7 Body Types, 7 Power Looks: How Women in Business Dress with CEO Energy
Waistcoat Outfits for Every Body Type
You don’t need to change your body to look powerful—you just need to understand how to dress for it.
The most successful women I style—female entrepreneurs, speakers, creators, and real estate agents—aren’t trying to look like someone else. They want to look like the best version of themselves: sharp, intentional, effortless, and on-brand.
And one of the most versatile, powerful pieces I recommend across the board?
The waistcoat.
It’s timeless, structured, and flattering—if you choose the right one for your body type. Here’s your guide to waistcoat styling by body shape, with clear do’s and don’ts, plus brand suggestions for modern women who are building visibility and confidence.
1. Hourglass Body Shape
You have balanced curves and a defined waist. Highlight it.
Try:
Waist-cinching styles
Fitted tailoring
Pencil skirts or slim trousers
Avoid:
Boxy cuts that hide your natural shape
Great brands to try: Reiss, Veronica Beard, L’agence, Because Of Alice (BOA) ,Aritzia,
Hourglass Body Shape Business Look
2. Rectangle Body Shape
Your shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width. Create curves through clever styling.
Try:
Waistcoats with darts or peplum
Wide-leg trousers
Belts to define the waist
Avoid:
Shapeless, straight cuts with no waist definition
Brand suggestions: COS, Theory, Dior , Aritzia
Rectangle Body Shape Business Look
3. Pear Body Shape
Your hips are wider than your shoulders. Bring balance by drawing attention upward.
Try:
Structured shoulders or button detail
Darker bottoms
Waistcoats that finish above or at the waist
Avoid:
Cropped styles that hit at your widest point
Stylist picks: Club Monaco, Massimo Dutti, Reiss
Pear Body Shape Business Outfit
4. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Your shoulders are broader than your hips. Focus on balance and softness.
Try:
Soft tailoring
Flared trousers or wide-leg styles
Waistcoats with minimal shoulder structure
Avoid:
Shoulder pads or anything that adds bulk to your top half
Best for this shape: Totême, & Other Stories, Max Mara, Joseph
Inverted Triangle Body Shape Business Outfit
5. Apple Body Shape
Your midsection is fuller, often with slimmer legs. Create vertical lines and open structure.
Try:
Longline waistcoats with vertical seams
Styles worn open to create a column shape
Slim-leg trousers or midi skirts
Avoid:
Cropped cuts that cling to the middle
Short, boxy fits
Top brands: Joseph, Reiss, Cos , Ralph Lauren
Apple Body Shape Business Outfit
6. Petite Frame
You’re 5’4” or under, and proportion is everything.
Try:
Slim, cropped-to-mid length waistcoats
Monochrome looks to elongate the frame
V-necks to draw the eye upward
Avoid:
Oversized or long-line pieces that overwhelm your frame
Petite-friendly labels: Sandro, Reiss, Cinq à Sept, Self-Portrait,
Petite Body Shape Business Outfit
7. Plus-Size or Fuller Figures
Forget hiding your shape—structure is your best friend.
Try:
Stretch-infused tailoring
V-necklines to elongate the neck
Mid-length waistcoats with subtle shaping
Avoid:
Boxy fits with no structure
Overly tight or oversized pieces that aren’t intentional
Stylish plus-size brands: Marina Rinaldi, Ralph Lauren, Karen Millen, Reiss
Business Look for Plus Size Woman
8. Oversized Looks: Wear It with Intention
Oversized works on any body type—if it’s styled with purpose.
Make it work when:
The structure is balanced (strong shoulders, clean lines)
It’s paired with sleek bottoms or polished accessories
The rest of your styling (hair, makeup) is sharp
Avoid oversized when:
It’s worn to “hide” instead of highlight
It erases your shape and energy
Why This Matters for Women in Business
If you’re giving a keynote, hosting a webinar, meeting clients, or creating content—you are your brand. Your image plays a role in how you’re perceived, how confident you feel, and how powerfully you lead.
Dressing for your shape is not about restriction. It’s about clarity, ease, and intention.
When your clothing aligns with your body and your brand, you don’t just look good—you embody CEO energy.
Need Help with Your Style?
I create capsule wardrobes, curated shopping edits, and camera-ready outfits for high-performing women who want to look sharp without the stress. Whether it’s for content, speaking, or everyday life—I’ll make sure you always know what to wear.