Outfits That Actually Work for Pear-Shaped Bodies

Photo Credit:Vanessa Santos

Styling a pear-shaped body can be… a journey. Especially when it comes to pants. One pair fits your hips but gaps at the waist. Another fits your waist but won’t go past mid-thigh. And don’t even get us started on finding a blazer that doesn’t feel like it was made for someone else's proportions entirely.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Putting together outfits for a pear-shaped figure isn’t just about knowing your shape—it’s about understanding how to make clothes actually work for your shape. That’s where most advice falls short. You’re told what to avoid or what flatters you “in theory,” but no one shows you how to actually build outfits with what’s already in your closet.

So, we did.

At Autum Love, we've made it our mission to help women feel confident getting dressed—no matter what their shape is. That’s why we created a guide with 60 pear-shape-friendly outfits you can wear to work, to lunch, on a date, to a meeting, or just running errands in style. Every look was designed to celebrate your shape, not fight it.

 You don’t need the exact pieces to make it work. Our outfit guides are flexible on purpose—you just need something similar in vibe or structure. That means more outfits with what you already own, and less time feeling stuck.

But before we get into the looks, let’s make sure you’re in the right place:

• Not sure if you're pear-shaped? Take the Body Shape Quiz

• Still figuring it out? Explore the Body Shape Hub for breakdowns of each type.

• Wondering if you can have a belly or a short torso and still be pear-shaped? (Hint: yes.) We’ll break it all down below.

• Check out this article if you believe that you have a pear figure

What Counts as a Pear-Shaped Body?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I pear-shaped or just curvy?”—you’re not alone. The pear shape is one of the most misunderstood (and most common) body types. It’s not about weight or size—it’s about proportion.

Here’s what typically defines a pear-shaped figure:

Pear-Shaped Bodies Tend to Have:

• Hips that are wider than your shoulders

• A smaller bust or narrower upper body

• A defined waistline

• Fuller thighs or bottom

• Weight that’s more likely to be carried below the waist

Having a pear shape doesn’t mean you’re just “bottom heavy”—it usually just means your hips are wider than your shoulders. That’s it. And yes, you can absolutely have a belly or soft tummy and still be pear-shaped (more on that in the next section).

If your pants always feel too tight in the hips and too loose at the waist—or if you’ve ever had to size up just to get jeans over your thighs—chances are, you’re working with a pear-shaped frame.

Can You Have a Belly and Still Be Pear-Shaped?

Short answer: yes. Absolutely.

A pear shape is about proportion—not whether or not you have a flat stomach. You can have:

• A fuller tummy

• A soft lower belly (aka the “pooch”)

• A muffin top or rounder midsection

…and still have the classic markers of a pear shape: hips that are wider than your shoulders, a smaller bust, and most of your weight carried below the waist.

Body shapes aren’t meant to box you in—they’re meant to help you understand how your clothes hang on your frame. That’s it.

If you’ve ever thought:

• I used to be pear-shaped, but now I have a belly—so what am I now?

• My arms and legs are slim, but I have a stomach. Is that still pear-shaped?

• My hips are still the widest part of my body, but my waist isn’t small anymore.

...you’re not broken. You’re just human. Hormones shift, weight moves, and bodies change.

What doesn’t change? The fact that you still deserve outfits that work for you—belly and all.

Need help dressing a pear-shaped figure with a tummy?
Our Body Edit Guide covers that exact combo—with 60 outfit ideas for belly days, short torsos, soft arms, and everything in between.

Or check out our free style tips for what to wear if you have a muffin top.

So What Is an Outfit Guide, Anyway?

Great question—because let’s be honest, this isn’t your typical style blog post or Pinterest board.

An outfit guide is a downloadable digital file that shows you how to get dressed—with purpose. Inside, you’ll find 60 fully styled outfits created just for your body shape. These aren’t generic Pinterest looks or magazine editorials. They’re realistic, wearable outfits that solve actual style struggles—like finding pants that flatter your hips or knowing how to layer without adding bulk.

Think of it as your personal styling cheat sheet.

Here’s how it works:

 Step 1: Download It Instantly

As soon as you complete your purchase, you’ll receive a link to download the guide straight to your device. You can view it on your phone, tablet, or computer—or even print it out if that’s your thing. No waiting, no shipping, no expiration date.

 Step 2: Flip Through 60 Fully Styled Outfits

Every look is already put together for you. You’ll see the outfit photo, the season it works for, the dress code, the common problem area it helps with (like tummy, arms, or hips), and notes on why it works for the pear shape. These aren't just pretty pictures—they’re purposeful combinations.

Step 3: Shop Your Closet First

You don’t need to buy all new pieces. If you have something similar in your wardrobe, you can recreate the look instantly. The guide is flexible on purpose—so you can make the most of what you already own.

Step 4: Get Dressed With Less Stress

Tired of standing in front of your closet feeling overwhelmed? This guide gives you ready-to-go looks for:

• Work meetings

• Casual weekends

• Dinner dates

• Vacations

• Everyday “I want to feel cute” moments

“Outfit Guide” is just the fancy name we give to the thing that helps you stop overthinking what to wear.

 Outfit Ideas for Pear-Shaped Bodies (That Actually Make Sense)

You don’t need 20 pairs of pants or a designer budget to dress well—you just need the right formulas. These five outfits were pulled directly from our Pear Body Shape Style Guide, and every single one was created with your shape in mind.

Whether you’re dressing for work, weekend errands, or a casual summer day, these outfits solve real problems—without hiding your shape or making you feel boxed in.

1. Blouse + Wide-Leg Jeans+ Sandals

 Dress Code: Work | Season: Spring | Focus Area: Hips

Why it works:
The tucked-in blouse defines the waist and draws attention upward, while the wide-leg trousers fall cleanly over the hips and thighs. This combo creates shape up top and keeps everything below the beltline feeling smooth and balanced.

Try this if…

• Your go-to work pants feel too snug across the hips

• You want a look that’s structured but still comfortable

• You’re done with pants that flatten your curves in the wrong places

Swap It With:

• A peplum top if you want more coverage at the hip

• Straight-leg pants with a front crease for added length

• Ballet flats or slingbacks if loafers aren’t your vibe

 This is one of our go-to “professional but unfussy” looks. You can repeat this formula year-round by changing the blouse material or adding a layer.

2. Midi Dress + Denim Jacket + Slide Sandals

 Dress Code: Casual | Season: Summer | Focus Area: Arms

Why it works:
Midi dresses with a bit of volume at the hem naturally flatter wider hips. Add a cropped denim jacket, and boom—you’ve added structure, covered your arms, and defined your waist all in one move.

Try this if…

• Sleeveless dresses make you feel exposed on top

• You want to balance out fuller hips without adding layers that cling

• You need a one-and-done summer look that feels put together

Swap It With:

• A flowy shirt dress cinched with a belt -$58 Ruffle Flowy Long Maxi Dress

• A linen blazer for more polish- $52 linen blazer

• Flat mules or platform sandals $59 Croc Platform sandals

 This is a weekend brunch favorite in our guide—easy, flattering, and functional.

3. Striped Tee + Olive Wide-Leg Pants + Heeled Sandals

 Dress Code: Work | Season: Summer | Focus Area: Thighs

Why it works:
Horizontal stripes broaden the upper body just enough to create visual balance. Olive trousers with a clean, wide-leg silhouette visually “even out” the lower half while elongating the legs. A tucked top keeps your waist the star of the show.

Try this if…

• You feel bottom-heavy in business casual looks

• You want pants that feel tailored but breathable

• You’re looking for a no-fuss summer work outfit

Swap It With:

• A boat-neck top for even more shoulder emphasis- $14 Stripe Cap Sleeve Top

• $42 Neutral paperbag waist pants

• $39 Block heel mules for extra comfort

 This is what we call a “curve-smart classic.” It works across all ages, especially if you're over 50 and want something chic but never clingy.

4. Striped Sweater + High-Waisted Shorts + Cropped Jacket

 Dress Code: Casual | Season: Spring | Focus Area: Tummy

Why it works:
High-waisted shorts cinch the smallest part of your torso. Paired with a boxy cropped jacket and a top with horizontal interest, this outfit redirects the eye upward and minimizes focus on the belly or hips.

Try this if…

• You want to wear shorts but hate how they usually fit

• You need layering to feel secure around the midsection

• You want to try trends without feeling like you’re dressing for someone else’s shape

Swap It With:

• $26 Bermuda shorts for more thigh coverage
  $44 A lightweight bomber or short utility jacket

• $19 A linen button-up tied at the waist

 It’s proof that you can wear shorts and still feel comfortable—without covering everything up.

5. Black Maxi Dress + Blazer + Sneakers

 Dress Code: Work | Season: Spring | Focus Area: Arms

Why it works:
A tailored blazer gives shape and arm coverage without overwhelming your frame. The maxi dress nips at the waist and glides over the hips, creating length without bulk. Sneakers give it a modern edge, making this look feel effortless but styled.

Try this if…

• You’re tired of feeling overdressed in dresses

• You want arm coverage without sweaters or cardigans

• You’re balancing comfort and polish (hello, meetings and mom life)

Swap It With:

• $39 A structured cardigan or cropped trench
  A neutral midi dress with a subtle print

• Platform sneakers or white loafers

 It’s a work-to-weekend staple that always looks intentional—no ironing required.

 Want the Full Guide?

If you love these, you're going to want the rest.

The Pear Body Shape Style Guide includes:

• 60 fully styled looks with problem areas addressed (hips, arms, belly, thighs)
  Tips for modifying each outfit using what’s in your closet

• Seasonally organized pages so you can dress for any weather, any event

• Shopping recommendations and styling notes