Part I: Determining your body type
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It’s of general knowledge that aging is a natural process; however, there are ways to slow down or “cheat” this process. My goal is to show you how to do it, and in this post, I will share my knowledge and experience to guide you on how to dress to defy the passing of time; believe me, it works. When it comes to style, we enter a whole world of wonders: how to dress, and fashion, in general, is a culture. Although for some of you might be hard to understand, the way you present yourself to the world is very important in terms of how you are perceived by it. But most importantly, the way you perceive yourself will reflect on how the world sees you. So, let’s get started, and let’s get inspired.
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No matter what circumstances surround your life now, putting some effort into how you dress will pay in the long run. Be creative; choose your style according to your personality, so you are comfortable, confident, and beautiful. Once you do this, you will be on the right path to work on your fulfillment and, ultimately, your happiness, whatever each of us defines that concept. Fashion and dressing can be as creative as you want it to be and as fun, as you make it.
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Try to experiment with clothes, colors, textures, and create your own personal, unique style. I am here to help you. One of my favorite things in the world is perusing fashion magazines (Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle are my favorites, but you can choose yours). I check the new trends for each season from the high end, luxury designers (which most of us can’t afford even from afar; ah, those Jimmy Choo’s!) and apply them to the much lower price (and lower quality, of course) items that my go-to retail stores have in their shelves. That way, you can keep yourself up to date with what’s trending when it comes to fashion.
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But we are putting the carriage before the horses. There are several factors to consider creating your style, and one of the most important is to know what looks good on you. It sounds like common sense, right? Unfortunately, many women don’t know what type of clothes looks best for their bodies. I can see this issue, time and time again. First, it’s important to emphasize that all women’s body shapes are beautiful. I think every woman should know her body type to choose what to wear according to it. To identify your body shape, you need to know your bust, waist, and hips measurements. Depending on the size in inches of each part, you can determine which type your body belongs to so you can find the clothes that fit best. There are plenty of body type calculators on the internet so you can find out which one is yours.
No body shape is best or worst. Again, work with what you have. All bodies have pros and cons, even the super model’s bodies you see on the magazines all the time. Knowing your body well will help you to dress and look your best.
There are numerous research studies about women’s body shapes. These studies confirm that women’s body shapes broadly fall under five categories. Besides those five shapes, there are also body types that are either a mix of two of those five categories or a synonym of the five body shapes mentioned. Considering all these shapes, we can conclude that there are five basic body types among women.
I should note that body shapes aren’t clearly defined, and it’s very possible to be in between two body types.
- Straight Body Shape
Sometimes called a rectangle or ruler body shape. It’s considered the most common of all body shapes, about 45 percent of women fall under this category. You know you have a straight body type if you have the same measurements for all sections of your body. The bust and the hips are the same size. The waist is slightly smaller than the bust and hips (one to eight inches smaller than your bust, to be exact), and it’s not very defined. You might have a bottom that is flatter than round. You tend to gain weight in your torso first and then your arms.
- Pear Body Shape
Also known as “bottom-heavy”. If you have large hips, thighs, and sometimes your behind, and a small bust, you have a pear body shape or triangle-shaped body. Shoulders are narrower, and not as broad. You have broad hips, and you can enhance your waist section beautifully if you dress up the right way.
- Apple Body Shape
Also known as “top-heavy”.You know you have an apple body shape if your bust is larger than your hips, your waist is undefined, you have round shoulders, and slim legs and arms. You tend to gain weight first in the upper body section than the rest.
- Hourglass Body Shape
This is the least common. The bust and hips are the same size, and your waist is well defined. Probably the most desirable of all body types because the body is in proportion throughout. You have slightly rounded shoulders that align perfectly with your shapely buttocks, and your legs are in balance with your upper body.
5. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Also known as the Athletic Body Type. You have broad shoulders, narrow hips, and slender legs. The waist is not very well defined, and your upper body is voluminous and should be accentuated to draw away attention from the waist.
Note: Within the Apple Body Type some research studies include two variations to this body shape: the Oval Body Shape, If your body is oval-shaped, your bust is larger than the rest of your body. The hips are narrow, the breasts are large, and the midsection is full. Women with this body type tend to gain weight in their stomach before any other part of the body. Typically, the buttocks are flat, and the legs are slim. The waist ends up being the widest section of the body. And the Diamond Body Shape, your hips are broader than your bust and shoulders. The waist is larger than the bust and hips, and breasts are small to medium size. Like the oval-shaped body, your midsection looks full. You tend to gain weight in your stomach and back. Your waist is undefined and the widest part of your body. You have a little more weight in the upper legs. Your lower legs are shapely, and you have proportionately slender shapely arms.
In the coming posts, I will be explaining in detail how to dress each body type, and very importantly, what not to wear with each body shape. So, stay tuned, and remember one of my mantras: “don’t focus on what you don’t have and work with what you do have.” Once again, we are seeking balance in all aspects of our lives.
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