Have you ever tried on an outfit that looked great on someone else but didn’t suit you, leaving you wondering why?
The truth is, it’s not your body that’s wrong. It’s simply about wearing clothes that aren’t designed for your body shape.
Understanding your body shape is the key to achieving effortless style and confidence. Once you have identified your proportions, you can choose clothing that highlights your best features.
Here is a quick guide to the four most common body shapes.
There are two ways to assess your body shape:
1. Visual Analysis
Stand in front of a full-length mirror while wearing fitted clothing, such as a tank top and leggings or a bra and pants. Observe your overall proportions, paying particular attention to the width of your shoulders, waist, and hips.
Ask Yourself the Following Questions:
- Do my hips appear wider than my shoulders?
- Are my shoulders broader than my lower body?
- Does my waist look clearly defined, or does it appear straighter?
- Do my shoulders and hips seem balanced?
2. Taking Measurements
Using a measuring tape, check these four points:
- Shoulders: Measure around the widest part.
- Bust: Measure the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist: Measure the narrowest part (above the belly button).
- Hips: Measure the widest part of your pelvic bone.
Interpreting Your Measurements
1. Rectangle (H) Body Shape
If your shoulders, bust, and hips are roughly the same width, with little waist definition, you are probably a rectangle body shape.
Styling Tip:
Create curves by wearing belts to define your waist or wearing peplum tops.
2. Triangle (A or Pear) Body Shape
If your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust, then you are a triangle shape.
Styling Tip:
Balance your proportions by adding volume to your upper body with ruffles, padded shoulders, and statement necklines
3. Inverted Triangle (V) Body Shape
If your bust or shoulders are wider than your hips, then you are an inverted triangle shape.
Styling Tip:
Draw attention downwards with wide-leg trousers, A-line skirts, and bold patterns on your lower half.
4. Hourglass Body Shape (8)
An hourglass figure has balanced shoulders and hips and a narrow, well-defined waist.
Styling Tip:
Highlight your natural symmetry with wrap dresses and form-fitting silhouettes that accentuate your curves.
Remember!
Identifying your body shape isn’t about rules; it’s about finding the right outfits for your unique silhouette and your personal style, and making you feel confident. Rather than following every trend, learn to dress for your unique silhouette.
Now that you have identified your unique body shape, it’s time to discover the most flattering outfits that enhance your body proportions and highlight your natural silhouette, instead of copying others or following fashion trends.
Want to take your style to the next level? My books, “Mastering Your Style” and “Colour Confidence”, will help you refine your look, understand what truly suits you and become the best version of yourself, stylishly and confidently.
Get Your Copy Now!
