Best Outfits for a Pear Shape | Style Dial Orange - Nada Manley

Here I go again, referring to a body type as a fruit. In The Style Dial body type system, we use colors and not inanimate objects, but since so much of the world is familiar with the term pear-shaped, I’m throwing it in here for clarity’s sake.

But just to be clear: You are not a fruit. And you may not be a single body type. Many women are a combination of body types. My friend Mariana, for example, is classically curvy on the lower half, with a tiny waist, but she actually has strong shoulders, which is not typical of a classic “pear.”

All this to say that you are unique.

The size difference between Mari’s upper and lower half has made it a challenge to find dresses and jumpsuits, and the difference between her hips and her waist has made pant-shopping a challenge.

We did Mari’s body type analysis as well as her Fashion Fit Formula to come up with some outfit formulas that work for her, highlighting her beautiful features, lovely long neck and bustline, and tiny waist, while balancing the curves in her lower half.

(Pics are actually screenshots so please excuse quality issues. Next time I’ll take actual pics).

Outfit #1: Statement Top + Solid Bottoms

Mari’s pants are labeled straight leg, but the fit and the fabric make them fit her a little more like a skinny. A straight is her most flattering style, but it needs to be straight when she’s wearing it, and not just on a hanger, meaning her ideal style will have a bit more room in the leg to skim rather than hug curves.

The top has interest in the shoulder, which helps balance the hips, but a simple vertical neckline to show off her beautiful neckline. Pulling the sleeves up keeps the eye at the waist and not down by the hips. Tucking also draws the eye up to the waist and away from the hips.

Outfit #2: Two-Piece Slip Dress

A monochromatic look is always chic and flattering, and we wanted to find Mari a beautiful summery look. Since dresses are hard (as she said, most clothes are cut for straight bodies), we created the look of a slip dress with separates: a black cami and silk black Vince skirt. The skirt skims over her curves perfectly and the simple neckline is super flattering.

A moto jacket adds further interest to the top, and keeping it black (or dark wine) prevents a strong line of color blocking at the hips.

Outfit #3: Striped Shirt + Straight Jeans

These classic blue jeans hang in a straighter line from the hip to the hem than the black pair, and the shape and pattern of this top add shape to the upper half of the body, balancing out the hips.

Outfit #4: Statement Pants + Various Tops

These plaid Veronica Beard pants are so chic, but they can be hard to pull off as they draw all the attention to the lower half, although the black side stripe and straight shape alleviate this a little bit. It’s critical to pair these pants with the right tops and jackets to create a flattering look.

This simple top is lovely wit the pants, but does little to balance the silhouette,

Outfit #5: Tank + Cardigan + Jeans

I call it The Cardigan Conundrum. Well, I do now since I just made it up. It’s the desire to wear a cardigan just like the influencers you’ve seen, even if it’s not your best look. Here, we try one cardigan, two ways, switch it out for another, and then try a jacket.