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How to Dress a Pear Shaped Body and Look Fabulous

Do you have a pear shaped body?  Pear-shaped bodies are generally those who have wider hips and narrower shoulders, creating a pear-like shape.

What is the pear body shape?

The pear body type is characterized by a high waist, wider hips, and a narrower bust and shoulder line. 

The Characteristic of the Pear Body 

The pear body shape is characterized by a high waist, narrow shoulders, and wider hips. The weight distribution of this body figure means that the widest part of your physique will be in your stomach area or hip line.

A quick recap, you have a pear shaped body when:

  • Shoulders are narrower than hips
  • Small top half as well as small bust
  • A defined waist thanks to larger hips
  • Full hips and/or thighs
  • Legs are likely full or muscular
  • Heavier on the bottom
  • Weight gains tend to first be visible around the hips, thighs

It is possible to be pear-shaped and be very fit or to be very curvy. It all depends on how you carry your weight.

pearshaped body

What to wear with a pear body shape?

Focus on the upper body and the waist and take attention away from the wider hips. The goal is to create balance by adding more emphasis to your top half and de-emphasizing your lower half As you want to create a balanced silhouette.

Styling tips for a pear shape body

  • Structured shoulders will help you to balance out your proportions
  • A great fitting bra that helps define your waist and bustline
  • Go for prints and colors on your top area
  • Avoid boxy outfits that hide your waist 
  • Opt for a belt that is closer to your natural waistline
  • Choose tops with volume or sleeves 
  • Wear dresses and skirts at knee length

Tops for a pear shaped body

Opt for tops that are either cropped or that end the hip line to avoid making your hips area even wider.

Fitted tops will help accentuate the waist.

Bold patterns, details and embellishments around the bust and shoulders will draw attention to your upper body area.

Tucking your shirt into your pants.

French Chic Style Tip for a Pear Body Shape

  • Go for stripes tops 
pear shaped body type
@jeannedamas

What dresses look good on a pear-shaped body? 

A-line dresses give the illusion of a slimmer waist and narrower hips. 

French Chic Style Tip for a Pear Body Shape

  • Gor for a polka dot dress
pear shaped body how to dress
@jeannedamas

Which fabric is appropriate for a pear body shape?

If you have a pear shape you need to avoid fabrics that get tight at the lower torso, think of spandex, polyester, satin. Cotton, denim, silk, or wool gabardine are generally on the slimmer side and won’t add any extra volume.

What shoes are best for a pear shaped body?

For pear shaped bodies, pointed toed and heels shoes are a great choice since they elongate the legs and make them look slimmer. 

Platforms or wedges are also a good option.

Do jumpsuits suit pear shapes?

Jumpsuits are perfect for this body type. 

elegant rompers in your pear figure
@inesdelafressange

Do maxi dresses suit pear shapes?

Go for maxis that have a defined waistline.

Maxi dresses work for your pear shape because they visually add length to your frame

What pants look best on a pear shaped body?

Bootcut 

Choose bootcut pants rather than ultra-thin cuts to draw attention to your upper body.

Can pear shape wear wide leg pants?

Wide leg jeans are fantastic for a pear shape.

I always recommend going for a pair with a high rise like this pair.

French Chic Style Tip for a Pear Body Shape

  • Wide leg jeans look great with sneakers or heels!
pear bodyshape
@annelauremais

Can pear shape wear mom jeans?

Mom jeans are great on a pear shaped body. They have a high waist which helps flatter your curves. 

Opt for dark denim

Stay away from distressed denim, turn-ups and other embellishments. As they would attack attention to your lower body.

Autumn fashion pear shaped

Choose dark colors to make your silhouette appear sleeker and add a belt in the waist area.

Fitted waistlines and trench coats work great for a pear-shaped body. The belt creates proportion between the shoulders and hips, causing them to look less full.

‍Avoid straight cut and boxy coats, as they will make you look heavy and shapeless.

Layering pieces are great for a pear body shape. They will help add that visual upper weight you need.

French Chic Style Tip for a Pear Body Shape

  • Beige Trench Coat
tips for pear shaped body
@judybreeze

Skirts for a pear-shaped body


Skirts are a great way to cover up wide hips and bottoms of the pear-shaped body like an A-line skirt. The right skirt length is knee-length or between the knee and mid-calf.

Trousers pear shaped figure

Opt always for darker colors and clean lines to avoid attention to the lower body.

Accessories are your friend.

To draw the eye up away from your hips and thighs, choose print scarves and statement necklaces.

What not to wear?

  • Skinny jeans (however these can be worn with some A-line long tops or long cardigans).
  • Pencil skirts
  • Very short skirts
  • Pants with a lot of details

Please note that the styling tips above are for general guidance only. Everyone is different if you prefer personalized styling tips, you can contact me here! Or Book a FREE Discovery Styling Call.


I’m Linda, your go to Stylist, Personal Shopper and Curator.

Whether we can walk together down the streets of Paris, or you would prefer the contactless virtual experience, I will enhance your wardrobe through inspiration, styling tips and tricks, and a curated shopping experience.

Read more about my story here.

Enchanté!

 I’m Linda, your go-to stylist, personal shopper and curator.

Welcome to Fabulous You Paris! The number one destination for everything French-inspired fashion and Parisian Chic.

Do you have a fashion or style question? You can contact me here! Or Book a FREE Discovery Styling Call with me!

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