Filed under: Fashion
If even celebrities, with the help of stylists aplenty, can misjudge their outfits and be photographed in ill-fitting or badly chosen ensembles, it can be more than a little tricky for the rest of us to know which styles will best flatter our physiques.
So it's a good thing that stylist and presenter Gok Wan has made it his mission to ensure that unflattering, badly chosen clothing is an issue women across the nation no longer need to fret about. The stylist's brand new fashion range, Gok for TU, launching in Sainsbury's this month, features key wardrobe pieces that are universally flattering but also designed to highlight and optimize the way women dress depending on their diverse body shapes.
Check out our celebrity guide to dressing for your body shape, with some of our favourite stars providing sartorial inspiration. First identify whether you're an apple like Drew, a pear like Jennifer, an inverted triangle like Naomi, or an hourglass like Kelly, then read on for tips on how to choose the right pieces and which key wardrobe items to stock up on from Gok's new range for TU.
PA/Gok for TU
An apple body shape usually has slimmer hips, a rounded tummy and a generous bust. You'll want to opt for clothes that give structure to your middle section and detract attention away from your stomach. Flaunt your cleavage in V-necks and scoop necks and your shapely legs in flat-front, fitted trousers.
The Stretch Jodhpur (£20) is a go-anywhere trouser with a hidden elasticated band just over your stomach to keep your tummy looking taut while highlighting the apple shape's lovely legs. Wear these with a scoop neck top, heels and a brightly coloured structured jacket for an effortless day-to-night look.
PA/Gok for TU
A narrow upper body with a smaller bust and shoulders and bigger hips, thighs or bum are the characteristics of the ultra-feminine pear body shape. Show off your waist in A-line dresses and pair shoulder-padded structured jackets with dark coloured trousers in a bootcut style to balance out your hips.
Gok for TU's Ultimate Wrap Dress (£40) is a figure-flattering option for pears which tightens up problem areas (thanks to a hidden body-sculpting slip) and keeps wider hips looking proportional because of shapely shoulder pads. The draped style slims the hip and bum area and keeps your small waist nipped in.
Empics Entertainment/Gok for TU
Inverted Triangle - Naomi Campbell
If your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips and thighs, you're an inverted triangle (or top heavy) body shape, just like one of the world's biggest supermodels. Make sure to wear dresses and tops with a strap to create the illusion that your shoulders are closer together and invest in some wide-legged trousers to balance out a broad shoulder. Also look for pleat details in a skirt or trouser to make your top half appear narrower.
Empire line styles, like the Trapeze Top (£20) from Gok for TU, ensure you won't be adding any extra bulk to your upper torso. This top also highlights the narrow part of your body below the bustline and will look great worn over jeans for everyday.
PA/Gok for TU
Curvy hips, a tiny waist and a generous bust are the hallmarks of an hourglass physique. Optimize your enviable curves in structured jackets, belts that nip in your waist and skirts with peplum details.
The Asian-inspired Cheongsam Dress (£45) from Gok's new range is ultra-flattering for an hourglass body shape. It extends the shoulder line with shoulder pads, features a built-in sculpting slip that's fitted around the hips (and nips everything else in) and boasts curve-accentuating double piping detail on the outside for that retro 1950s silhouette.
