How to Dress for Your Shape (So Your Wardrobe Works With You, Not Against You)
There’s a moment we see in our Salt Lake City boudoir studio all the time: a woman steps in wearing something she likes… but it’s fighting her shape. Ten minutes later, we swap one detail (neckline, waistline, fabric), and suddenly her whole energy changes.
Not because her body changed.
Because her wardrobe finally started speaking her language.
This guide will help you do the same—whether you’re getting dressed for everyday life, date night, or planning what to wear for a Utah boudoir photography session.
The “Works With You” Rule (Use This Before You Buy Anything)
If you only remember one thing, make it this:
Balance: create harmony between shoulders, waist, and hips
Definition: decide where you want the eye to land (waist, legs, neckline, etc.)
Drape: choose fabrics that skim, not cling or tent
And the sneaky confidence booster: fit beats size every time.
Start Here: Find Your Shape (Fast)
Most women are a blend, but these are the most common shape “starting points”:
Hourglass: balanced shoulders/hips with a defined waist
Apple (round/oval): fullness through midsection with slimmer legs/arms
Rectangle (straight/athletic): shoulders/waist/hips similar width
Wardrobe Wins by Shape
Hourglass: Keep the Waist as the Star
Your best looks usually do one thing well: they acknowledge your waist.
Try:
Wrap styles, corset-inspired tops, bodysuits with shaping seams
High-waisted bottoms that sit at your natural waist
Pencil skirts, fitted slip dresses, belted robes
Avoid (if you want more definition):
Boxy tops that hide your waistline
Super bulky layers that add volume everywhere
Boudoir tip: A structured bra + high-waisted panties is basically a love letter to an hourglass.
External read: Hourglass dressing guide (deep dive) The Concept Wardrobe
Pear Shape: Bring Attention Up + Define the Waist
Pear shapes photograph beautifully when we lift the focus upward and keep the waist intentional.
Try:
Necklines with openness: sweetheart, scoop, off-shoulder (if you love it)
Tops with structure or detail at the shoulders
Darker/cleaner lines on bottom + lighter/brighter up top
High-waisted sets that hug the waist
Avoid (if you want balance):
Very low-rise bottoms that cut across the widest point of the hips
Tops that end at the widest hip area (that hemline is spicy—in the wrong way)
Boudoir tip: A balconette bra + a simple bottom creates that “snatched” balance without trying too hard.
External read: Pear dressing guide The Concept Wardrobe
Apple Shape: Create Length + Let Fabric Skim
Apple shapes shine when outfits glide over the midsection and highlight legs, neckline, and shoulders.
Try:
Empire lines, A-line slips, baby-doll silhouettes
V-necks or plunges (as bold as you want—tasteful is a choice, not a rule)
Robes worn open for vertical lines
High-cut legs to elongate and celebrate your lower half
Avoid (if you want a smoother line):
Thick waistbands that dig in
Extra details right at the tummy (big bows, bulky ruching placed randomly)
Boudoir tip: A bodysuit with strategic seams + a soft robe is a “main character entrance.”
External read: Apple dressing guide The Concept Wardrobe
Rectangle Shape: Add Curves With Shape, Not “More Stuff”
Rectangle shapes don’t need “fixing”—they just benefit from curve-creating structure.
Try:
Lingerie with contour seams, underwire, corsetry, peplum details
Two-piece sets with contrast (top detail + clean bottom, or vice versa)
High-waisted bottoms to create a waist illusion
Layering: garter belts, robes, jackets worn open
Avoid (if you want more shape):
Straight-up-and-down shift pieces with zero waist story
Boudoir tip: A corset + stockings is basically architecture… but make it flirty.
Inverted Triangle: Soften the Top + Add a Little Volume Below
If your shoulders are your power feature (they usually are), the goal is simply balance.
Try:
V-necks, wrap tops, and softer lines up top
Simple bras + more detail on bottoms (straps, garters, higher-cut legs)
A-line skirts, flowy wraps, or bottoms that visually widen hips
Avoid (if you want less emphasis up top):
Very high necklines with heavy structure at the shoulders
Boudoir-Specific Wardrobe Tips That Flatter Every Shape
These work on basically everyone, every time:
Choose 1 hero feature: waist, legs, neckline, booty, back
Pick one structured piece (corset, longline bra, bodysuit) and one soft piece (robe, button-up, sweater)
Match your vibe to your set: moody lace, clean minimal, cozy sheets, editorial glam
Prioritize comfort: if you can’t breathe, it’s not confidence—it’s hostage couture
The Easiest “Yes” Option: Our Client Closet (XS–5X)
If shopping makes you want to lie down on the floor dramatically (valid), we’ve got you.
At Blushed Boudoir, you can pull from our curated client closet with:
Lingerie + styling pieces in sizes XS to 5X
Accessories, shoes, and fun add-ons (yes, including angel-wing moments)
You show up. We style it. You look like art.
What to Wear If You’re Unsure (3 Outfit Formulas)
If you’re stuck, pick one of these and you’ll be golden:
Formula 1: Bodysuit + robe + barefoot (soft, flattering, timeless)
Formula 2: Bra + high-waisted panties + garter + stockings (snatched + classic)
Formula 3: Oversized sweater + panties (cozy, playful, “I woke up like this” energy)
FAQ: Wardrobe + Body Shape
“Do I have to dress for my body shape?”
Nope. This is a tool, not a rulebook. The goal is to help you feel confident faster.
“What if I’m between shapes?”
Most women are. Pick the shape that matches your shoulder-to-hip balance first, then style for your favorite feature.
“What matters most for photos?”
Fit
Waist placement
Fabric drape
Those three beat trends every single time.
Ready to Wear Something That Feels Like You?
Imagine opening an album years from now and thinking, “That was the day I finally saw myself the way everyone else already did.”
Then book your session → https://www.blushed-boudoir.com/book
Book your empowering boudoir session in Salt Lake City today.
