.
Consider boatneck tops and cap sleeves to counteract wide hips.
Check out these websites:
NicandZoe.com
PinkTartan.com
ModCloth.com
A shiny pink lip gloss in the same color family as a vibrant red dress can be easier to pull off than a dramatic scarlet lip shade. Try YSL Gloss Volupté in No. 15 Grenade Pépite ($32; YSLBeautyUS.com).
Dress, Sandro, $495. Earrings, Alexis Bittar.
Slim on top with curves at the hip...the Extra host, Suave spokeswoman and star of the reality show Chasing Maria Menounos definitely knows what works (and doesn't) for her figure. "I'm never going to wear a sheath dress—that's for Kate Bosworth or Kate Moss," says Menounos, author of the upcoming book The EveryGirl's Guide to Diet and Fitness, which details her past struggles with weight: She lost 40 pounds she had gained in college and has kept it off through careful eating and regular exercise. "I need something fitted at the waist with an A-line skirt. Shoulder pads are good for balancing hips. That, or a lot of pulldowns at the gym!"
What She Knows Works for Sure
Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana are among her favorite designers, as well as American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand and J Brand for jeans. As for shoes, Menounos says she's "allergic to platforms," but loves wedges and stilettos.
O Creative Director Adam Glassman's Take
An outfit that's sleek on top and flirty on the bottom—like this Sandro dress—looks fantastic on a pear-shaped woman. Trumpet and A-line skirts are more flattering than pencil styles.
If you're pear-shaped...
Keep hems above the knee or higher. Shorter skirts lengthen the leg.
Consider boatneck tops and cap sleeves to counteract wide hips.
Check out these websites:
NicandZoe.com
PinkTartan.com
ModCloth.com
Beauty Bit
A shiny pink lip gloss in the same color family as a vibrant red dress can be easier to pull off than a dramatic scarlet lip shade. Try YSL Gloss Volupté in No. 15 Grenade Pépite ($32; YSLBeautyUS.com).
Dress, Sandro, $495. Earrings, Alexis Bittar.
From the May 2014 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine