8 Steps to Stylishly Dress Your Pear Shaped Figure

Beyoncé’s “Bootylicious” may have made it famous — and Kim Kardashian put the cherry on top — but nowadays, everyone’s going crazy for some killer curves. 

I always encourage embracing your naturally beautiful body type, and this is one time when the saying holds true: If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Meaning, if you’ve been hiding a shapely hourglass for all of these years, it’s time to learn how to flatter (and celebrate) your fuller figure.

Pear Shaped Celebrities:

The pear body shape is the most common female body shape. Grab a mirror and take a look: If your hips and backside are wider than your shoulders, you're the lucky owner of a pear-shaped body. 

Pear-shaped bodies typically have a smaller bustline, defined waist, and narrow shoulders as well. Depending on your overall proportions, bustier pears may actually be an hourglass body style.

Keep your proportions in check by drawing the eye to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half. 

You'll look smashing with these eight stylish tricks!

DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR UPPER BODY

1

Choose tops in bright colors and prints. 

The main goal of dressing a pear figure is to draw attention to the torso and away from the hips and thighs. Outfit your upper body in bold colors and big prints. These catch the eye at the top, making your shoulders and chest seem a bit broader than they actually are.

2

Look for bust-enhancing necklines. Certain necklines are better for a pear-shaped figure, as they broaden the shoulders and emphasize the bust. Wide necklines like boat-necks and scoop-necks visually widen your shoulders. Bust-enhancing necklines like sweetheart necks draw attention to the bust, making it look fuller. Strapless tops and dresses can also make your shoulders and bust look wider, but may not be a comfortable choice for every pear-shaped girl.

3

Choose fits that highlight your waist. Deciding between tight and loose can be difficult, as there are pros and cons to each. Look for tops that are tight around the waist and highlight an hourglass figure. Loose tops should be worn a bit long so as to cover the hips and provide substance for the shoulders. In general, the fit of your shirts should aim to highlight your waist and shoulders, something that can be accomplished with the right combination of tight and loose.

4

Layer your tops. Bulking up with layers adds bulk to your torso, which evens out your body’s proportions. Use layers of tank tops, blouses, and cardigans to create visual interest and give the illusion of added size. If you’re using multiple layers which take away the smallness of your waist, use a thin belt to cinch them in and give yourself that hourglass figure again.

5

Look for embellished tops. Shirts that have adornment near the neck elongate the shoulder and neckline. Select a load of shirts which have beading, bows, or collars near your neck. These can be large or small, as they both accomplish the same task of drawing the eye upwards and away from your bottom half. You can also choose to wear a scarf to the same effect.

6

Look for tops with wide sleeves. Although it’s not always easy to find wide-sleeved shirts, keep an eye out for styles like bell and kimono sleeves. Wide sleeves add volume to your arms, and as a result, your naturally voluminous hips and rear look more balanced and proportioned. If nothing else, try to wear shirts that have rolled or scrunched sleeves; these also add volume to your arms, but without making such a bold fashion statement.

7

Choose shirts that skim over your hips. Look for tops that skim over your hips; tops that extend just below you hipbone extend your torso and mask the widest part of your hips. Avoid hemlines that reach down to your thighs, however, since these will only make the widest part of your legs look wider. On the flip side, crop tops should be widely avoided for drawing attention to your midsection, which is too close to your hips to be flattering.

8

Wear supportive undergarments. Your entire upper body can undergo a major transformation when you wear the right undergarments. Consider a padded bra or push-up bra. This will add volume to a small bust, and accentuate an hourglass waist. Look for a natural style that can be worn under both casual and dress clothes.^[1]

As always, leave a comment below or private message me at: styledbydeanna@gmail.com if you need more helpful tips to dress your shape, effortlessly!

Stay Stylish Loves!!

DeAnna 

Sources & Cites: 
1. www.sheknows.com
2. www.wikihow.com 

Dressing the Beautiful Apple-Shape

As you girls you may know, I really hate defining your beautiful bodies by fruits and geometric shapes. Unfortunately this is a learned behavior, and I have to meet you where you are. Society has taught you you're either an apple, a diamond, or some other weird moniker. With that being said, here's to you, my dear, the apple-shaped beauty! 

If you have an apple-shaped body, then your body is "top heavy," meaning you have a wide torso, broad shoulders, and a full bust, waist, and upper back. Apple-shaped bodied women also tend to have thinner arms, legs, and hips, and tend to gain weight at their waistlines. If you have an apple shaped-body, then you should be proud of your full figure and get ready to flaunt it. But if you want to show off what you've got, you need to dress appropriately. If you want to know how to really dress to flatter your apple-shaped body, then follow these steps.

1

Make sure you have an apple-shaped body. Before you begin to think about dressing for your body type, you should confirm that you do indeed have an apple shaped body. Some people mistake a pear-shaped body for an apple-shaped body. An apple shaped-body is heavy in the middle and above the waist, while a pear-shaped body is heavier below the waist and in the upper thighs. Here are some other characteristics of the apple-shaped body:[1]  

• A wide torso
• Broad shoulders
• An average-to-fuller bust
• An undefined waist
• Thinner arms and legs
• A flat bottom
• Hips that are narrower than your bust
• You don't have to have a very large belly to be apple shaped -- it just means that your center of gravity, or your extra weight, resides in your belly area.

2

Draw attention away from your middle. To dress your apple-shaped body, you'll want to take attention away from your middle, since it's already full. To draw attention away from your middle, avoid low shorts or pants, high-cut shirts, or any fabric length that cuts off below or above your middle. You'll want to distract people from your middle by directing their attention elsewhere or by creating more definition in your waistline.

• You should also avoid wearing an outfit with a different pattern in the belly area. This will draw more attention to your belly.
• Avoid wearing thick belts, which will draw more attention to your middle.
• Avoid clingy shirts or dresses, which will also draw attention to your middle.

3

Emphasize your bust. If you have an apple-shaped body, then you must have a great bust, so don't be afraid to flaunt it. Showing off your bust will not only emphasize one of your most amazing features, but it will also take attention away from your middle. To emphasize your bust, you should wear v-necks, plunging necklines, or A-line dresses, to lengthen your body and draw attention to your bust.

• Wear shirts or dresses that flow from under your bust, expanding at the waist.
• Remember that drawing attention to your bust is different from looking top-heavy. You don't need to wear elaborate necklaces or tops with ornate patterns near the neck. You already have a great bust, so it needs no adornments. INVEST IN UNDERGARMENTS!!

BONUS: Choose the right shape. Though your shirt or top shouldn't be clingy, it shouldn't be boxy, baggy, or formless, either. If it's too loose, you'll only look more shapeless and your waist will look bigger. Instead, pick a shirt or top that flows downward from your bust, like a top with a high-waistline, empire waist, or A-line. 

Here are some things to keep in mind as you choose the shape of your top: ^[2]

• A shirt or dress that has a tie at the waist will also help add definition to your figure.
• Your tops should fall lower than your hip bones.
• You can wear a long flowing top that falls below your bottom, or even a tunic shirt.
• Wear tops with flare or cuff sleeves.
• Choose a top with pretty shoulder details, like sequins or flowers.

I really hope this helps you, beauty. If you have any questions, concerns about dressing your shape, adding flare, or even proper undergarments, please don't hesitate to comment below, or send me a private email: styledbydeanna@gmail.com

Here's to your style, and beauty!

Stylishly Yours,

DeAnna

Sources and Citations

• 1. http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/shape-guides/the-apple.php
  2. http://www.thechicfashionista.com/apple-body-shape.html
  3. http://www.typef.com/article/dress-large-belly/

5 Wardrobe Staples to Look Rich & Fabulous for LESS!

DeAnna's Style Tips for FAB Living.

I've noticed a trend happening, and I'm not happy about it. I've noticed this whole "comfy" look worn by women, and men, that's just downright unacceptable. I don't know who started this whole "its ok to rock pajamas to the grocery store," trend but whomever you are, I wish for you to take TWO SEATS!

Gone are the days when women dress like Women. And men dress like Men. Why? When did it become acceptable to wear leggings and an oversized shirt to business meetings? Or (men) stonewashed jeans, a ridiculously worn tee shirt and blazer to a first date? Not ok, people!

I hear it all the time, "I don't have a dispensable income to shop the way you do, DeAnna."Um, no no no! I beg to differ, my dear. I shop like a 75 year old cat-woman on a fixed income. I simply know how to shop for Staples that will take me year-around, and also help me look sharp, wealthy, and effortlessly fabulous. 

Without further adieu:

1. A Statement Handbag 

Whether you go for bright colors, bold prints or color blocked handbags let your bag do all the talking.

Statement bags are great because they can really add that “oomph” to a look that is plain or lacking color as well as add an unexpected and fun element to whatever you are rockin’.

The great news is your bag does NOT have to match your outfit so you can cross off all the “do not mix colors and print” rules and LIVE!

2. Accessories

Yes, we can have the same style and grace (pun intended) as the incomparable Grace Kelley. Princess Grace literally has on a shawl. YET her eye-wear, scarf, and bracelet give her a perfectly polished look. This is the epitome of Effortless Style.

3. Personal Grooming

I love this slide! You'd think I wouldn't have to share this, but I do (she sighs). 

Quick tips from the Etiquette Coach: Looking good is feeling good • Dress up properly for the occasion • A neat and tidy appearance is mandatory • Ensure that the clothes you wear fit you well • Do not wear too revealing clothes • Clothes must be ironed well and shoes polished • Avoid wearing too many ornaments or heavy makeup -Women • Hair and nails must be trimmed properly – Men • Use subtle deodorants/antiperspirants • Maintain oral hygiene • Wear clean socks – avoid body odor • Walk with confidence • These few tips and/or changes will have you walking with your head held high, looking good, and smelling good. Nuff said (drops the mic).

4. Undergarments

 

From a camisoles to strapless bras to shapewear, undergarments are the foundation of your look. For the sake of not boring you, please just take a quick gander at the list compiled in the image above.  These few items are a MUST in the "foundation" department. Undergarments give you a smooth, polished, and solid look. Your posture will even change! I promise you. 

Oh! If you're in need of a forreal shaper (NOT SPANX)  that holds ALL the goodies, and gives an hourglass silhouette WITHOUT rolling down, send me a private email to: styledbydeanna@gmail.com I love these shapers! 

5. Go Thrifting!

You'd be surprised how many amazing finds I've stumbled upon at the local Goodwill and Salvation Army. I've literally found a Coach Hobo bag (still tagged), Michael Kors shoes (still in box), and a beautiful Swarovski cocktail ring, Under $50 FOR ALL 3!! Yes, its true! Don't frown your nose at the screen, trust me. Take a little trip to Beverly Hills or Palos Verdes and I guarantee you'll hit the jackpot in these thrift stores. 

Pssst! I have a little secret. There's this crazy amazing app I found that literally has thousands of high-end designer clothing for less than 80% off the retail price. Now I cant just go telling errrbody, so shoot me an email and I'll invite to this exclusive club. Yes, its invite only, honey! 

Til next time, lovelies!!

Find me on IG and Twitter @deannadupree 

Please like my FB Page: www.facebook.com/SimplyDeAnnaDuPree

Subscribe to my YouTube channel  here. 

Shop My Closet HERE!

Visit my site. 

Stay Classy!

Top 9 Ways Women Give Away Their Power

Written by:

Bonnie Marcus , FORBES WOMAN

CONTRIBUTOr & executive coach

Every day many competent well-educated women struggle with their power. Their discomfort with the idea of being a strong woman as well as how to effectively demonstrate and sustain power without backlash results in a loss of power over time. That loss is our own leaky pipeline. It’s a slow leak that depletes us of influence and has a negative impact on our reputation and success.

It’s critical that ambitious women understand their leaky power pipeline. The subtle ways women give away their power affects their ability to reach leadership positions.

Here are the top 9 ways women give away their power.

1. The use of minimizing language.

Our choice of words has a dramatic effect on our ability to influence others and demonstrate confidence. When we use minimizing language, we lose our effectiveness and power.

In a 2011 article on Forbes, I addressed this point. “If we take one small step and eliminate the word “just” from our communication, we would see a huge difference in the way we are perceived in the workplace. ‘I’m just checking in to see’. ‘I just want you to know’. ‘I just called because..’ . My new awareness of the impact of this one word has now forced me to carefully choose my words in order to reflect more confidence.”

In the Harvard Business Review, Jerry Weissman advises us to replace the weak words “I think”, “I believe”, and “I feel”, for stronger options such as “I’m confident”, “I’m convinced”, “I expect”. These simple replacements can make a difference in how our message is perceived.

2. Unnecessary apologies

Pantene released a new ad campaign in 2014 that brought national attention to women’s tendency to apologize, even when not necessary. This campaign sparked much discussion about how women can learn to change this default behavior. Saying you’re sorry unnecessarily puts you in a subservient position. Women’s tendency to apologize and, in fact over apologize, is another subtle way we give our power away. Understanding when you apologize and your triggers to do so helps you stop your automatic response to say “I’m sorry” and eliminate the phrase when appropriate.

3. Letting others take credit for ideas

Many of us in the workplace have experienced this. You bring up a point in a meeting and it goes unnoticed. Later someone else, usually a man, will repeat your thought and people will applaud his great idea. When we stay silent and let others take credit for our ideas, we give our power away. I coach my clients to take back the credit. “Thank you for bringing up this idea that I proposed earlier.” Make a statement that will remind the attendees of your ownership of the idea.

4. The hesitancy to self-promote

Our hesitancy to advocate for ourselves is a lost opportunity to demonstrate to others the value we contribute to the business and the power of our talent and achievements. Because of our discomfort with self-promotion, our default behavior is to rely on our hard work and performance for recognition and reward. This results in a lack of visibility and subsequent lack of power. Recognizing that self-promotion is a vital leadership skill helps change our mindset. Understanding one’s value proposition gives us a better idea of how we contribute to positive business outcomes.

5. Not understanding or using our influence

Power comes from knowing the relationship between how we do our work and positive business outcomes, our value proposition. When we truly get how we affect specific outcomes, we appreciate the influence we have, not only on the business and achievement of designated goals, but in helping others be successful. There is power in using influence to build mutually beneficial relationships in our organization and in our industry. Offering to help others achieve their goals creates credibility that results in influence. Volunteering for special projects at work highlights our competence and influence.

6. Not leveraging relationships

Most women have no problem doing favors for others. In helping others we gain visibility and influence. However, we often hesitate to ask for anything in return. Leveraging relationships is a leadership skill and our difficulty with quid pro quo is lost opportunity and subsequent loss of power and potential influence. We lose the social capital we have worked so hard to earn. There is power in asking for what we want and need.

7. Being reactive not proactive

I am a great believer in the power of being strategic. The most powerful path to realizing our ambitions is a strategic one. When we keep the end goal in mind and develop a plan to reach that goal, it fuels our ambition and success. A reactive mode does not have the strength of conviction and promise that a proactive approach has. We give our power away when we leave things to chance or luck. Easily distracted, we also feel a lack of control over our career destiny.

8. A lack of allies and champions.

One way to support and sustain your power is to build a strong network of people who are willing and able to speak for you. This type of network requires you to identify the people who have influence and power and build mutually beneficial relationships with them. They need to understand your value and believe in your competence. The best way to build influence and power in an organization is to have the strength of allies and champions behind you. When we fail to build this type of network and don’t approach our network strategically, we lose the collaboration and potential power of others willing to step up and be our advocates, help us sell our initiatives, and build consensus.

9. A desire to be liked.

The likeability factor is important in the workplace. It helps you build influence and motivate others. But what’s most important in establishing leadership and power is effectiveness. When women choose likeability over effectiveness, they give their power away. The message in Lois Frankel’s updated bestseller, Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office, still rings true today. If our primary focus is to be liked, we will not likely be viewed as a leader. We risk being a seen as doormat who waffles in our opinions because we are primarily seeking approval of others. Where’s the power in that? And yet, being nice is expected of women even in the workplace. Power comes from choosing a different path to leadership; being nice, effective, and powerful!

Do you struggle with giving away your power? What resonates with you the most?

5 Fab Ways to Look Slimmer...TODAY!

By Harpers Bazaar...of course!

1. BELT YOUR BLAZER

Belted looks appeared on the Spring 2015 runways at Tome, Céline and Bottega Veneta, and are an easy option to transform your look and create a waist.

2. COMBINE BLACK AND NAVY

Navy was a standout hue during the Spring 2015 collections (namely at Calvin Klein and The Row), and combining the classic shade with black is both super chic and instantly flattering.

3. TRY HIGH WAISTED PANTS

High waisted trousers are instant body transformers. The style works as an immediate waist cincher and lengthens the legs, plus, they're just as effective on shorter frames.

4. INVEST IN A NUDE HEEL

Invest in one shoe this Spring: the nude heel. The miracle worker instantly creates the impression of longer, leaner legs and works with every outfit combination.

 

5. MAKE IT A FLOOR-GRAZING COAT

On those days it's still chilly enough to throw on a topper, try a longer shape that almost hits the ground. The length makes the wearer look taller and creates a longer, leaner silhouette when paired with skinny jeans and heels.

Need help with these fabulous finds? Not to worry. Hire me for a fun and fabulous Personal Shopping Day and we will go paint the town RED!! I also have virtual shopping packages. Contact me: via email: getstyled@deannastylehaus.com or visit my website: www.styledbydeana.biz