Dress for your body type: Hips and thighs

Maria’s body shape

Maria gave birth to her first child a year ago, and has succeeded in losing the weight she put on during her pregnancy. She’s now ready to put away her maternity and baby-stained clothes and invest in a stylish new wardrobe. Maria is looking for pieces that will be appropriate for the workplace, as well as for smarter occasions, and would also like to find clothes that will help to minimise her hips and thighs. We chose three different looks for Maria – corporate, dressy and smart-casual – all of which work to flatter her body shape.

Look for:

• Scooped or detailed necklines.
• A-line skirts, flared or wide-leg pants with clean waistbands.
• Dark denim in jeans.
• Dynamic shoes and bags.

Avoid:

• Candy colours.
• Chunky knits or overly textured garments with heavy detailing.
• Cropped jackets or those that end mid problem area – like through the hipline.
• Tiny handbags.

Going out

The outfit
David Lawrence top, $45; Bewitch necklace, $24.95, and ring, $17.95; Tommy Hilfiger Watches watch, $219; Inspirations bracelet set, $9.99; Ralph Lauren skirt, $599; Lisa Ho Swim bag, $160; Kenzo shoes, $700, at Myer.

Pattern
V-shaped stripes elongate the body, and are flattering in a simple skirt.

Jewellery
Delicate jewellery shows off slim wrists and forearms.

Skirt
A-line or flared skirts create a narrow-looking waist and flatter the calves and ankles

Work

The outfit
Lisa Ho Eyewear sunglasses, $290; Lili wrap dress, $109; David Lawrence camisole, $45; Equip necklace, $29.95, and ring, $12.95; Bewitch bracelet, $17.95; Aldo bag, $79, and shoes, $149.

Decolletage
A bold necklace and scoop neckline draw attention away from tummy and hips.

Print
A small, busy print is more flattering than a large, bright version.

Bag
A large bag makes the body look smaller.

Casual

The outfit
Ralph Lauren jacket, $799; Country Road tank top, $49.95; Jag jeans, $120; Missoni bag, $885, at Myer; Kors by Michael Kors sandals, $300, at Myer.

Tailoring
Wider lapels work to give you a narrower-looking waist, while a well-cut jacket hides the bottom, tummy and hips .

Jeans
Dark denim is always more flattering than light shades or treated denim.

Bootleg
Bootleg or flared jeans work to counteract wider hips and thighs.

 

Want a makeover?
For more about this makeover and how to apply for one yourself, check out the Noticeboard on at Notebook: forum.