Why is it that some clothes look great on you while others, while they may fit okay, just don’t look that great? In this month’s e-zine, we will tackle some sizing myths and assemble some strategies for looking and feeling your best just by getting dressed! The first important reality is to understand that proportion is generally not affected by weight loss or gain and is the first thing that is noticed in stature. Proportion is most improved by clothing choices.
The most important strategy is to pay close attention to your arm and leg proportion and find a fit that is complementary, most typically accentuating what is longest. We will talk about how to measure for body shape and strategies for all of the body shapes.
The Measurement for Body Shape consists of three measurements:
•Chest (measurement just below breast)
•Waist (at navel)
•Hips (just above the buttocks)
Based on the measurement, the most typical body types are the rectangle, the upward triangle, the downward triangle, the apple, and the hourglass. In the following paragraphs is a detailed description of each body type and strategies to make the most of your body shape.
The Rectangle body type has very little difference between the 3 measurements—the hip measurement is at least 75% of chest measurement and the waist and hips are the about the same.
Strategy:
You want to gain some hourglass curves by emphasizing your shoulders and playing up your hips…..
Tips:
•Choose a top that has a strong or wide shoulder; a peasant blouse or Empire dress that creates shape on top.
•Add a belt to pull the eye inward and define your waist. A drop waist top with detailing or belting at the hip will also add volume below the waist.
•Pleated skirts or low rise pants and skinny jeans accentuate the hips.
•Wear the same color on top and bottom with a contrasting color in the middle.
Upward Triangle body type is characterized by small bust and defined waist, while hips and bottom are larger.
Strategy:
You want to accentuate your shoulders and highlight your waist to downplay your lower half.
Tips:
•Look for tops that hit at the hipbone and jackets that enhance your shoulders.
•Strapless, off-the shoulder or wide scoop necks are a good possibility for you.
•Look for pants that are dark colored, low waist, flat front with little or no waistband and pockets
•Full leg or boot leg pants that ease over hip and thigh of superfine wools, silks and mid-weight matte jersey
•Knee length pencil skirts that are well tailored and of firm, structured fabric will flatter and de-emphasize.
•Another option is floaty skirts that help balance the shape.
•Avoid too-clingy skirts.
The Downward Triangle body type is where the bust measurement is largest, waist measurement is small and short and hips are narrow.
Strategy:
Soften your angles by playing down your wide shoulders and adding definition to your bottom half.
Tips:
•Round necks on jackets and tops will pull the eye away from broad shoulders.
•Jackets that cinch at the waist and then flare out will enhance the hips.
•Select a simple print with a relaxed fit and a v-neck over a shiny blouse with a high neck.
•Dark colors on top—the perfect choice is a corseted black blazer!
•Select tops with straps that hit close to your neck to make shoulders look slimmer.
•Look for straight leg pants that flow out just a little from the knee.
•Look for a waistband that sits from low waist to hipbone or has side pockets—avoid high waisted pants
•Full skirts of sturdy fabrics will fill out the bottom.
Apple or Round body type is characterized by chest measurement that is the largest. The waist is at least 75% of chest and the hips are the smallest measurement
Tips:
•Look for thin or no waistband that sits high on your waist
•Look for solid prints, and fitted cuts with a hemline at or slightly above the knee.
•Fitted cuts will show off curves without being too clingy.
•Materials that drape well will accentuate your best features.
•Empire waists or cinching just below the bust accentuates “skinny area” and gives great definition!
•Look for a flattering neckline that does not show too much cleavage.
The Hourglass or Triangles body type is where the chest and hips are nearly the same measurement and the waist measurement is at least 25% less.
Strategy:
Congratulations! Wear clothes that follow your frame and accentuate all your best features.
Tips:
•Look to soft pieces in draped fabrics that accentuate your curves and give best play to narrow waist.
•V-necks are flattering for many, particularly those with a beautiful collarbone structure
•Slender belts that tie around the middle are slimming.
•Low waist flat front, hip skimming pants with full straight leg look the best
•Skirts with a bit of flare below the waist add to the “draping” effect!
Adjusting all Body Types for Larger Stature and Fuller Figure:
Strategy:
Individual Pieces Accentuate the neck and shoulders with individual pieces, and pay close attention to the proper foundation to de-emphasize back and cleavage.
Tips:
•Pants must have drape and stretch
Little or no waistband
No baggy pants, tapered legs or pleated waists
Pants with the proper rise—no crotch ride or tight crotch allowed!
•Interesting layers that YOU must love on top
Soft textures and drapy fabrics
Vertical patterns and prints
Properly sized and well tailored pieces—
Horizontal stripes are GREAT if they are narrowly spaced
AVOID Oversized or camouflage pieces serve only to spotlight!
Adjusting all Body Types for Petites:
Strategy:
Add stature and accentuate accents while being careful not to overwhelm the frame….
•Pay close attention that pockets, buttons and pant rises fall in the right place
•Narrow silhouettes and soft drape—avoid stiff fabrics and boxy lines
•Monochromatic lines will add stature (the column of color)
•Wear small graphic prints on top
•Details such as single breasted jackets, seaming
•Avoid jackets that fall at the low hip or low rise jeans
•Avoid horizontal ruffles, pant cuffs
•Wear short skirts and pointed toe shoes with long toe opening to accentuate foot
•Narrow pleats can be worn without overwhelming a small frame.
