How Best to Dress a Peanut Shaped Body
Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the peanut shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear, String Bean, and Apple.
GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEANUT BODY TYPE: Also known as an hourglass figure, a peanut can get away with almost anything you want. There are no hassles in dressing because your body is already well proportioned. Always keep in mind that you should wear clothes that follow your body outline.
Perhaps the peanut frame is not for you? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.
- SHORTS AND PANTS: Best cut for pants is a slight flare {wide leg or boot cut are best}. Boyfriend styles and cargo shapes work but opt for a darker wash option. Straight leg shapes are also ideal for you especially in a darker wash with little striation. Be cautious of skinny jeans as they can make you look short and stout—although you can totally pull these off. The same is true for ankle length pants for spring/summer. Partner with wedge or heel to elongate the leg. Stick to mid-rise or high-rise cut jeans especially with a thicker waistband. Avoid bottoms with too many details on the hips. Go for flat front and pockets without flaps or large buttons. Opt for belted styles in shorts and those with a classic shape. Avoid large pocket details on the front. AVOID: Avoid an extremely wide flared pant as it could create disproportion.
- SKIRTS: Wear more voluminous style skirts that form to hips and hangoff of them naturally and lengthen the leg area. Great skirts for your shape are A-Line, Bell/tulip, Full Length, High Waisted Flutter/Circle, Pencil, and a Mini.
OUTFIT 1
- DRESSES: Consider a wrap style that pulls the fabric into the skinniest part of your waist. Figures with a short waist or petite frame may not prefer this option since it may fall at the wrong part of their waist. Look for fuller cut dress options with a peplum detail, color blocked or belted {or giving the illusion of a belt} accents.
- TOPS: Opt for snug, tailored pieces. Everything from casual t-shirts to your button- down blouses should be fitted, nipping in slightly at the waist. A cropped sleeve that finishes at your waist is ideal. Stretchy materials work well especially if you have a flat tummy. Look for low, slimming necklines that help to minimize your bust, keeping it balanced drawing the eye closer to your narrow mid-section. Look for v-necks, v-neck halters, sweethearts and scoop necks. Avoid boat necks and squares since those can make you look top heavy.
OUTFIT 2
- JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Stick with short, shaped jackets. Belted and/or trench-style coats are the most flattering drawing attention to the waist area. Jackets/Outerwear that stop just above your hips are your best option to accentuate your curves. Choose an open necked two button version to contain and elongate your waist.
OUTFIT 3
- FOOTWEAR: Look for heeled options. Your curvy hips may make your legs look thick and short when you wear flat shoes. Higher-heeled {open toed} or even slight wedge alternatives normally elongate the leg, creating a more proportional look. Avoid pointy shoes and opt for curvier toed option that mirrors your shape. Almond {rounded} or peep toes are your friend! When option for a nude shoe, pick a style in a similar shade to your skin tone. Tall Boots will work but a rounder toe is preferred as well.
- BAUBLES: A bright splash of color near your neckline can add personality to your look. Search for shortnecklaces that hug your neck or long necklaces that come down in a “V.” Necklaces that hang low and wide over your chest may make it look larger and unbalanced. Long pendant style necklaces that fall close to your breast or waistline are flattering for you. Wear large andinteresting bracelets {a cuff is ideal} which draw further a tension to your best asset–you waist!
OUTFIT 4
- ACCESSORIES: Wear dark belts around your waist. A belt worn at the narrowest part of your waist acts
as a focal point of your entire outfit. Skinny belts often work for hourglass figures of all types, but wide belts may shorten torso if you have a short waist or petite height. Scarves are a great way to add color around your face but be mindful of how you tie the scarf to not add too much bulk on top. A supportive bra will help you lift and tame your bust, giving you proper proportion for your upper half.
- SWIMWEAR: Your perfect style is halter or constructed tops, tie-side bottoms with thick ties, Matching top and bottom {Solid + Solid or Pattern + Pattern}. Avoid: Hipsters or Boy shorts and thin stringed bottoms.
OUTFIT 1: Studs // Dress // Cuff // Clutch // Heels
OUTFIT 2: Necklace // Shirt // Pencil Skirt // Heels // Cuff
OUTFIT 3: Earrings // Romper // Heeled Sandal
OUTFIT 4: Blazer // Shirt // Necklace // Rings // Purse // Shorts // Jeans // Tan Espadrille // Cone Heeled Wedge
Cheers to a stylish you,
