Dressing Your Body: Gyaru Style

Hey guys! So, I got a request on my Formspring to do a post about dressing larger bodies correctly. And this really sparked my interest, because as we all know, almost every Gal model is absolutely tiny, and that's just not the case for the majority of people. So the people that are NOT stick thin and 5'2", what help are they getting from Gal mags? Not too much.

So, today I'm going to talk about how to dress your body the right way, focusing on larger body types.

Now, I'm going to break it up into three categories: Top Heavy (broad shoulders, large chest, bigger waist, thin legs), Bottom Heavy (small shoulders, small chest, smaller waist, bigger hips and legs), and Combination (top and bottom heavy). This way the analysis can be more tailored to your body type.

It can be hard to dress a larger body, especially in the world of Gal fashion where they rely on short skirts and embellished tops. But this can be worked around. So, let's get started!

TOP HEAVY (Lollipop & Goblet Shape)

The two classifications I have for top heavy people are LOLLIPOP and GOBLET shaped. Lollipop shape has a large bust, shoulders that aren't too broad, a short waist, and long skinny legs. The Goblet shape comprises a large bust, broad shoulders, and big tummy, with slender legs.

Being top heavy, your main issue is your chest region. As with any prominent feature, you want to compliment it without showing it off.

My first solution for top heavy people is to put more focus towards the bottom half of your body. Fuller skirts, patterns, anything that can draw the attention away from a large chest. For big tummies, empire waists are a good option to draw attention away from that.

Wearing clothes that are fitted, but not skin tight, is important as well. Wearing tops that are too tight is a big NO, as it will draw way too much attention to your top half. Stick to darker colours on the top half, which will help to minimize your size.

Stay away from tops with ruffles and excessive embellishments. Don't wear too small tops, spaghetti straps, delicate camisoles or any top with a complicated neckline. V-necks are your friend!

Some examples:

This Yumetenbo dress is a good option, because the floral pattern immediately draws attention to the bottom half of you, the top is a dark colour with wide straps, and it is empire waist, which will help to balance you out.

This WC dress is a good option because of it's full skirt. The flare of the skirt gives a top heavy body a more hour glass shape, and the top is not overly embellished and has a defined neckline, which is also important.

These DELYLE skirts are a nice choice because of their volume. By pairing these skirts with a simple black or white V-necked t-shirt and a fitted blazer with buttons WELL below the bust line, you create a classic and fashionable look.

For shoes, keep heels medium-high to high to better compliment your slender legs. Keep jewelery simple and uncluttered. Statement necklaces well draw much unwanted attention to the chest. Stacking bracelets is a good alternative for this!

Final Checklist for TOP HEAVY:

- V-necks

- Dark coloured tops

- Empire waists and gathering directly below the bust line

- Full skirts

- Straight legged pants (NO SKINNY)

- Medium-high/High shoes

- Simple jewelry

BOTTOM HEAVY (Bell & Pear Shape)

The two classifications for bottom heavy people the BELL shape and the PEAR shape. The bell shape has a petite top half (small bust and shoulders), a large waist and large hips. The pear shape has small shoulders and a small bust, a small waist with large hips on average legs.

The key for bottom heavy people is the same as for top heavy people: draw attention away from problem areas. So, draw more attention to your top half as opposed to your bottom half.

For bottom heavy people, clingy skirts and tight pants are big no-no's. Stick with skirts that pull away from the body and can hide unsightly bulges, without bringing too much attention to the lower half. Any bottom with a vertical pattern will have slimming effects, and dark colours will also make you look smaller.

Tops with embellishments, bright colours, patterns and complicated necklines are good to bring attention to the top half of your body and to fill it out. Wrap dresses and high-waisted belted skirts are good for giving you a defined waist.

Some examples:

Tops with creative necklines, big patterns and large prints are good ways to draw attention to the top half of your body. Make sure tops are not too tight or too loose. (Dazzlin', WC, MA*RS)

Belted dresses are a good choice for bottom heavy people because they accentuate the smallest part of your body--- your waist! Choose dresses that have creative necklines and skirts that do not hug the body. (min plume and Spiral Girl)

Jewelery for top heavy is easy, because statement jewelery is really popular right now, as well as the Mori style of stacking jewelery. Wear a multitude of necklaces in colours that compliment your outfit, wear dangly earrings, but keep bracelets simple.

For shoes, don't wear stiletto heels or shoes with ankle straps which will cut off your leg line, making your legs appear even shorter. Wear shoes with cone heels which will elongate the leg.

Final Checklist for BOTTOM HEAVY:

- Tops with embellishments/creative necklines

- High waisted belted skirts

- Wrap dresses

- Dark colours for the bottom

- Mori jewelry

- Cone heels

COMBINATION TYPE (Apple, Hourglass, Vase and Cello Shape)

The combination body type has four classifications: the APPLE, the HOURGLASS, the VASE, and the CELLO. The Apple shape is round all over, small shoulders, large bust and waist, large hips and no definition in the calves and ankles. The Hourglass shape has big shoulders and bust, a small waist and large hips (the top and bottom are about the same size). The Vase shape is a longer Hourglass with a flatter bottom. And the Cello shape has broad shoulders, a large bust, and very big hips and thighs (larger than top half).

For people that are heavy all around, the secret is not to hide any part of the body, but to show it off in a flattering way. All clothing must be fitted, not too tight or too loose.

Starting with necklines, you'll want to wear things that aren't too boxy. V-necks and scoop necks are the most flattering. You don't want too much embellishment on the top, but it can be done. Pencil skirts are a good option for combination body types, but make sure they are done up on the side and are flat-fronted. Opt for things that define your waist! The asymmetrical folds of tulip skirts will lift and bring out your bottom half. Empire waists are fine, but don't do high waisted bottoms. Dresses with corsets will give you more shape. For things like blazers, try to find one with a single button, which will emphasize the smallest part of you.

Some examples:

MA*RS often has different types of cute pencil skirts, like these two here! Pencil skirts are flat fronted, which will help you to avoid adding extra bulk to your bottom half.

This dress is a good choice because it accentuates the smallest part of the body (waist), has a nice moderate scoop neck and has a relatively unobtrusive pattern. The black band on the waist breaks up the pattern, which will automatically draw attention to the smallest part of you. (Ristty)

Belted trench coats are a good option for combination body types as well, because the belt can be pulled to fit the waist. (GOLDS Infinity)

Accesories should be done in moderation. Dangling earrings are a good way to do Mori for combination types. Stacked bracelets are another good choice. I would stay away from statement necklaces, as they would draw a lot of attention to your top half. Simple strand necklaces can be layered, if Mori is really your thing. As for shoes, stay away from stilettos. Stick to "curvy" shoes, with a rounded or peep-toe. Shaped wedges sandals are good too.

Final Checklist for COMBINATION:

- V-necks and scoop necks

- Empire waists

- Pencil & tulip skirts

- Waist defining dresses

- Earrings and bracelets

- Wedges and round/peep toe

- Belted trench coats

I really hope this was of some help to you gals out there. Remember to use this information, but ALWAYS try things on before you buy. Even if it's something as simple as a t-shirt, you should always make sure it will look good before you buy it, to save you time and money.

Anyways, quick FOTD, and then I'm off to a Willie Nelson concert!

Good luck with my tips, and have a wonderful (rest of the) day!