THE BEST TOPS FOR PEAR SHAPED BODY TYPES

This week I want to talk about finding flattering tops for pear shapes. It’s a post close to my heart as I’m pear shaped and way back before I really knew what shape I was, or how best to dress it, I had a terrible time shopping and wold struggle to find clothes that I felt good in. Honestly, once you have a better understanding of your own shape and how clothing can alter its proportions, finding clothes that make you feel fantastic is a whole lot simpler - and dare I say it - fun!

For those of you who aren’t too sure whether you’re a pear shape; in general, we have narrow shoulders, a small bust, a great waist and broad hips. I highly recommend popping over here if you need a little guidance determining which body shape you identify with most.

BRAS:

It’s not just the larger busted among us who need to worry about wearing the right size bra. A small bust can benefit hugely from the correct size and shape – get the right bra and you’ll enhance your bust and have a more defined waist. Brilliant!

THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU'LL COME ACROSS

There are a few common problems that us pear shapes find when we’re trying on tops:

Tops are sometimes too broad on the shoulders.
If a top fits you across the bust, it’s sometimes too tight across the hips.
Low necklines sometimes gape.
Certain styles of tops emphasize your narrow shoulder.
Tops are sometimes a little baggy across the bust.
Tops that hit you across the hips or thighs emphasize your pear shape.

A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TOPS

Look for ruffles and frills.

Tops with ruffles and frills around the neckline and bust are a great choice as they add volume (and draw the eye) to your top half.

Capped sleeves, puffed sleeves, ruffled shoulders and shoulder pads are your friend

They are fantastic at broadening your shoulders, which will balance out your hips and give you a more hourglass figure.

Three quarter length are a great choice

As the sleeves will highlight your tiny waist.

Chunky knits add volume.

So chunky sweaters are a great way balance your bottom half. Just watch that the length hist you at the right place.

The most flattering length of top will sit just above your hips.

A length that sits across your hips or thighs will highlight your widest point.

Look for epaulets and detailing on the shoulders.

They're a neat way to add volume and breadth to your shoulders, which will balance out your hips.

Halter neck tops are a favorite of mine.

They do a fantastic job of broaden shoulders.

Boat, slash, turtle, polo, cowl, and high neck lines are all fabulous choices for a pear shape!

All the above will broaden your shoulders which, well, you know the drill by now...they'll broaden your shoulders!

Neck ties and bows look ever so pretty on pear shapes

They add volume and detailing to the top half and draw attention away from the bottom half.

Tunics

If you want to wear tunics, try to opt for styles that have a little definition at the waist or under the bust, and opt for a length that hits you below your widest point.

Master layering!

Layering is a fabulous way to add volume and shape to your small torso.

Don't be afraid of stripes

A top with horizontal stripes will add width to your top half and broaden your shoulders.

Try to avoid raglan sleeves

They will narrow your shoulders further and make your hips appear wider.

Wear V-necks, wide scoops necklines and plunging necklines with caution.

They have a tendency to break up your torso and make it appear narrower. This in turn will make your hips appear wider than they are.

I do want to point out that these are not hard and fast rules, they are just pointers to help you find the most flattering pieces for your shape. Feel free to break them as you wish and always experiment with dressing your unique shape!

The most flattering tops to choose

As I mentioned above, Turtle necks, ruffles and neck ties are a pear shapes most powerful weapon. And this season, my pear shaped friends, the shops are full of them! So if you're looking to bulk up your wardrobe with some new tops, this is the time to do it!