The current fashion climate is about creating your style by selecting all the best bits from the latest trends.
Everything is in, whether the 1990s parachute pants or the slinky camisoles from the 1920s. But how do you know what works best for you and your body?
Understanding your body’s shape is the first step to reconsidering your wardrobe.
Photo: Getty Images
Every body is different, and that is the beauty of it all. No matter the trend, you will always be unique in the way you dress.
But to get a rough idea of what body type you are for when adding those trendy garments to your checkout bag, we’ve got five steps to help you narrow it down.
Know The Basics
Before you even look in the mirror, you need to know the five primary body shapes.
The Rectangle Shape
The rectangle shape means your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips are more or less the same size. The key with a rectangle shape is to create a definition of the waist. Defining the waist will change a rectangle shape to more of an hourglass shape.
The Hourglass Shape
An hourglass shape is, as it sounds, smaller shoulders, a larger bust, a slim waist, and wide across the hips. Marylin Munroe was famously an hourglass shape.
The Apple Shape
The apple shape is probably the most challenging shape to dress. Apple-shaped means you’re round in the middle. Your bust and shoulders are wider than your hips.
The Pear
A pear shape body usually means your bottom and hips are larger than your bust and shoulders. Some pear shape bodies have tiny waists. Balancing a pear shape is easier than you might think.
Go for a fitted top and an aline skirt or wide-leg trousers. If you are brave, a cropped top with an exposed mid-drift will divert the attention away from the lower half.
The Triangle
Wide across the shoulders with a smaller bust and slim waist. Your shape will suit most clothes, but balance is critical. Go for wide-fitting trousers, so your hemline equals the width across your shoulders.
All body shapes are beautiful, with their own style types. And the only reason your profile is important is to ensure your clothes fit properly; properly fitting items will save you money (because you’re not buying ill-fitting clothes) but, more importantly, give you confidence.
Shoulders
How do your shoulders compare with the rest of your body? Are they narrower than your hips? Do they come out further than your hips?
Broader: More likely to be a triangle body shape.
Narrower: Pear-shaped.
In-line with the hips: Rectangle or hourglass.
Jeans
What is it like when you are looking for a pair of jeans? Do you struggle to get them over your hips? You may be pear-shaped if this is the case. If you find you have too much shape, you may be a triangle or rectangle.
Do The Math
Measure your bust, hips, and waist. Use the numbers and check out the ratios. This will help you determine whereabouts you lie on the body shape scale. A smaller waist would point you in the direction of an hourglass figure.
Look at What Fits
Do you tighten your belt to the tightest loop around your waist? Are well-fitting jeans a mission to find? These clothing hints can point you in the direction of your body shape.
Finding your body shape will enable you to find clothing best suited to you and your body. Don’t dress for trends; dress for your body.
