Clothes that Flatter Pear Shaped Figures

Feb 22nd 2012 at 1:30PM by Wendy Rose Gould

There comes a time in every fashionista's life when she salivates over a fabulous frock. That drool-worthy garment could be hanging on a mannequin, donned by a statuesque model on the runway or gracing the page of an adored fashion magazine. However it's displayed, it has a sort of magical pull that, eventually, lures her into the dressing room pulling said garment over her head. And then the unthinkable happens: it doesn't look that good.

This all too familiar scenario plays out most often when women don't understand their bodies. Clothes are meant to enhance your figure and should never be worn if they're unflattering. Last week I talked about minimizing your bust. This week I'm here to show you garments that flatter women with bottom heavy, or "pear" shaped bodies.

*Pictured at top left: ASOS Shirt with Placement Floral Print, $68

Printed Tops
Prints draw attention. By wearing them on the smallest part of your body (the top half for pear shapes), you'll look more proportionate. Bonus: Prints are super on trend for Spring and Summer 2012.

ING Plus Size Top, Butterfly Sleeve Printed Lace, $35.99
Amy Byer BCX Top, Short Sleeve Striped Floral Print Smock Waist, $39
Nordstrom Sejour Print Front Tunic with Drawstrings (Plus), $24.97

Empire Waist Dresses
Dresses with a raised -- or empire -- waist are almost always universally flattering. They emphasize the waist and elongate your torso.

SoCal Bungalow Dress in Scarlet, $49.99
Max Studio Wide Strap Empire Dress, $78
Suite 7 Chiffon Empire Dress, $72
Mossimo® Womens Crossover V-Neck Empire Dress, $39.99

Interesting Necklines
In the same way prints draw attention upwards, so does an interesting neckline. Choose a boat neckline, sweetheart neckline, plunging V-neck or any other cut that flatters. You can also add a statement necklace or collier to draw even more attention upward.