Know your body shape
Buying clothes can be a challenge but if you are not exactly sure about what type of garments to buy for your body shape then shopping becomes even more difficult. I have created illustrations of the the six body shapes with some guide lines for you to follow.
Horizontal body proportion is the relationship between your bust, waist and hip measurements.
This method for analysing the body was the first to be used in figure and style assessment. Every aspect of figure and style analysis is based on balance and proportion. If one part of the body is narrow and another wide, widening the narrowest area will provide balance, and restore visual proportion.
There are six recognised horizontal figure types:
• The Hourglass Body
• The Inverted-triangle Body
• The Triangle Body
• The Rectangle Body
• The Oval/ Diamond Body
If you would like to determine your body shape today, go to My Private Stylist now.
“My Private Stylist” body calculator will fill in all the missing pieces of your style puzzle. It will cover everything you need to know about looking great and shopping wisely. It will save you Frustration, Time, Money and the Insecurity that comes from feeling dressed less than your best.
The Hourglass Body
The hour glass is considered, by many to be the most desirable shape of all. This woman has a bust and hip measurement that are similar and a waist that is about 25.5 cm or 10″ smaller. A woman with this shape is fortunate, as weight gain or loss is evenly distributed and will often go unnoticed for a long period of time. Clothing is often easy to fit and find and do emphasize your curves, especially your waist, without adding bulk. Try these style tips:
• Fitted and semi-fitted clothes
• Soft, clingy, flowing fabrics
• Low to medium-low necklines
• Dresses with defined waistlines
• Straight and gently flared pants
• Straight and gently flared shirts
Styles to avoid
• Stiff, bulky, fabrics
• Baggy styles
• High necklines (unless you have a small bust)
• Skirts with open pleats
• Very tapered pants
The Inverted Triangle Body
The second most desirable shape is the inverted triangle. The body is larger above the waist than below. It is produced by a proportionally large bust line and small hips. Women who are short in the torso and have long legs are often this horizontal body shape.
An hourglass-like appearance can be created by increasing the visual width below the waist using:
• A-line skirts,
• Bold textures,
• Horizontal stripes,
• Fuller leg width in trousers.
Minimising the upper body with:
• Open necklines and collars,
• Vertical stripes,
• Single-breasted jackets,
• Garments that are smooth in texture
• Garments that drape fluidly over the body
The Triangular Body
This is one of the two most common female horizontal body types. The body is larger below the waist than above. This woman does not necessarily have a large hipline, rather it is often her proportionally small bust line which makes her appear triangular.
Women who have short-legs and a long torso, or are a balanced vertical body type commonly have a triangle horizontal body shape.
To provide the illusion of an hourglass figure, width needs to be created in the upper body to balance the lower half. Subtle (non visible) shoulder pads are a slimming accessory (even when not in fashion), especially if her shoulders have a strong slope.
Other slimming strategies include:
• Smooth fabrics below the waistline,
• Darker colours for skirts and pants,
• Slightly tapered or bootleg trousers,
• High placed accessories,
• Medium to high heels.
The Rectangular Body
The rectangle is a another very common figure shape. These women have little or no waistline definition. Long-legged and balanced horizontal body types most commonly have this shape. Some hourglass figures may become a rectangle with weight gain and/or maturity.
The illusion of balance can be achieved by:
• Shoulder pads,
• Colour blocking (to create the illusion of a waist),
• Open single-breasted jackets, vests,
• Soft fabric tops and matching skirts.
The Oval Body
This shape belongs to full figured women who have a round shape and a low stomach.
A pleasing silhouette is created by:
• Garments and outfits that have a subtle inverted triangle shape,
• ‘V’ necklines,
• Vertical design lines,
• Medium-sized non shiny prints,
• Abstract and geometric patterns
• Medium to dark colours,
• High placed focal points,
• Medium to medium-high heels,
• Below knee-length skirts,
The Diamond Body
This woman is similar to the oval woman except she has a high stomach that causes a diamond-like appearance.
A pleasing silhouette is created by:
• Garments and outfits that have a subtle inverted triangle shape,
• ‘V’ necklines,
• Vertical design lines,
• Medium-sized non shiny prints,
• Abstract and geometric patterns
• Medium to dark colours,
• High placed focal points,
• Medium to medium-high heels,
• Below knee-length skirts,
• Hosiery that blends with the shoes and hemline
Not sure what your body shape you are try My Private Stylist or book into your Personal Style Consultation
Recent Comments