Style Fashion Guides
Show Off Your Shape
You've got an extra bit of cash in your pocket and have been looking forward to splashing out on the High Street. You know the latest look and you are determined to squeeze into it - no matter what the cost. But it's not your wallet that takes the biggest battering - it's your self-esteem. That harsh reality check in the changing room can ruin your day. Do you now think the only way to a brighter future is a stringent diet and a gruelling gym routine?
The thing is, it's not all doom and gloom. Just because you don't look like Kate Moss in those three quarter skinny jeans does not make you a fashion disaster. Pull yourself up off the changing room floor and stroke your battered ego with a better understanding of your body shape. Follow this simple guide to getting to grips with your figure and how to dress it - well.
Body beautiful
Start by standing naked in front of a long mirror. Take a long hard look at where you go in and out. Most people fall into one of 5 body types:
Athletic - tall, broad shouldered, narrow hips, long legs.
Hourglass (classic Marilyn Monroe) - small waist, well-balanced boobs and hips.
Pear-Shaped - narrow shoulders, smallish bust and broad hips.
Straight Up and Down - not much of a waist.
Apple-shaped - you carry your weight in the middle of the body.
Athletic
An athletic build doesn't really need much help in the clothes shopping department. This body type is a classic clothes horse - you can wear just about anything and it will look good.
Hourglass
Hourglass is a great look too, but needs a little more attention to detail. Is your waist in proportion to your hips? If your waist is small, and your hips are very curvy, don't be tempted to over accentuate the waist - it will make your hips appear larger. Instead, cover up slightly with a cropped jacket or top that doesn't cling too much to your curves.
Bigger hips need slim skirts and well-cut trousers. If you are a size 16 or over, go for a wider trouser (24cm width at the base of the leg) - it will look more flattering. And make sure they are well-tailored and don't sag over the bottom.
If your bust is big, avoid high necklines - they will simply emphasise your 'top half'. Opt instead for scoop necks or V-necklines. Avoid jackets with pockets over the bust and fussy lapels too.
Body beautiful
Start by standing naked in front of a long mirror. Take a long hard look at where you go in and out. Most people fall into one of 5 body types:
Athletic - tall, broad shouldered, narrow hips, long legs.
Hourglass (classic Marilyn Monroe) - small waist, well-balanced boobs and hips.
Pear-Shaped - narrow shoulders, smallish bust and broad hips.
Straight Up and Down - not much of a waist.
Apple-shaped - you carry your weight in the middle of the body.
Athletic
An athletic build doesn't really need much help in the clothes shopping department. This body type is a classic clothes horse - you can wear just about anything and it will look good.
Hourglass
Hourglass is a great look too, but needs a little more attention to detail. Is your waist in proportion to your hips? If your waist is small, and your hips are very curvy, don't be tempted to over accentuate the waist - it will make your hips appear larger. Instead, cover up slightly with a cropped jacket or top that doesn't cling too much to your curves.
Bigger hips need slim skirts and well-cut trousers. If you are a size 16 or over, go for a wider trouser (24cm width at the base of the leg) - it will look more flattering. And make sure they are well-tailored and don't sag over the bottom.
If your bust is big, avoid high necklines - they will simply emphasise your 'top half'. Opt instead for scoop necks or V-necklines. Avoid jackets with pockets over the bust and fussy lapels too.
Your Comments
- Roevalley wrote on 02 Sep 2005 at 02:55 PM
I think all these posts prove one thing - women don't come in so-called standard sizes. One thing that has always ticked me off big style is that hat manufacturers make hats for men in all different sizes but if you're a woman you're meant to have a 'woman-size' head!??! I can never get a hat to fit because I've a larger than 'normal' head and my friend has had to stuff hats with tissue paper because she's got a smaller than 'normal' head. Though usually I don't wear hats, I'd love to have a hat for those really miserable winter days and I had big style problems when I was privileged to get an invitation to a Royal garden party. No wonder women are going to weddings these days with bunches of feathers stuck to the side of their heads! (Actually I think these usually look rather fetching.)
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