Sweetheart Neckline Bikini Top & Matching Printed Bikini Bottoms

Why It Works:

• • Sweetheart Neckline: This shape highlights the curves of the bust and creates a balanced, feminine look, enhancing the natural curves of an hourglass figure. It also draws attention to the upper body without being too revealing.
  • Printed Bikini Top & Bottoms: The print on the bikini top adds dimension to the chest area, while the matching bottoms create a cohesive and proportionate look. For an hourglass figure, a coordinated set creates a seamless silhouette that complements the natural curves.
  • High-Waisted or Regular Bikini Bottoms: Well-cut bikini bottoms (whether high-waisted or mid-rise) emphasize the waist and allow for a flattering fit around the hips. High-waisted bottoms also elongate the legs and accentuate the narrowest part of the body (the waist), which is one of the signature features of an hourglass shape.

Fit Tips:

• • Opt for a bikini top with underwire or soft padding for support and lift, especially if you want more structure in the chest area.
  • Matching sets with a balanced print (like a medium-sized floral or geometric print) will help keep the focus on your body’s natural proportions rather than overwhelming your frame.

Solid Color Sarong Cover Up

Why It Works:

• • Solid Color: A solid-colored sarong or wrap dress creates a clean, simple backdrop that allows your natural shape to shine through. It draws attention to the silhouette without overpowering the look with too much texture or pattern.
  • Soft, Flowing Fabric: A sarong is versatile and can be tied in various ways around the waist, accentuating the narrowest part of your body (the waist) while creating a soft drape over the hips. This provides coverage without hiding your shape.

Fit Tips:

• • Ensure the sarong is the right length: It should fall comfortably at your mid-thigh or just below the knee for the most flattering effect, showing off your legs while still providing coverage.
  • When tying the sarong, make sure it’s snug around the waist, but not too tight. You want it to highlight your curves, but still be comfortable.

Thong Style Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Thong Design: A thong sandal’s minimalist design helps elongate the legs and maintains a clean, simple aesthetic that doesn’t distract from the outfit. It draws attention to the feet and legs without being bulky.
  • Neutral or Metallic Colors: These sandals typically come in neutral tones, which can complement almost any beach or poolside outfit while elongating the appearance of the legs and keeping the focus on the overall look.

Fit Tips:

• • Ensure the straps don’t pinch or cut into the foot, as this can create discomfort. Look for adjustable straps or soft, elastic materials.

Slide-On Style Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Ease and Comfort: Slide-on sandals are perfect for an effortless beach or poolside look. They’re easy to wear and remove, giving off a relaxed vibe while still looking chic.
  • Minimalist Design: A sleek, minimalist slide complements the overall simplicity of the look, allowing your hourglass figure to be the focal point. The clean lines of slide-on sandals balance the more intricate details of the bikini or sarong.

Fit Tips:

• • Look for slides that provide a little arch support or cushioning in the sole to avoid foot strain during long periods of walking or standing.
  • Make sure the sandals fit snugly without being too tight across the toes or instep to avoid blisters or discomfort.

One-Piece Swimsuit with Ruffled Strap

Why It Works:

• • Solid Color: A solid-colored one-piece swimsuit creates a sleek and elongated silhouette. It adds structure and creates shape, which helps balance the straight lines often seen in a rectangle body type.
    
  • One Ruffled Strap: The asymmetry of the ruffled strap draws attention to the shoulder area, adding visual interest and creating the illusion of curves, especially around the upper body. This is key for adding softness and definition to a more rectangular frame.
    
  • One-Piece Design: The one-piece design smooths over the body, defining the waist without the risk of creating harsh lines. It can also elongate the torso, which helps create a more balanced proportion between the upper and lower body.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Look for a swimsuit that has a slight cinch or gathering at the waist to create the illusion of curves and break up the straight lines of the body.
    
  • Avoid swimsuits that are too tight around the waist or hips, as they can emphasize a boxy shape. A suit with slight ruching or a soft, fluid fit will be more flattering.
    

Printed Sarong Cover-Up

Why It Works:

• • Printed Design: A printed sarong adds volume and visual interest around the hips and thighs, creating the illusion of curves and softening the overall straight lines of the rectangle body shape.
    
  • Flowing Fit: The loose, flowing fabric of the sarong skims over the body without clinging, allowing for comfortable coverage while still flattering the natural shape.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Opt for a sarong that falls at or just above the knee for the most flattering length, which helps elongate the legs and add a little more curve around the hips.
    
  • Experiment with different ways of tying the sarong to see what best enhances your waistline. A wrap style that ties to one side can draw attention to the waist and create the appearance of a more defined shape.
    

Strappy Sandals or Slide-On Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Strappy Sandals: Strappy sandals add visual detail to the lower body, drawing the eye down and giving the legs a more defined look. The straps can also help add some proportion to the overall silhouette, breaking up the straight lines of a rectangle body type.
    
  • Slide-On Sandals: Simple slide-on sandals are perfect for comfort and can be stylish while still elongating the legs. The lack of extra straps allows the focus to stay on the legs, making them appear longer and leaner.
    
  • Minimalist Design: Both strappy sandals and slide-on sandals provide a minimalistic, clean look that won’t overwhelm the outfit, allowing the swimsuit and cover-up to be the focal point.
    

Fit Tips:

• • If you opt for strappy sandals, make sure the straps sit comfortably around the ankle without digging in. Too-tight straps can create unflattering lines on the feet and legs.
    
  • For slide-on sandals, choose a pair that fits snugly around the foot without being too loose. A slight heel or wedge can help add a bit of height and elongate the legs even further.
    

Printed Bikini with Thick Straps and High-Rise Bottoms

Why It Works:

• • Thick Straps: Help balance the proportion between the upper and lower body by drawing attention to the shoulders and chest, which are often narrower on a pear-shaped body. This prevents the top from appearing too delicate compared to the fuller hips and thighs.
    
  • Printed Top: Bold prints or patterns on the bikini top help create volume in the upper body, balancing out wider hips and emphasizing the bust, drawing attention upwards.
    
  • High-Rise Bottoms: Provide full coverage and highlight the waist, while elongating the legs. The high-rise cut also offers better control over the midsection and creates a more streamlined silhouette.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Choose a bikini top with padding or structure for added lift and support, especially if you have a smaller bust. A well-fitting top will provide balance to your hips.
    
  • Go for high-rise bottoms that sit just above the natural waistline to elongate the legs and provide extra coverage around the hips.
    

Short Caftan Style Mini Shift Dress

Why It Works:

• • Loose, Flowing Fit: A short caftan or mini shift dress gently skims over the body without clinging to the hips, offering a relaxed silhouette that doesn’t add bulk to the lower body.
    
  • V-Neckline or Scoop Neck: Creates an elongated effect around the chest and neck area, drawing attention upwards and creating a balanced proportion between the upper and lower body.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Ensure the dress is slightly oversized but not overly voluminous—this prevents it from adding too much fabric around the hips, maintaining a flattering shape.
    
  • Opt for a caftan that hits mid-thigh or slightly above the knee to show off the legs, which helps balance the wider hips.
    

Strappy Sandals or Jelly Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Strappy Sandals: Help elongate the legs and add a feminine touch that complements the shape of the body. Thin straps draw attention downward, creating a more elongated and balanced look for the legs.
    
  • Jelly Sandals: These can offer a more casual, comfortable vibe while still adding a touch of fun. Their simplicity helps maintain a streamlined appearance without overwhelming the feet.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Strappy sandals with a small heel can be especially flattering, adding height and enhancing the proportions of the body.
    
  • If choosing jelly sandals, opt for a minimalist design in neutral or metallic colors to keep the focus on the outfit rather than the shoes.
    

One-Shoulder Bikini Top & Matching Bikini Bottoms

Why It Works:

• • One-Shoulder Design: The one-shoulder bikini top balances the wider shoulders by drawing attention away from them and creating a diagonal line, which can soften the upper body. The asymmetry of the design adds visual interest and breaks up the broadness of the shoulders.
    
  • Matching Bikini Bottoms: A solid or subtly patterned bottom provides a sense of balance by drawing attention to the lower half of the body, which is typically narrower on an inverted triangle shape. Matching the top and bottom helps maintain proportion without overwhelming either area.
    
  • Minimal Support on Top: Since inverted triangle shapes typically have a fuller bust, a one-shoulder bikini offers support without extra padding or straps, allowing the focus to remain on your natural shape while maintaining comfort.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Opt for a bikini top that has a supportive band and a moderate to wide strap on the shoulder. This ensures proper fit and lifts the bust without adding too much volume.
    
  • For bikini bottoms, go for styles that have some width on the sides (like hipster or high-waisted) to add balance and highlight the lower body..
    

One-Shoulder Flowy Maxi Dress Cover-Up

Why It Works:

• • One-Shoulder Detail: Similar to the bikini top, the one-shoulder design of the maxi dress cover-up helps create a diagonal line across the body, which draws attention away from broad shoulders and adds softness to the overall silhouette.
    
  • Flowy Fit: The flowy maxi dress skims over the body without clinging to it, which allows for movement and comfort while also softening the angular lines of the inverted triangle shape.
    
  • Soft Draping: The flowy fabric adds volume and fluidity to the lower body, balancing the wider upper body by creating a more proportional and feminine shape from top to bottom.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Choose a maxi dress that has a slight A-line shape or gently flares out towards the bottom. This will add volume around the hips, which helps balance the shoulders.
    
  • Look for fabrics that drape softly, like chiffon or cotton blends, to avoid adding bulk. Stay away from stiff materials that may cling or add unwanted structure.
    

Raffia Buckle Shoes

Why It Works:

• • Natural Texture: Raffia shoes have a relaxed, natural texture that adds a touch of softness to your look, which works well to counterbalance the more structured upper body of an inverted triangle. The earthy vibe of raffia gives the outfit a laid-back, balanced look.
    
  • Buckle Detail: The buckle adds a focal point around the lower part of the body, drawing attention to the feet and lower legs, which can help balance the broader shoulders and draw the eye downward.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Look for raffia sandals with a chunky heel or wedge to add some height and create a more balanced silhouette. A small block heel can elongate the legs without adding too much volume around the ankles.
    
  • Ensure that the straps are adjustable for comfort. A snug fit around the foot prevents slipping and offers better support.
    

Strappy Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Thin Straps: Strappy sandals create a delicate, minimalist look for the feet, which works well to maintain a balanced silhouette and avoid competing with the upper body. The straps naturally elongate the legs and draw attention downward.
    
  • Open-Toe Design: This style keeps the attention on the feet and legs, allowing the upper body to remain the focal point without drawing too much attention to the shoulders or bust.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Look for sandals with adjustable straps that fit snugly across the foot and ankle to prevent the sandals from slipping.
    
  • Opt for neutral shades or metallics to maintain a sophisticated vibe. If you prefer color, go for shades that complement your swimsuit and cover-up.

Strapless Swim Dress

Why It Works:

• • A strapless swim dress draws attention to your shoulders and collarbones, which are typically one of the more balanced areas on an apple-shaped body.
    
  • The empire waistline or an A-line silhouette skims over the midsection, creating a flattering flow around the stomach area, without clinging to it.
    
  • The soft, draped fabric of a swim dress can create a smoother silhouette, disguising the waist while highlighting the legs.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Choose a swim dress with supportive, built-in structure (like a shelf bra or internal boning) to ensure comfort and lift, as apple shapes often have a fuller bust.
    
  • Opt for darker colors or subtle patterns around the torso for a slimming effect, while bright or bold prints can draw attention to your legs or shoulders.
    

Linen Button-Down Shirt Cover-Up

Why It Works:

• • A linen button-down provides a relaxed, breezy fit that drapes gently over the body, creating a smooth line that doesn’t add bulk to the waist.
    
  • The button-down design allows for layering without excess fabric around the midsection. You can leave the shirt slightly unbuttoned for more shape and airflow.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Go for a looser, oversized fit to avoid tightness around the midsection. It’s important that the shirt falls just below the hips or mid-thigh for maximum coverage and elongation.
    
  • Opt for vertical stripes or a light, neutral color to create the illusion of a longer torso and avoid bulk around the stomach area.
    

Slip-On Style Sandals

Why It Works:

• • Slip-on sandals are easy to wear and comfortable, which works well for an apple-shaped body that may have a wider midsection. They also keep the focus lower on the body, drawing attention to your legs.
    
  • A flat or slightly elevated sole elongates the legs without adding unnecessary height, which can help balance the proportions between the upper and lower body.
    

Fit Tips:

• • Go for sandals with a slightly pointed or almond toe to create a more elongated appearance for the feet.
    
  • Choose sandals with an adjustable strap around the ankle for added support without cutting into the leg, which helps create a smoother line.