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Understanding your Body Shape

Find the Perfect Outfit for Your Shape

At The Style Archives, we believe style is about confidence, not rules. We’re here to help you feel beautiful in your own skin and make it easier to find outfits that flatter and fit effortlessly.

Our guide celebrates the beauty of every body shape and offers gentle styling tips to help you choose silhouettes that work best for you.

Whether you’re curvy, straight, petite, or tall, we want you to feel empowered, elegant, and comfortable in every dress you rent.

Let’s explore some common body shapes, how to identify your own, and which dress styles might bring out your best features.

A Note From Us:
Your shape doesn’t define your style - you do. These are simply starting points to help you explore options and feel confident in your choices. At The Style Archives, we’re about celebrating your individuality with timeless pieces that make you feel amazing.

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Apple / Round Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your midsection is fuller, your bust may be generous, and your legs are often a standout feature.

What works:

Think wrap dresses, A-line styles, and anything that gently drapes rather than clings.

V-necklines help elongate the upper body, and soft, structured fabrics flow beautifully without drawing attention to the tummy.

Dresses with ruching or an empire waist work wonders to define your shape.

Your Style Goal: 

Highlight your neckline and legs while feeling comfortably cinched and supported through the waist.

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Pear / Triangle Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your hips are curvier than your upper body, with a beautifully defined waist and a smaller bust.

What works: 

Styles that balance your shape by adding softness and structure up top—like off-the-shoulder or embellished necklines.

A-line and fit-and-flare dresses skim the hips and define your waist perfectly.

Play with texture or colour on the top half to draw the eye upward.

Your Style Goal: 

Emphasise your waist, enhance your upper body, and let your silhouette flow with ease.

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Hourglass Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your bust and hips are similar in width, and your waist is naturally defined.

What works: 

Fitted styles like wrap dresses, belted sheaths, or anything that highlights the waist.

Soft stretch fabrics or structured styles that hug your shape (without clinging too tightly) work beautifully.

Look for dresses that celebrate, not hide, your curves.

Your Style Goal: 

Accentuate your natural shape with waist-fitted, balanced silhouettes that feel as good as they look.

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Inverted Triangle Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your shoulders or bust are broader than your hips, and your lower half is more slender.

What works: 

Keep the top sleek and add flow or detail on the bottom.

V-necklines help soften the shoulder line, and A-line or flared skirts add beautiful balance.

Outfits with prints or ruffles on the bottom are a perfect match.

Your Style Goal: 

Balance proportions by drawing attention to your waist and lower half, creating a softer, more even silhouette.

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Rectangle Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your bust, waist, and hips are similar in width, with a straight silhouette and often long limbs.

What works: 

Create curves with dresses that define the waist and add volume in the right places.

Fit-and-flare styles, peplum details, or soft draping can give the illusion of shape.

Look for textures, prints, or belts to create contrast and dimension.

Your Style Goal: 

Add gentle curves and create a feminine silhouette that flatters without fuss.

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Diamond Body Shape

You might notice: 

Your waist is the widest point of your figure, with narrower shoulders and hips. You may have slender arms and legs, and your bust tends to be smaller or average.

What works: 

Look for styles that elongate the torso and define the waist.

Empire waist and A-line dresses work beautifully, creating vertical lines and structure.

V-necklines and embellishment near the shoulders help draw the eye upward. Skirts with soft volume help balance the midsection.

Your Style Goal: 

Draw attention upward, add definition to the waist, and balance your silhouette with elegant ease.

Shop for Diamond Body Shape