An athletic body type is defined by a well-toned frame with broad shoulders, defined muscles, and a straight silhouette. For those with this shape, choosing the right clothing can highlight your best features and add balance to your proportions.
Here’s a guide with fashion tips for athletic body types to help you create a flattering and chic look that accentuates your natural shape.
Understanding the Athletic Body Type
People with an athletic body type typically have a balanced upper and lower body, with a less defined waistline. This shape often has a rectangular silhouette, meaning your shoulders, waist, and hips align without much difference in width.
While this body type looks strong and toned, styling it involves creating curves and emphasizing specific features to add dimension and femininity.
1. Embrace High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted bottoms can be a game-changer for athletic body types, as they create the illusion of curves and enhance the appearance of the waistline. They work well with both pants and skirts, giving a natural lift to the hips and highlighting the waist.
Styling Tips:
- Choose tailored, high-waisted trousers that emphasize the waist while elongating the legs.
- Pair high-waisted jeans with cropped tops or tucked-in shirts to define your midsection.
- For skirts, opt for high-waisted pencil skirts or A-line skirts that add volume to the lower body, balancing your overall look.
2. Opt for Peplum and Ruffled Tops
Peplum and ruffled tops add volume around the waist and bust area, creating a more defined and balanced silhouette. These tops work wonders by adding femininity and structure to your shape.
Styling Tips:
- Peplum tops help create an hourglass look by cinching in the waist and flaring out at the hips.
- Ruffled blouses and tops with embellishments around the chest or shoulders add curves and dimension to an athletic frame.
- Avoid overly tight tops; instead, choose fabrics that drape well for a more graceful appearance.
3. Focus on Tailored Blazers and Jackets
For athletic body types, jackets and blazers can be essential layering pieces to enhance your figure. Look for tailored blazers that nip at the waist or have detailing on the shoulders, which will add structure and shape without making your frame look boxy.
Styling Tips:
- Opt for single-breasted blazers with waist detailing to draw attention to your midsection.
- Cropped jackets that end above the waist can make your torso look more proportional.
- Avoid oversized or boxy blazers that hide your frame; instead, choose styles with well-defined shoulder lines.
4. Add Curves with Wrap Dresses and Belted Styles
Wrap dresses and belted styles are flattering for an athletic body type, as they cinch in the waist and give the appearance of curves. Wrap dresses create an hourglass illusion, and the V-neckline draws attention to the collarbone and shoulders.
Styling Tips:
- Choose wrap dresses in soft fabrics that drape naturally for a flattering silhouette.
- Belted dresses and tops help to define the waistline while adding volume to the bust and hips.
- V-neck or scoop neck styles enhance the neck and collarbone area, giving a feminine touch.
5. Experiment with Skirts to Add Volume
Athletic body types can use skirts to add more definition to the lower body. A-line skirts, pleated skirts, and flared skirts add volume and curves, balancing the broader shoulder line typical in athletic frames.
Styling Tips:
- A-line skirts provide a natural flare at the hips, creating a curvier look.
- Pleated skirts add texture and movement, drawing attention to the lower half.
- Midi skirts that fall below the knee can elongate the legs and add elegance to your outfit.
6. Choose Bold Colors and Patterns Wisely
For an athletic body type, strategically choosing colors and patterns can enhance the appearance of curves. Light colors and bold patterns tend to add volume, while darker shades create a slimming effect.
Styling Tips:
- Use light colors on the lower body and darker shades on top to balance your proportions.
- Horizontal stripes and patterns can help add width to your hips, while vertical stripes elongate your legs.
- Don’t shy away from floral prints, polka dots, or geometric designs; they add dimension to a streamlined frame.
7. Add Definition with Accessories
Accessories can play a big role in defining an athletic figure by drawing attention to your best features. Belts, statement jewelry, and scarves can all add unique touches to your outfits and accentuate your waistline and neckline.
Styling Tips:
- Use belts to emphasize your waist; wider belts can help create a curvier appearance.
- Choose statement necklaces or earrings to draw attention to your face and neckline.
- Scarves can add texture and volume around the neck, balancing broader shoulders.
8. Go for Fitted Jeans and Structured Pants
For an athletic body type, the right pair of jeans or pants can transform your look. Straight-leg, bootcut, and flared jeans are excellent choices, as they add dimension to the lower body and balance a broader upper body.
Styling Tips:
- Bootcut and flared jeans add width at the bottom, creating the illusion of curves.
- Straight-leg pants maintain a tailored look, enhancing the athletic build while still offering shape.
- Avoid ultra-skinny jeans if they make you feel too straight; instead, opt for cuts that provide more structure and balance.
9. Pay Attention to Necklines
The right neckline can add depth and balance to your outfit. V-necklines, scoop necks, and off-the-shoulder styles draw attention to the shoulders and collarbone, adding softness and elegance to an athletic figure.
Styling Tips:
- V-necklines create an elongating effect, enhancing the appearance of curves.
- Off-the-shoulder and scoop necks can add femininity and soften the upper body.
- Avoid high necklines if you feel they make you look boxier; instead, choose necklines that add openness.
Conclusion:
Dressing for an athletic body type is about creating balance and enhancing your natural shape. With the right clothing choices, you can highlight your favorite features and add dimension to your silhouette.
From wrap dresses and high-waisted bottoms to structured blazers and strategic accessories, these fashion tips for athletic body types will keep you looking stylish, confident, and chic.
Experiment with these styling tips to find the combinations that best suit your personal style and preferences. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or looking for everyday comfort, remember that the goal is to feel great in what you wear.
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