The A Body Shape aka the Pear Shape

Description: The A Body Shape, also known as the triangle or pear body shape, is characterized by the hips being larger than the bust, with a nicely defined waist. You have an elegant neck and proportionately slim arms and shoulders. You first gain weight in your bottom and legs followed by your tummy and upper body. Your waist is your best asset, so don’t be afraid to show it off.

Balance out your curvy bottom half with bold bright tops or tops with large collars, lapels or sleeves.

Famous Pears include:

• Kate Winslet
• Jennifer Lopez
• Shakira
• Beyonce

Best features: Waist, bust, chin, midriff, back, and often, tummy and arms.

Challenges: Wide hips, thighs, legs, and derriere; narrow shoulders, small bust.

Goal: The key to dressing the A body type is to enhance and add volume (or the illusion of volume) to your upper body while emphasizing your waist and deemphasizing your lower body to create a balanced, hourglass appearance. No matter what your weight is, balancing your body creates the most pleasing effect.

Donna Morgan Womens Sleeveless Printed Jersey Dress at right.

Further styles can be found at Aphrodite Secrets

Create the illusion of top and bottom balance.

• Emphasize the midriff and waist.
• Broaden the upper torso – bust, arms and especially the shoulders.
• Emphasize the graceful neck and back.
• De-emphasize the hips and thighs.
• De-emphasize the derriere.
• You should look for styles that broaden the shoulder, emphasize the waist, and softly skirt over the hip and thigh area.

Avoid: Avoid any styles that emphasize your hips, thighs and derriere, such as:

• Tube, pencil and fishtail skirts.
• Jacket and top hemlines that fall at the widest point.
• Drop waist, fanny-wrap of thigh-wrap tops or dresses.
• Leggings and/or stirrup pants
• Avoid neck and shoulder lines that de-emphasize the shoulder and bust such as the V-neck Halter and Raglan sleeves.
• Avoid skinny lapels and small, dainty collars
• Plain polo necks won’t give your top half that boost
• Don’t hide your waist in big baggy tops.
• Skinny jeans and jodhpurs will bring out your hips more
• Cargo pants with pockets on the thigh will broaden you

Marilyn Satin Halter Bridesmaid Dress Junior Plus Size Holiday Prom Gown at left.

Specific style recommendations

Dresses: Look for dresses that add volume and detail on your top half or bust and flare out over your hips rather than cling.

Wear wrap dresses that accentuate your small waist with full or structured shoulders and an A-line skirt.  Look for dresses with full sleeves (flutter, princess, or extended caps) along with wide necklines, fitted waist and an A-line skirt to help create an hourglass effect.  Choose dresses with ruching across the bust, full sleeves, a fitted waist and an A-line skirt to help balance your body.  Choose an embellished bodice with lots of detail.  Adding a structured bolero jacket to most flared dress styles will give a really flattering look for Pear shapes.

See styles V1227, V1223, B5486, B5558, and B5281. Dress style V1160 from DKNY is complementary on ALL body shapes.Roamans Plus Size Double Feature: ‘Spencer’ Jacket with Fit & Flare Dress at right.

Tops: Look for tops with wide, deep V-necklines that add volume to the bust with a snug fitting empire waist. Add flutter or princess sleeves for a more dramatic effect.  Choose shirts with a fitted waist and embellishments around the bust and shoulders to balance your lower half.  Use layering to create a top half that balances with your bottom half and choose tops that highlight or add volume to your bust.

Try adding shrugs and gilets to a plain top.  Ruffle blouses and tiered tops are really in right now and are perfect for Pear shapes. A puff sleeve ruffle blouse is your ideal top.

Skirts: A-line skirts that gently skim your body help to deemphasize your bottom.  Look for lightly gathered skirts that skim your bottom without adding volume.  Full circle skirts and gypsy skirts are also excellent choices for you.

Pants: Wear simple, dark colored slacks with no (or minimal) pockets with a mid-rise waist. Choose relaxed fits that fall straight down from the widest part of your hip. Never wear tapered pants and stay away from heavily flared pants as both will make your lower half look heavy.

Jeans: Choose dark washed, boot-cut or trouser-cut jeans that fall straight down from the widest part of your hip with a mid-rise waist. Avoid whiskering at the hip and stay away from flap, embellished or small back pockets as all will make your hips and butt appear larger.

Suits: Choose jackets with full or structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist. Draw attention to your bust with pockets or details. Stay away from lower pockets. Jackets that end mid-hip create the most slimming effect.

• Go for wide lapels and structured shoulders
• Details like faux-fur collars look great on you
• Voluminous sleeves will balance you out

See styles V1042, V8679, V1132 and B5047.

Ivory Lace With Gold Embroidery Skirt Suit Size XL

Ivory Lace With Gold Embroidery Skirt Suit Size L
Ivory Lace With Gold Embroidery Skirt Suit Size S 4

Further styles can be found at Aphrodite Secrets