Choosing the Perfect Ethnic Wear for Different Body Types

With all the fashionable clothes swarming the markets, one thing is quite set in stone – ethnic wear never goes out of style. From extravagant lehengas to suits with glamorous dupattas, an array of fashionable ethnic wear is waiting to be explored and dived deep into by you. When it comes to clothing, however, certain styles give you an extra nudge to go from nice to magnificent. What is that, you might be keen to ask? Knowing your body type and dressing accordingly, it is as simple as that!

Bodies are like snowflakes, each unique but none less beautiful than another. When you understand your body type and let your fashion choices be guided by them, there is no stopping your inner diva. The beauty of ethnic wear that you plan on wearing to a wedding sangeet or ring ceremony will blow everybody away if you choose the attire that flaunts your curves, highlights your body structure in a favourable light and brings out the best in you. And all of this can be made possible simply by dressing yourself in suits that suit your body type.

Ethnic Wear for Apple Body Shape

The apple body shape is typically quite well proportioned, with the shoulders broader than the hips. Your waist may not be your best feature so you want to dress yourself in flowy rather than clingy bottoms that could bunch up around your waist. The right clothing will draw attention to your fabulous arms and sculpted upper body instead.

Anarkalis flatter Apple Body Shapes the best as they flare from below the bust. In addition, A-line Kurtis work well when paired with leggings to accentuate your slim legs while diverting the focus from the middle body portion. A dupatta makes for a great addition to the attire as it can complement the suit while also giving you a sleek look. It is better fitting that you choose sweetheart or V necklines and opt for smaller, delicate embroidery around the neck and waist as they will give you a bulky look.

The colours you choose can make or break the look. Go for dark coloured tops with lighter coloured bottoms for an elongated look. When deciding on colour combinations, a monotone or single colour will make your body look slimmer.

Ethnic Wear for Pear Body Shape

With relatively slimmer upper body and heavier lower body, the pear is the most common body shape among Indian Women. Maximum visual appeal can be created by dressing to accentuate the slender waist and torso and styling the lower body with flare. Your heavy hips can be complemented by dressing in a manner that brings only your upper body into focus.

Ethnic wear choices for extravagant affairs like Shaadis and Sangeets call for rich attires that display elegance. Floor-length Anarkalis that are slim from the waist up and are circular and flowy from the waist down are your best bet in flaunting your assets – the slim waistline, while also drawing the attention away from the stout hips. To avoid bulky gatherings, opt for soft textured fabrics for lehengas and sarees.

Prints and colourful embellishments on the neckline add volume to the upper body fabric as well as finesse in your attire. Scoop, sweetheart and square necklines can help draw attention to the torso and make it appear more proportionate with the lower body. Colour schemes to follow are lighter shades for the suit and solid darker shades for the leggings or lehengas.

Ethnic Wear for Rectangle Body Shape

Also known as the athletic figure, women with rectangle body shape have a proportional bust and hips. Because of the body being less curvy, styling should aim at magnifying the curves. By layering your lehengas with can-can, your lower body will look fuller and more voluminous. The best features being your toned arms and sculpted waist, you can beautifully pull off two piece lehengas.

If rectangle or straight body type resembles your figure, you need to worry about hiding specific body parts, but merely augmenting curves. To give an illusion of a smaller waist, try adding volume to shoulder with cap sleeves or ruffles. Lower body can be made to look more rounded with loose palazzo pants or heavily pleated skirts.

Collar neckline and turtle, as well as sweetheart neckline, can work wonders for enhancing the appeal of your upper body. Heavy work on the top can make your torso seem ampler. Choose bright and bold colours and play with colour schemes to make a statement.

Ethnic Wear for Hour Glass Body Shape

If you have a curvy body indicated by voluminous hips and bust and a defined waistline, you have an hourglass figure. With a body shape like this, most attires can be pulled off with flair. But even if no features require enhancement, make sure to flaunt rather than hide your best assets still. Avoid loose clothing and instead, go for well-fitted Kurtis and suits that display your narrow waist.

Extremely embellished and layered attires with heavy dupattas will hang loose and work poorly to show-off your curves. Delicate embroidery is more befitting. Pair your attire with belts and wraps so that you can accentuate your envious waistline. Feel free to play with necklines and experiment with colours, matching or contrast.

Bottom Line

Styling ethnic wear is all about elegance mixed with sophistication. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the styling tips and your preferences because, in the end, fashion is all about ‘being fearlessly and unapologetically you. Whatever your body type is, you are gorgeous! You can accentuate your best features while being in your comfort zone or by stepping out of it and making a statement. Accessorize and unleash your inner fashionista because the bottom line is that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

– Posted by Srishti Kapoor