In my last blog I talked about fashion mistakes and one of them is wearing the wrong shape. Knowing your body type is the most important factor while choosing an outfit. As this is quite a big topic today I will first give you an overview about the different types so you can determine yours. The following weeks we will discover together each body type.
Are you ready to know how to look beautiful and confident no matter what your figure is?
Measurements
First things first. The surest way to figure this out your body shape is by taking four body measurements: shoulders, bust, waist and hips. It is the relationship between these numbers that will reveal your shape. So grab your measuring tape, strip down and let’s get started.
1 Shoulders
Loosely wrap the tape around the very tops of your shoulders, at their broadest point above your shoulder blades.
2 Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Hold it snugly enough that it stays in place, but not so tight that it’s compressing your chest. It’s OK if you’re measuring over a bra, especially if you typically wear one.
3 Waist
This can be a little confusing, as your natural waist is different from where the waistband of your pants generally hits. You’re actually looking for the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually above the belly button.
4 Hips
As with your shoulders and bust, you’re looking for the fullest point. You’ll want to wrap the tape below your hip bones, around your hips and butt. With this, it’s also OK if you’re measuring over underwear.
What is my body shape?
Now that you know your measurements you can decipher your body type. While there are many different body shapes out there, most women align with one of these five: inverted triangle, pear apple, rectangle or hourglass. Knowing this will help you learn how to best dress for your body type.
Inverted Triangle: your shoulders are broader than your hips.
Pear: your hips are broader than your shoulders.
Apple: you’re curvy with a less defined waist.
Rectangle: your four measurements are fairly uniform and you have a straighter build.
Hourglass: your shoulders and hips are fairly balanced and you have a defined waist.
Short vs tall
While being tall or short is not a body shape it is as important when choosing your outfit. For short or tall woman it can be a real struggle to find clothes with the right length and finding a seamstress who can adjust your clothes is almost a must. I can definitely help you if you live in Brussels!
What should you wear when you are short:
Show your waist: cinch your waist, wear jackets that hit right at the waist
Wear light coloured tops to draw attention to your top half
High-waisted trousers will visually elongate your legs just like slim or skinny jeans
Tailor you pieces so they fit you properly
Short skirts with pointed-toe shoes or boots
Ankle length trousers actually make you look taller
Tonal outfits are a go-to for shorter girls
Invest in a long coat as a streamlined silhouette will make you appear taller
Avoid anything overly layered
What should you wear when you are tall:
Tie your waist to create curves
V-neck accentuates a long neckline
Wear ankle strap shoes if you have long legs and want to rock a shorter skirt
If your torso is longer than your legs, try wearing an above-the-knee, high-waisted skirt with a crop top to balance out your figure
If your legs are longer than your torso, try a longline top over trousers
A baggier top tucked into high-waisted jeans is another great way to create a curvier silhouette
Asymmetric dresses make your legs look more in proportion
Wearing prints or bold colours on one half of your body can make you look smaller
If anyone tells you not to wear heels, IGNORE THEM.
Next week I will tell you more about the inverted triangle shape.