What to Wear: Pear Shape

The age old dilemma: what should I wear to suit my body shape. I am asked this quite a lot, and thanks to the real-time research technology that is the internet, finding tips and tricks yourself is a lot more accessible. Taking a look at Pinterest is always informative; there are plenty of infographics to provide a body shape education.

So we at Beaut HQ thought we would dedicate a week of fashion posts to dressing for your shape! And where shall we start? The shape that is most common to we Irish ladies - the pear. Now who is a pear that we recognise to give us a little visual to get us started?

Jennifer Lopez is probably best known for those awesome curves and her incredible derriere, and having the most amazing body in the business. She's a pear (as am I, not that I am comparing myself to J Lo, like); she carries her body on it's lower half, with her shoulders being narrower than her hips.

The trick to dressing for this shape is balance, and that's what we aim to achieve with dressing in pieces that can help flatter us. Right so, how can we look like J Lo? Well ok, I can't work miracles but if you have a similar body shape, here are your top tips!

• Tops

Generally pear shaped ladies have narrow shoulders, so look for tops to emphasise the top half of your body and take a away the focus from your hips and thighs. V-necks and round necks will flatter the chest, and try some embellishment on your shoulders too. Avoid heavy patterns that will cut off the lower halve of your body.

• Trousers and Skirts

Dark colours are your best friend here, as they are slimming (that's why we love black!). Wide-leg and straight leg trousers and jeans will elongate the distance from your hips to your feet (see Jennifer's above) and stay away from pencil skirts that can cling to your hips.

• Shoes

Lengthen through heels (even taking a longer trouser length is a good thing). Knee high boots will lengthen the calves and wear with a straight-style skirt rather than an a-line!

We think everyone can look a million euro, whatever body shape. Have you any tips of your own to share with pears?