Help me dress for my shape not my size.

[Ginandthecoconut]

I need some help and guidance. Every Spring & Summer I get in a twist about how to dress for my shape. I'm a classic pear. Size 10. Un toned and not the best view of my self.

I've been looking on line at different things but always come away more frustrated then before. I've also been looking on Pinterest for ideas.

Any one with a similar shape who could point me in the right direction? I'm not office based. So looking for more casual and weekend outfits. Tia x

Meeeee! I'm probably a little bigger and slightly more toned, but I suspect similar. Do you have quite a delicate upper half and small waist? I find my favourite sunmer outfits are waisted sundresses, and give definition to my top half but the skim over my hips and thighs. Gap do some really cute ones with drawstring waists and fairly full skirts.

Another fave is high waisted thin/stretchy skinny jeans with a fitted but not clingy top (maybe a cotton peplum shaped blouse?)that ends around my hip bones. Higher waisted jeans suck in the tum and love handles, and I find that top length most flattering.

The main thing is to add definition to the nice/narrow bits of you (in my case my shoulders and waist) and cover the bits you don't like (tummy, hips, upper thighs).

Hope that helps!

Thank you! Yes to the above. I used to be toned. But due to a knee injury I haven't been able do anything high impact.

I find a lot of the stuff in the shops rather boxy. I will checking out Gap. Any other shops you could recommend? X

I found some real gems in the And Other Stories sale recently. Really gorgeous classic pieces. It's ££££ full price but they do some great discounts in the sales. M&S stretchy high waisted jegging thingies (the ones that are like jeans rather than the ones that are like leggings) are about twenty quid and I think they are the best thing since sliced bread! What's your budget like? I am forever finding things i love in Reiss but unfortunately it's a bit out of my price range.

Thank you! Some great suggestions. I will be checking those out.

Similar budget. I like investing in some classic pieces. You've inspired me to go spend some money and not to get stuck in a rut.

Aww that's lovely to hear! Good luck

Quick question, M&S jeggings are these the 5 pocket Denim jeggings? x

I'm not really a pear any more as my shape changed but as I remember, the main thing was to wear stuff that drew the eye away from my thighs and up to my top half (so like Chicky says).

I used to wear stripy tops a lot to balance me out. Cropped cardigans also suited me as they showed off my waist. Tunics were the worst possible look as they always ended at the widest point on my thighs.

Yes, that's right Gin!

I second the 5 pocket jeggings. I'm a classic pear too. I own about 8 pairs in various colours! Love them! And they stay up!!

Excellent! I have tried so many jeans. Never M&S. Normal buy Next jeans.

My size and fit is normally out of stock ( long). Hopefully I 'll more luck on line.

So pleased I posted! x

I had never tried Marks and Sparks jeans until they were recommended to me. Haven't looked back since and have reccomended them to so many people! Really great tummy-sucking properties and yet feel like you are wearing PJs!

I like 40s retro cuts of trousers (such as Heyday and Tara Starlet do) which cinch in at the waist and loosely drape over the bum.

I also have lots of shrugs and neat little jackets/cardigans. A strong contrast on the shoulders and arms creates quite a balanced look IMO. Boat necks and square necks I like - halters I find hard to style.

ChickyDuck-I'm ordering couple of pairs. High waisted jeans are the way forward. & other stories I have a basket full. It's a site I've over looked. Making up for it now!

Thankfulforeveryday-thanks for recommendation too. I seem to spend half my day hiking up jeans or messing with belts.

Squizita- thank you for advice and recommendations. I will checking those out later. X

Hurrah! I hope you enjoy your new things!

I hear you on the boxy thing OP - it happens every few years, the shops fill with cropped boxy tops and me and my 11inch boob-waist-hip difference sit quietly in a corner and weep

will be checking out the m&s jeggings!

Pears should accentuate their slimmer top-halves and detract from their bottom halves. Wide legged trousers, flared jeans, more fitted tops - not too high necked. Tea dresses, and wrap-around dresses are great. Defintiely no boxy-cardigans - unfortunately the fashions these days seem to conspire against pear-shapes - lots of skinny jeans/narrow legged trousers and boxy shapeless tops. Avoid like the plague. Anything that fits you at the waist is a good thing.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/ww071-blk/womens-black-sleeveless-wrap-maxi This is a good dress - I have it.

This if you like sleeves

Knitfast- I'll join you in the corner! I hope the M&S jeggings work out for you too.

Waterfall cardigans, just say no.

Underthe- finding anything that's fitted and doesn't resemble a sack with arm holes is a result imo. Thank you for the links. Love both dresses!

You can wear skinnies - but they have to fit perfectly and you need to be strategic about your top half (big and boxy can actually be your friend - I hate that it's always advised against - because if you are seeking balance you can EITHER play down the hips or play up the shoulders, this creates balance. You need to choose which you do for each outfit).

The worst, very very worst thing you can wear for balance is a halter neck without anything at the shoulders, as it unbalances and makes a triangle shape (unless the triangle is the standard desired at your point in history, in which case bung in a crinoline! ).

I have budding collection of Blazers ( Zara mostly). Helps with balancing the shoulders. I find in the winter, knee high boots with skinnies. Spring/summer I find more tricky.

OP I love blazers/cardigans with shoulder details too. And I agree with a pp about skinnies - they just need to fit well. I like my big hips and legs, I don't mind that skinnies show them off!

I've thought of a few more things - stretchy pencil skirts are your friend. I also wear leggings under dresses (Mumsnet crime I know, but if you choose the right dress it looks great)

I avoid wide leg trousers - I think they make it look like you're trying to hide something and they end up making you look big and boxy rather than nicely, confidently curvy. I love my skinnies and straight jeans!

re spring and summer - yesterday I worse cropped bright blue skinnies with converses and a shirt tied at the waist. comfy and practical and a bit retro without being too full on.

I've got a fab straight black maxi skirt with a slit up the side from last summer that's a staple for me in warm weather. I also like summer dresses with leggings underneath to avoid sweaty legs and flashing the public

Thanks KnitFast. I need embrace my figure. It was my partner who convinced me to rock the skinnies. After years of shunning them. Interesting point about wide leg trousers. I found some in my wardrobe the other day. Did me no favours.

Where can I buy these stretchy pencil skirts you speak of? I agree re leggings and dresses. Worn well it can look good.

The thing is, not all pears are the same and I think a lot depends on where your waist is. Mine is quite high up so a boxy cropped top with a high waisted pencil or tube skirt works really well for me. It balances me out and shows off my waist.

Boxy and thigh length though - terrible. In fact any kind of thigh length turns my legs - which are actually quite decent - into tree trunks. I sometimes see skinnies and tunics recommended for pears yet it's probably the worst possible look for me.