Shirts: Choosing the correct style for your shape

Shirt styles vary as much as their functions, ranging from formal and crisp to casual and soft. Whether your choice is a collared shirt under a suit jacket, or a whimsical T-shirt paired with your favorite jeans, the necklines of your chosen shirts can say a lot about you.

Types of necklines

Scoop

Popular and easy to find, scoop and boat necklines are always a safe choice. The scoop, which has a slightly deeper cut than the boat neckline, is great for most occasions. Use either of these cuts in the form of an elegant top when you want to dress up, or choose one in a tank top to keep things very casual.

Collared

Another popular and easy-to-find cut, collared tops can be found in many forms. Wear a collard top at the office with your favorite suit jacket, find updated variations for layering, or wear it alone for a look of sophistication.

Asymmetrical

Add instant fun to your attire with an asymmetrical shirt. These fun necklines are found in almost every form, from loud and unexpected to carefree and swanky. Look for options that are plunging, off the shoulder, cut to the left or to the right, round, or V-shaped, and their unusual design is sure to get a second glance.

Plunging V’s

Flattering for most body types, plunging V necklines are best choosen by your personal comfort level. Layer a drastically plunging V with a high V camisole for a pretty effect or go daring and sexy with an all-out deep V.

Matching tops and body types

Full-figured

There is a method to finding the right style of shirts for our bodies. The full-figured woman will want to choose tops that are neither too tight or too loose. Instead, choose shirts that skim your body. Angular collars work best with full figured round faces.

Pear-shaped figures

This ultra feminine figure looks great in slim fitting tops. Choose your sweaters, T-shirts, and button-downs with styles that define your waist. V-shaped necklines are the perfect way to make the neck appear longer while wraps, large lapels, and princess lines are very flattering.

Round figures

If you are a women with a round body shape, you will want to wear find tops that highlight your body just under the bust. Tops that provide a little space but are not loose are your best choice. Look for V-necklines to create a lean line and shirts that have texture, such as woven tops or shirts with nice patterns.

Hourglass shapes

This relatively perfect body shape still needs to be dressed with the correct style in mind. Look for options that are figure hugging and casual instead of voluminous. Round neck styles are also a good choice to accentuate the shape of your body.