How to Dress for A Pear Body Shape
I shift nervously in my seat as I wait for my name to be called. I fidget with my hair, and I straighten my clothes for the millionth time. I look at my outfit and think to myself: Does this skirt make my thighs and butt look huge? What about this shirt? Is it hugging in all the wrong places? My mind wanders back to my closet, and I think through the other outfit options I should have chosen for this interview.
Suddenly, my thoughts are interrupted by my name being called. I stand, and my knees knock. I adjust my outfit and then make my way into the school boardroom for my interview. My mind feels scattered, my palms are sweaty, and my heart is racing. I greet everyone with a handshake and a smile then take my seat at the table. Again, I find myself shifting and fixing my clothes while internally feeling so uncomfortable.
My interview began, and the questions came. I wish I would have had a clearer mind and thought more about my responses rather than my outfit that morning. The interview wrapped up with a “great job” and a “we will be contacting you soon.” As I left, I wished I would have had an outfit I felt amazing in so that my appearance was not even a thought in my mind during the stressful process.
Silly, I know, but things like interviews, first dates, and speeches are nerve-wracking enough before adding the stress of picking out the perfect outfit! The last thing you want to be thinking is: Do I look okay? You want to go into these events with confidence, boldness, and a clear mind. You don’t want to be caught up on your appearance.
Needless to say, I did not get the job that day. Do I think it was because I wore the wrong pencil skirt or the wrong blouse? No. I think it was because I lacked confidence, and my interviewers could feel it. I did not have an air about me that said, “This woman has herself together. She will be perfect for this role, and I can trust her for this position.” Although all those things may have been true about me, I feel like I did not present myself that way during the interview.
I want the women I serve to feel confident and brave when faced with moving forward in their goals and dreams. I don’t want the way they look, their wardrobes, or their outfits to keep them back. When you are insecure about the way you look, it hinders your confidence and negatively affects the way you present yourself. Others can feel it too. They may not be able to put their finger on it, but they know something is lacking. They may mistake your insecurity over your appearance as a lack of skill or knowledge for the position for which you are applying.
Now imagine if I had pulled out an outfit that had already been planned for such an occasion. This outfit would have complimented my figure and made me feel beautiful. I can’t help but wonder if I would have had a different experience at that interview if I had an outfit that I loved and felt powerful in. I know for sure I would have been more confident! I would have had a clearer mind, and I would have presented myself better.
I am a firm believer that learning your body shape and how to dress in a way that compliments your figure is revolutionary for your confidence level. Not only will you understand how to style your body, but you will look and feel better as a result! And that is what I want for you!
My friends, I have started a series all about the various body shapes. So far, we have covered the apple body shape. (You can read more here.) I also put together a free guide (Dressing for Your Body Shape) that you can download here to help you discover your body shape.
But now I want to focus on the pear shape. I am so excited to talk with you about this shape, because it is also my shape!! I feel like a light bulb went off when I discovered I had a pear body shape and learned how to dress in a way that complimented my figure. I hope to do the same for you today!
Before I dive into describing this body shape, I feel like it is worth noting that YOU are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). We are all made to be beautifully unique. Knowing your body type can make shopping for clothes easier, but there is no body shape that is “better” than the other. I have chosen these terms loosely to describe the pear shape in hopes to inform and guide you as you work through this process.
The Pear Body Shape Description:
Hips that are wider than your shoulders
A round bottom and full thighs
Narrow shoulders and small bust
Defined, narrow waist
If you are having trouble figuring out if you have a pear body shape, I recommend standing in front of a mirror in a bathing suit and looking at your body to see if it is similar to the description. You can also use an appropriate measuring tape and measure your body. (You will need a friend to help you with the measuring process.) Then compare your measurements to the description above.
Once you have discovered that you have a pear body shape, here are a few styling tips and wardrobe staples for you!
Styling Tips:
Draw attention to your waistline.
Avoid clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs.
Avoid wearing low-rise skinny jeans.
Wardrobe Staples:
A-line dresses or skirts
Layering pieces like kimonos, blazers, jackets, and cardigans
Tops with embellishments or detailed sleeves
High-waisted pants, jeans, and skirts
For my interview I shared about, I did not know my body shape, and I had a mismatched wardrobe that I hated. It was very difficult for me to find an outfit I felt comfortable in, and yet I had a closet where I could not shut the doors because it was so full. I spent so much money on clothing that did not flatter my shape or express my personal style.
As a result, I had only three outfits that truly made me feel beautiful and confident, but neither of those were appropriate for my interview. So I was faced with a real dilemma that morning as I was getting ready. Obviously, a lot has changed since then. I no longer attend interviews for teaching positions, and I have a wardrobe that suits me and my needs. I want the same for you! No matter your body shape, I can help you put outfits together for important events like an interview that will help you feel more confident, beautiful, and happy! I would love to continue this conversation further with a FREE Personal Styling Strategy Session. In this virtual call, we will focus on your body shape, goals, and specific needs. Spaces are limited, so click the link to book your time now! https://calendly.com/gabbyeckert/freeconsultation?month=2020-05
