When it comes to dressing for your pear-shaped figure, you might have heard that bodycon dresses are your best friend. While they can certainly highlight your curves, there’s so much more to explore in the world of professional style. As a specialist personal stylist, I believe every woman should feel confident and empowered in her workwear—without feeling limited to a single style.

If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips are typically wider than your bust, and your waist is more defined. This beautiful silhouette offers plenty of opportunities to play with proportions and create a balanced, polished look for the office. Let’s dive into some key tips for dressing your pear shape professionally, without relying on the ubiquitous bodycon.

Creating Balance in Your Silhouette

Dressing for a pear shape is all about balance. The aim is to draw attention to your upper half while elegantly complementing your hips and lower body. This doesn’t mean hiding your curves; it’s about enhancing your natural shape with thoughtful styling and smart choices.

Tops that Work for Pear Shapes

1. Structured Blazers

A well-fitted, structured blazer is your best friend. It draws attention upwards and defines your shoulders, giving you a more proportional look. Opt for blazers with subtle shoulder padding or detailing to broaden your upper half slightly. Bright or bold colours can also help shift the focus towards your upper body, while darker colours on the bottom half maintain balance. Top tip: cropped blazers/bikers are recommended as they’ll focus the attention on the waistline, away from the hips.

2. Statement Blouses

Blouses with interesting necklines or detailing at the shoulders are a fantastic choice for pear-shaped women. Think ruffles, puffed sleeves, or embellishments that draw the eye upwards. Patterns and bold colours also work well here, adding volume and interest to your upper half while keeping your overall look balanced.

3. Turtle-Neck and Boat Neck Tops

Both turtle-neck and boat neck tops helps draw the attention to your neck and broaden your shoulders, creating balance with your hips. These necklines are flattering, elegant, and work perfectly under a blazer or on their own. They’re easy to style and can effortlessly transition from a busy day at the office to after-work drinks.

Choosing the Right Bottoms

1. A-Line Skirts

An A-line skirt is ideal for pear shapes because it skims over your hips, creating a smooth and flattering silhouette. It’s a professional yet feminine option for the office, and it pairs beautifully with structured tops or blouses. Opt for skirts that fall just below the knee for a sophisticated, office-appropriate look.

2. Wide-Leg Trousers

Wide-leg trousers are another excellent choice for balancing your proportions. They provide structure while skimming over your hips and thighs, creating a streamlined silhouette. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a fitted top to ensure your waist is still defined, maintaining that beautiful hourglass shape.

3. Flared Trousers

If you’re not a wide-leg kind of person perhaps you can try flared trousers still with a mid or high waist to elongate your legs while defining your waist and creating a balance with your hips and bust. Choose darker or plain colours to streamline your lower half, and pair them with lighter, brighter or bold printed tops for balance.

Don’t forget the outerwear!

For the cooler months, a coat with a belt to enhance your waist is the perfect option for your outerwear. There are some excellent options available from the classic wool to a lighter-weight trench coat. Make sure the coat falls at your natural waist, and if there are buttons, single-breasted options are best.

Accessories for the Office

Accessories can also help you achieve balance in your outfit. Statement necklaces or earrings draw attention to your upper half, while a well-placed belt can further define your waist. A structured bag carried on your shoulder also helps add volume to your upper half, subtly shifting the focus away from your hips.

Let’s Embrace Your Shape Together

Dressing for your body shape isn’t about following rules; it’s about embracing what makes you unique. If you’re ready to explore new ways to dress your pear-shaped figure for the office, I’m here to help. My personal style masterclasses are designed to guide you in discovering the clothes and colours that work best for your body, making sure you feel confident and stylish in any professional setting.