Tops that work

  • Boat, square and wide V necklines that widen the shoulders.
  • Puff, cap or structured sleeves.
  • Lighter colors, prints and detail on top.
  • Cropped jackets and blazers that end at the waist.
  • Tucked or half-tucked tops to show your waist.

Bottoms that work

  • A-line and fit-and-flare skirts that skim the hips.
  • Straight, bootcut and wide-leg trousers in plain fabrics.
  • Mid to high rise that sits at the narrowest part of your waist.
  • Darker or solid colors below the waist.

Dresses

Fit-and-flare and wrap dresses follow the waist and skim the hips. Look for detail at the neckline or shoulders. A bodycon dress can work when paired with a structured jacket that adds width up top.

Easy outfit formulas

  • Striped boat-neck top, dark straight jeans, loafers.
  • Puff-sleeve blouse tucked into a midi A-line skirt.
  • Cropped blazer, plain dress, pointed flats.

What to keep simple

Very tight, shiny or heavily patterned bottoms and hip-level details (big pockets, belts slung low) draw the eye to the hips. Wear them if you like them, and balance with more detail on top.

Related guides

What else should you know?

Can a pear shape wear skinny jeans?

Yes. Pair them with a top that has some volume or structure on top, or a longer jacket.

Which necklines suit a pear shape?

Boat, square, off-shoulder and wide V necklines visually widen the shoulders.