How do you dress for an H-shaped body?

What is the H shape?

If your shoulders and hips are in the same line andyour waist is not very pronounced, you have an H-shape (also known as a rectangle)!

Generally speaking, H-shaped women have a slim, lanky figure, sometimes with a muscular build.

But there are exceptions. Some women have luscious curves, sometimes with a belly. So there's something for everyone when it comes to H-shaped figures!

How to look your best with an H shape?

A woman with an H-shaped body is pretty easy to dress. Virtually any cut of clothing will suit her, because she has a balanced, harmonious figure. For this type of profile, it is advisable to create the illusion of a pronounced waist using a few practical, easy-to-implement tricks. This mainly involves adding a little volume to the upper part of the bust (shoulders and chest) and to the hips.

Women with an H-shaped body are also well advised to experiment with colours and patterns. The only thing to avoid? The monochrome look, which can reinforce the impression that the H-shaped body is a rectangular block. It's all about having fun with contrasts and not hesitating to take inspiration from what's on trend!

What clothes should you have in your wardrobe to enhance your H shape?

Low-waisted styles and fitted (but not tight) cuts will be your best allies when it comes to dressing! Whether for skirts, trousers, jeans or shorts, choose low waists and straight or slim cuts.

Which coats should I choose for an H-shaped body?

Straight coats bring balance to H-shaped bodies. To make them perfect, it's best if they have a belt so that you can gently emphasise your waist by tying it without making it too tight.

You can also opt for slightly slim-fitting coats and jackets if belted coats aren't your favourite, or if you simply want to vary the look.

In terms of length, you can try your hand at long coats as well as short coats and jackets. The short versions are very versatile, with a wide range of shapes (down jackets, short jackets, cape coats, etc.).

Which tops for an H-shaped body?
You can have fun creating volume with fringed tops, balloon sleeves, epaulettes, seams in the form of gathers, frills or ruffles. Empire-waist tops and asymmetrical tops are also great. These create relief and help to artificially redefine the curves of the body.

Did you know?

The impression of volume at the top of the body is also created by necklines. V-necks are best for H-shaped women. Plunging necklines are also welcome on H-shaped figures.

What stockings should I choose for an H-shaped body?

For women with an H-shaped body, the first choice is low-waisted stockings, to create a visual marker at the waistline of slim silhouettes.

When it comes to the cut of the garments, we'll be tempted by :

• cigarette trousers ;
• straight trousers such as mom jeans or palazzos;
• straight skirts and shorts that show off your pretty, long legs;
• slim and skinny jeans, which give the illusion of fuller thighs. This helps to balance the figure, whether you're slim or voluptuous.

Which dress is best suited to an H-shaped body?

Do you like wearing dresses? Here are the pieces you can choose from:

• The shirt dress

It's perfect because it's close to the body, but not too close. It flatters the figure beautifully and can easily be accessorised. Another advantage is that it gives you the opportunity to hide your tummy, for those who want to.

• The wrap dress

The wrap dress adds welcome volume to the waist and hips, making the silhouette more feminine.

• The trapeze dress

The shape of this dress subtly reshapes the silhouette and adds a little thickness.

• Empire dresses or dresses tied just under the bust

These are unrivalled for feminising the bust.

Another tip is to play with the length of dresses and skirts, as well as slits, to make outfits even more dynamic. As well as adding a sexy touch, slits give relief to the outfit and help to erase the contours of the rectangle formed by the body.

What clothes should be avoided for an H-shaped body?

Generally speaking, it's best to avoid wearing clothes that are too oversized for an H-shaped body. This refers to clothes that are deliberately much wider, and sometimes longer, than a traditional waist. They don't hug the body, they don't fit properly and they blur the shape. Depending on the person, they can give a more androgynous style. Oversized clothing can take the form of a t-shirt, jumper, waistcoat, shirt or jacket, to name but a few.

At the same time, avoid tight-fitting clothes that accentuate the waist, hips and stomach.

Other items to avoid are skirts or dresses that are very flared (skater skirts, for example) or have a tulip cut, as well as flare trousers because they thicken the figure.

What accessories are needed to harmonise an H-shaped figure?

A belt is an H-shaped woman's best friend. It helps to emphasise the waist, particularly when you're wearing a dress with a slightly wide cut, for example. For an attractive look, don't choose a belt that's too thick, and wear it loosely rather than tightly.

Belts can also be worn low-waisted. The aim? To give the impression of more generous curves.

When it comes to jewellery, there are two key tips. For necklaces, mid-length models should be favoured on H-shaped silhouettes, to create a harmonious look. When it comes to earrings, modest-sized pieces are preferable.

Also read: What women's accessories are essential for every occasion?

What are the specific characteristics of an H-shaped body? We recap

The most important thing to remember about H-shaped morphology is that it is characterised by :

• shoulder width equivalent to hip width;
• a very narrow waist ;
• a body shape that can vary in build.

When you're creating your looks and want to dress with style, you need to :

• create the illusion of size;
• be daring with colour.

PS: paying attention to your style and following fashion advice is all very well. But paying attention to your style while enjoying yourself is even better! So wear clothes you like and feel good in. Comfort and pleasure are the key ingredients to feeling good about yourself, beautiful and confident.

Dress ideas for an H-shaped figure

Elora has selected clothes for you to create fashionable outfits for H-shaped women. So you can look perfect from every angle.

Working Girl look for women in H

We love on-trend working girl looks made up of a suit ensemble. Choose our 21BISCOTTE crepe carrot trousers and team them with the matching 21BELIER suit jacket. Want to give your look a more rock'n'roll edge? Our 21BAMBOU t-shirt with embroidered message and our 21BOSTON black leatherette belt are just the thing!

Chic look for the H-shaped figure

Are you attending a party or event? Choose our 21BULMINT mint-coloured dress to dress you up with elegance. Its silky fabric and refined embroidery give it a bohemian rock style that's easy to wear, whether straight or belted.

Casual look for an H-shaped figure

Why not try your hand at layering for a casual look that's right up to date with the times? Our 21BALLADE off-white suit jacket and matching 21BOSS cigarette trousers will look great on you. Add our 21BALCON black and ecru navy t-shirt and our 21BEGUIN rust-red trench coat, and you're all set! Finally, you can complete this look with a pair of trainers, like our black and beige 21BIRMANIE sneakers.