What is your Shape??

For many years there have been typically four body types for women, hourglass, rectangular, pear and oval.  Today’s fashion experts are now trying to rename these shapes such as triangle, inverted triangle etc…but the shapes all pretty much remain the same.  None of us exactly have these shapes, as we are all unique in our own way, but we do come close. 

Size and fit are like apples and oranges, so choose your clothing based on a good fit and how the material drapes over the shape of your body.  Remember if you look good you are going to feel good.  Dress to flatter your features and their proportions and not to what you think, remember your body shape will determine the styles you should be looking for in fashion. The right style for you will draw attention to your best and most beautiful features.  

To pick the fashions that best fit your shape, it is important to know what shape your body is from the start.  This will not only save you time but money!  Make smart informed choices, and you will see a change not only on your outside appearance, but inside too.  You will be happier, your confidence will grow, and you will really feel good about yourself!! 

The "Hourglass" figure

To determine if you have an hourglass shape, you can do one of the following: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement - if the answer 1 or close to it, then your shape would be considered an hourglass.   Or if your waist is about 8 inches smaller than your bust and hips.  Typically the bust, waist and hips, will be in a balanced proportion.

• Tailored jackets can be worn as long as they hit the waist in length. 
• Do not wear longer boxy type jackets and tops, as they can make an hourglass figure look wider.
• Wear tops that have a V-neckline or open collars as this will accentuate your curves.
• Since your waist is one of your best features, wear belts or clothing that cinches at the waist as this will accentuate that feature, but make sure not to wear belts that are too wide. 
• Separates in soft fabrics that will drape well off of your curves, try using vertical lines instead of busy prints.
• Avoid wearing knits that are too clingy, full skirts or jackets that are baggy.  This will hide your hourglass shape and make you look bigger.
• Avoid over-layering your clothing as too many layers will make you look bulky.

The "Rectangular" figure

Women with this shape usually have few curves as the weight is spread over the entire upper body.  If they gain weight, they do not have the problem of it settling only at the waistline as it is usually equally distributed.  The waistline is undefined and the shoulders, hips and waist all have similar measurements giving you a straight “boxy” figure.  Wear fashions that will make your body appear curvier and creates the illusion of a defined waist.   

• Accentuate curves by wearing tops or jackets that will hug the waist, and add some dimension by using patterns in the tops or bottoms as this will help to break the straight lines of the rectangular shape. 
• Tops such as peasant blouses, or blouses with ruffles work well.  Darker autumn like colors are the best for background color.
• Try pants with flared legs.
• Full skirts and one-piece knit dresses with drop waists work well with the rectangular figure.
• Accessorize your neckline with scarves, necklaces and other accessories.  Belts should be tied loosely at the waist
• Avoid wearing bright shiny colors, bold patterns, horizontal stripes, fabrics that are too stretchy, full pants and skirts. 
• Avoid baggy clothing as it will tend to make a rectangular shape look bigger than it really is. 

The “Pear / Triangle” shape figure

Curvy hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust, giving that “pear shape” look.  The pear shape is a common body type and very easy to work with.

• Tops with lighter colors or prints can be worn as this brings the eyes away from the hips, and clothing with thin vertical lines really flatter this body shape as they tend to make the illusion of a taller body
• Tops with shoulder pads, V-neck tops and longer tops and jackets that finish past your hips.  Shoulder pads will balance you and make you look thinner…yes they are your friends! 
• Straight skirts or skirts with slits up the side are good; long skirts should be A-line styled with a length just below the knees. Two piece dresses or empire dresses with a fitted bodice are good. 
• Pants that are dark in color or jeans, should be boot cuts worn with longer tops. The idea is to have the eye movement towards the upper area of the body. This will flatter the pear shape figure. 
• Accessories should match or come close to the same color your clothing as this will give your body an unbroken longer look, especially down to your toes if your shoes match.  
• Avoid wearing tight or short skirts as they will hug the hips making them look wider and avoid narrow legged pan
• Avoid fabrics that are bulky or with patterns and fitted pants.

The Oval / Apple Figure

This shape is just the opposite of the pear shape, with a fuller upper top, bigger bustline and larger waist.  This gives a more overall rounded figure look.  There might be one or two sizes difference between the top (bigger) and bottom (smaller).  You will want to create the illusion of a balanced body, while calling attention to the legs, hips and/or arms. 

• Choices for your wardrobe should include long or loose fitted tops, long jackets with no shoulder padding, and tops that have either a scoop or V-neckline.  The length will elongate your trunk. 
• Solid colors work the best.  If you wear one color from head to toe in a clean un-broken line this will also add length to your shape.  Sometimes the darker colors such as black, brown or dark navy will have a great slenderizing effect!
• Pants that are flared and with a flat front instead of pleated work well as they bring the eye down.  If you want to wear belts, they should be worn more around the hips, the smallest part.  Hips and legs are proportionately slim, and should be emphasized as this will take the emphasis off of the midsection. 
• Skirts that are short, either A-line or straight, will show off your good looking legs!  Pick dresses with an A-line design or dresses with an Empire type bodice for a flattering silhouette.
• Accessorize with open jackets, long scarves and necklaces as this will create a slimming vertical line look.  Choose fabrics that do not hug the body, but drape/fall nicely.   
• Avoid blouses with ruffles, pockets and fancy doo-dads, and fabrics that are too clingy.
• Avoid anything fitted through the middle and vertical lines across or around the torso.

Petite Pants vs. Short Pant Length (what makes a true petite)

A true petite has been altered in the rise, better known as the crotch area, by about 3/4 of an inch.  A "short" length pant has not been altered; just the length has been cut off.  Rule of thumb is that if you are shorter than 5′3″, look for a petite brand.  The exception to this is if you are only short in the inseam, then a good seamstress can help make the legs fit perfect.  

To make sure your pant is fitting properly in the waist area, sit down while trying them on.  If the waistband is dipping down your back, then this might not be the style for you as this should not happen.  You should be completely comfortable while sitting, with no pinching or pulling. 

Skirt Length

To find a good skirt length, hold a towel or a scarf in front of your legs. Look at yourself in a full-length mirror. Start raising the towel or scarf at your ankles, and rise up a little bit at a time until you find the most flattering point on your leg.  Usually this will be either a bit above or below the widest part of your calf.  Measure it and make a note so that you can compare skirt lengths at your favorite store.   This will not only save you time but frustration when trying on skirts.  If you like long skirts, ankle length, measure one of your favorites at home and match that length when shopping.

Rolling skirts up at the waist adds bulk to your waistline and can actually make you look heavier.  Make sure if the skirt has pockets that they lie smooth and closed without pulling open. Sometimes pockets gap if you are broader through the hips, you may want to avoid pockets or have them sewn shut.  It is a good investment to buy a few good slips in a variety of different lengths, as many skirts are lightweight and unlined, and can be seen through.