This summer there are so many perfect garments and accessories for all the dressy events. African designers have created stunning and detailed garments that will wow at that wedding, barbeque etc. Such designers include South Africa’s JJ Schoeman, Abigail Betz and Nigeria’s Duro Olowu.
Pick pretty summer staples to suit your unique body type. Garments with sweet details such as ruffles, bows, rosettes and frills are all the rage at the moment. Look also for embellishments such as silk embroidery, sequins, crystals etc. Such detailing requires little or no accessories. Be chic in beautiful and flattering clothes this summer!
Top Heavy figure type (apple shape)
The apple shape is characterized with a large bust but matched with small straight hips. In terms of proportion there is more weight in the top part of this body type.
The key to flattering this figure is drawing the eye to bottom part of this figure. Wear outfits with the detail and mass below the waistline, panning out the figure. Garments with heavy detailing around bust area only further draw attention to the disproportion. The below dress is perfect for this figure type and works a treat with the chic Tigertem clutch.
Bottom heavy figure type (pear shape)
A standard size bust, small waist and large wide hips and heavy thighs determine the pear shape. It is imperative to draw attention to ones torso as opposed to the bottom half. Try to steer away from outfits that cling tightly to your bottom half. Wear pretty empire line dresses which flare from the bust line. Empire line dresses skim forgivingly over the hips and thighs. Try this ethereal dress by Abigail Betz accessorized by Jewellery by Anne’s handmade beaded clutch.
Tall figure type
Those with height have great length to play with. Look for well made garments that are long enough in the sleeves and in inside leg. Trousers and tops too short in the leg and torso respectively can make the taller figure look awkward. Choose gorgeous Grecian gowns which have great draping that flatter tall ladies. Also taller figures wear the maxi length incredibly well. An elegant maxi dress by Duro Olowu in this fabulous shade of green paired Jewellery by Anne’s intricate fold over beaded clutch is perfect for summer!
Petite figure type
The wrong clothes with bad proportions can swamp the petite body type. Target well cut garments specifically designed for petite frames. Also be careful with maxi and midi length garments as they can seemingly further shorten the petite frame. Invest in a great tailor who can shorten sleeves and hem lines that are too long. If you are petite, be sassy this summer in the dress below by JJ Schoeman. Throw on with the dress this fabulous apple green leather bag by Koketso.