Do you have a top heavy body shape? Or maybe you’re not sure if you do, but suspect you might?
The easy way to tell is if you have a large chest and upper body area, and little waist definition. You may also have slimmer arms and legs, but tend to collect weight around your middle.
You’ll also most identify with the Apple or Inverted Triangle body shape. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Oprah Winfrey fall into this category, so you’re in good company!
ALSO SEE: The most flattering dress to buy this spring
If, like actress Susan Sarandon, you have a top heavy body shape, dressing to flatter your figure can feel difficult at times. But, with a few clever styling tricks, looking stylish can be a cinch and you can look just as fabulous as Susan at Cannes.
It’s all about learning the golden style rules to how to best flatter your figure. The main goals should be to flatter your abundant cleavage and create definition in your waist, resulting in a gorgeous silhouette.
We’ve picked out some of the best buys for top heavy women, including clothes for work, an evening out, relaxing at home and those all-important special occasions.
Some quick style rules to follow are to embrace the V-neck (which will show off your cleavage), stick to fitted pieces that nip in at the waist, and avoid items that constrict your top half (like buttons or tight collars).
Keep clicking for our edit of the best top heavy buys…
Be bold!
Ignore the myth that you shouldn’t wear bold patterns or colours! Bold, bright colours are a great way to anti-age any outfit, and they can also help balance out your shape.
Opt for A-line dresses in a colourful print that will define your waist and have a flattering neckline, like this dress from H&M. R529, 32 to 46, H&M
Make it a midi
Don’t let your hemline swamp you. Sometimes a maxi-dress that falls all the way to the floor can end up looking boxy and unflattering.
A dress that skims above your ankle, or a midi-dress that falls below the knee and shows off your slim lower legs is a fabulous, playful way to dress your figure. Midi-dresses are this season’s hottest trend, so there are plenty to choose from, such as this front knot detail dress from Mr Price. R120, 30 to 44, Mr Price.
Belt it!
Belted dresses and jackets – like this one by Thebe Magugu for R790, XS to L, at Woolworths– will define your waist and bottom half, rather than drawing all the attention upwards.
Change it up
Don’t let a belt restrict your wardrobe. It’s not the only way to cinch in your waist and dress a top heavy body shape. The key is to accentuate your favourite part of your body, while balancing out your shape.
Perhaps you want to wear a pair of fitted jeans to draw attention to your long legs, or a fitted skirt that shows off your amazing curves. Try this high waist pencil skirt, available for R799, 4 to 16, Forever New
What you wear underneath matters
Getting it right underneath should be the very first step to dressing top heavy figure, so invest in a supportive and well-fitting bra like this one from Woolworths. Available at R325, 32DD to 44E, R150, XS to XL, Woolworths.
Opt for a V
Reveal and conceal – there’s a fine balance when dressing a fuller top half but low-cut V-neck dresses and tops are a quick way to flatter. Just be sure to go low-key on the bottom half for a really styled and pulled-together look. This dress for R825, 32 to 46, at Truworths is perfect.
Balance out your shape
Balance out a larger top half with a full A-line skirt, like this striped one from The Fix for R249, 6 to 18, or wide-leg trousers. Flared skater style dresses are ideal too.
Draw attention away
A large tote bag, carried on the hook of the arm, will draw attention away from your top half. Get one with a colour block detail and you’ve hit the nail on the head! R1 599, Accessorize
