Do you know your body shape type?
This week we’re talking all things body shape and giving you some top tips on how to dress to flatter your body type.
Let’s start with the four main body shape types that pretty much everyone fits into -
Pear
- Narrow back / shoulders
- Wider hips
- Narrow waist
- Small bust
Curvy / Hourglass
- Same hip and bust measurement
- Clear waist definition
- Shapely legs
Column / Apple / Athletic
- Same hip and bust measurement
- No waist
- Shapely legs
A slimmer version of this body type appears very balanced between top and bottom halves, but if you’re carrying extra weight, this will always go onto your waist area - then becoming an ‘apple’.
And this week’s featured body shape…
Inverted Triangle
- Broad shoulders / back
- Narrow hips
- Slim legs
- Heavy busted
- No waist
If you find fitted jackets and shirts are always tight on your shoulders and you always need to purchase a larger size top, and smaller size bottom, and the muffin top struggle is real, then this is you! If you’re an inverted triangle you might want to go back and watch this week’s “Tuesday chat” I’m demonstrating how you can overcome the challenges and find the right style tops and bottoms to flatter the inverted triangle body shape.
5 TOP TIPS FOR INVERTED TRIANGLES…
- Wear prints / texture / bright and lighter colours on bottom
- V-neck tops or deep scoop neck, no collar is a preference (lengthen your neck)
- Asymmetry on top – create asymmetry round necklines by wearing off the shoulder, or the hemline of a shirt by tucking in half.
- DO NOT oversize your tops. No big floaty batwing sleeved tops. All this extra fabric will only add to your size. If you have something that might be a bit too full try and tie it in at the waist to give you some extra shape, or tuck in some of the extra fabric to pull it in to be a bit more fitted.
- Fitted jackets. A structured blazer style jacket will be your best friend! It will give you shape in the waist and minimise your shoulders with it’s fitted style. Jackets with stretch are perfect – always try on a smaller size jacket to choose your most flattering fit.
BONUS TIP Set in sleeves! Any top, shirt or jacket with set in sleeves will be your friend. This means the top of the armhole seam will sit high on your shoulder as opposed to a dropped sleeve or batwing style sleeve, where there’s no armhole seam, or the armhole seam is way down the sleeve, completely off the shoulder. Always go for set in sleeve styles whenever you can.
Look out for our “what’s your bodyshape?” quiz, launching on our website soon!
Next week – 5 top tips for pear shapes
I’d love to know if this helped you!? Send me an email or dm me on any of our socials with your experience with your body shape challenges. I absolutely love hearing from every one of you <3
Nicola xxx