The Curated Wardrobe: Summer

For those with a circle body shape, where the waist is wider than the bust and hips, the primary goal when dressing is to elongate the torso and draw attention away from the midsection.

Here are a few tips on how to achieve this in Spring:

• V-necklines are especially flattering as they draw the eye downward and elongate the neck. Look for lightweight blouses or tees in soft Spring prints or colours.

• Flowy tops that skim the waist and finish around the hip bone are ideal. Look for subtle shaping through the bust or under the arms to avoid a boxy feel—swing tops or trapeze shapes work beautifully in Spring fabrics.

• Lightweight Spring jackets or cardigans left open can create vertical lines that elongate your figure. Aim for hems that fall below the hip for the most flattering effect.

• Steer clear of clingy materials around the waist. Instead, opt for floaty fabrics like viscose or soft cotton that skim rather than hug.

• Use Spring accessories like layered necklaces, bold earrings, or a colourful scarf to draw attention to the face and neckline.

For those with an hourglass body shape, where the bust and hips are well-balanced and the waist is defined, the key is to highlight your natural curves without adding unnecessary volume.

Here are a few Spring-friendly tips:

• Wrap dresses, shirtdresses, or ribbed knits in light Spring fabrics are perfect for showcasing your waist while keeping cool.

• Choose structured but breathable outerwear, like a denim jacket with a nipped-in waist or a short trench with a belt.

• High-waisted skirts and trousers are ideal this season—pair with fitted tops or tucked-in blouses to maintain proportion.

• Avoid overly loose or boxy layers unless you add a belt or a French tuck to reintroduce waist definition.

For those with an inverted triangle shape, where the shoulders or bust are broader than the hips, the goal is to soften the upper body and add visual interest to the lower half.

Here’s how to flatter your shape this Spring:

• V-necks, scoop necks, and open collars help to visually break up the width of your upper body and work beautifully in lighter Spring blouses.

• Choose softer, drapey fabrics up top—avoid stiff shoulders or puff sleeves that add width.

• Play with volume on your bottom half—tiered skirts, wide-leg trousers, or patterned shorts in breezy Spring fabrics help balance proportions.

• Dresses with a flared skirt or peplum detail at the waist are especially flattering as they add shape to the lower body.

• Add colour and detail to the lower half—think florals, stripes, or ruffles in trousers or skirts to shift the visual focus downward.

For those with a rectangle body shape, where the waist, hips, and bust are fairly uniform in width, the goal is to add curves and create shape—especially around the waist.

Here’s how to do that in Spring:

• Wrap tops, drawstring dresses, and belted jackets all work beautifully in Spring fabrics like cotton or jersey to cinch in the waist.

• Look for details like ruching, gathering, or peplum-style tops to add soft structure and visual interest.

• Tiered midi skirts, paperbag waist trousers, or soft culottes can add gentle volume and movement to the lower half.

• Use light layering, like a cropped utility jacket or button-up shirt tied at the waist, to break up a straight silhouette.

• Add Spring prints, patterns, or texture to different parts of your outfit to visually shape your frame.

For those with a triangle body shape, where the hips are wider than the bust and shoulders, the goal is to balance your silhouette by drawing attention upward.

Here are a few Spring-specific styling tips:

• Go for tops in lighter colours, prints, or with interesting details like flutter sleeves or boat necklines—these help visually broaden your shoulders.

• A cropped Spring jacket in a structured fabric adds volume to the top half without overwhelming your frame.

• On the bottom, stick to soft, flowing fabrics like cotton or linen in darker or solid tones. A-line skirts or wide-leg trousers are perfect for warm days and help skim over the hips.

• A pair of statement earrings or a bold lipstick can help elevate the focus to your face.

• Lightweight layers, like a denim jacket or shacket worn open, can help balance proportions without adding bulk.