Discover the different body shapes and how best to dress your body shape to flatter
I was asked recently how to know if your arms are long, short or average – so I made this short video to show you how to tell. It’s a simple trick to find out if your arm length is long, short or average. Why does it matter? It influences how you will…
I suppose I’m “of a certain age” in some circles at least – look young 40s but I’m actually mid 50s – and the jewelry thing has me stymied. I have delicate features and small bones, so need smallish jewelry. Chunky or large things are just completely out of scale on me! I no longer…
I have a question about using the column of colour to look taller (as a curvy petite H shape ) – should I only wear darker tops, avoiding white or cream tops ? There are two major ways to wear a column of colour, on the outside, or on the inside. The version on the…
Choosing Collars and Lapels O/A shape – broader collars to balance hips I, V shape or petite – narrower/smaller collars not to further broaden shoulders or overwhelm your frame H, X, 8 shape – medium collars – higher will make you look taller, lower will draw attention to bust and make larger Large bust –…
I am a sewer and some ideas about how to choose fabric to sew would be great. It can be challenging to locate good fabric and then imagine how it will look best sewn, and then find a suitable pattern. Fabric Drape How fluid or stiff is the fabric. The drape is not about how…
Sleeves please – I’m a H/O shape, and always wonder if I should have my sleeves shortened as a full sleeve makes me look bigger. The shape of the sleeve that you wear can make you look larger or smaller, depending on where it ends (watch this video for tips on that topic) and also…
The air has become nippy these past few days and it made me think about winter coats. They are a more expensive item in your wardrobe, so if this year is a year you’re planning on updating your winter coat wardrobe here are a few tips to help you choose a flattering style. Here are…
Hi Imogen, I would really love you to cover how to wear chiffon as day wear. Being a large busted H shape means that empire line tends to be best on me, but how do I avoid looking like I am wearing evening wear? Most pieces I see for daytime are waisted skirts and blouses…
Are there any rules for the right sleeve length? Jacket and long sleeves should usually end just below the wrist bone for most women. A too short sleeve makes your arms look longer and that you’ve outgrown the garment. A too long sleeve makes the arms look short and that the garment is too large…
Hi Imogen, I´m a big fan of your blog, and I´ve read all of your books 🙂 I hope it´s alright if I ask you some style advice 🙂 I´m a petite (5´2´´) figure of 8 with a balanced, short mid body. I have slightly warm coloring, dark blond hair and blue green eyes, and…
Could you write some things about the maxi skirt? (which body types can wear them, how to wear them, what kind of maxi skirt) Best regards, Helma Maxi skirts are a fashion trend that has been around for a couple of years (or so) now. It’s possible to wear them with every body shape, in…
Dear Imogen, I’ve got some summer cardigans from H&M. My body is an I body shape. What would you suggest for wearing underneath cardigans? (basic shirt or a blouse or a tank top..) And how should the different body types wear cardigans, opened or buttoned? (buttoned gives a deep V, which perhaps looks lovely only…
It’s summer in the Northern hemisphere and if it’s actually hot (sadly summer isn’t always so hot everywhere), but if you need a new swimsuit and want some tips to flatter your body shape, as they are the most unforgiving of garments, then read on. Swimwear to Flatter Your Body Shape I shape – horizontal…
How can I define my short waist, which also happens to be the slimmest point of my body, along with arms/wrists, without totally screwing up my proportions? I’ve recently been watching some old Tim Gunn (Guide to Style) which I downloaded onto my iPad and have noticed that his three main ingredients to style are:…
Hi Imogen, I’m 26 and live in Portland, Oregon (land of the hipster). Most of my stylish compatriots are wearing oversized sweaters trapeze-style tee shirts with leggings or skinny jeans. That works great on I shapes, but not so much for me, an 8 shape. The problem is, most of the styles that work for…
Rounded stomachs can be difficult to hide, they’re right out there at the front, but what tricks can you use to make your tummy look less obvious? Here are 10 Easy Ways to Flatter a Rounded Tummy Pants/Skirts/Waistbands should sit about at the belly button. Too high and it will force your stomach to pop…
Could you do a post on skinny jeans? They are in all of the shops right now and I’m not sure if I can wear them. Thanks. How to Wear them For Your Body Shape Skinny Jeans have been the trend jean for a few years now and they don’t look like they’re going anywhere…
Frequently I’m asked “As an image consultant do you always have to dress up?”. My answer is, “Well I still wear jeans and t-shirts, but they’re good jeans and t-shirts and I tend to accessorize too.” You never know when you leave the house, even if it’s just the supermarket or the school run, if…
It attracted my attention that you mention that you wear skirts/dresses or jeans most of the time. I do the same thing, and it has been working great for the most part, thanks to your blog. The main thing that I learned is that I am X-shape and I should belt over skirts/dresses, I enjoy…
There are a plethora of style rules to follow and sure they’ll help you look fabulous and flatter you body and colouring. But doesn’t it sometimes get boring following rules. I wanted to show you in one outfit the rules I’ve followed and the one I’ve broken. Verily dress Breaking the Rules Today I wore…
I recently bought a women’s tuxedo jacket. Now, how do I wear it? I don’t want to make it more masculine. No cumberbunds in black or hot pink. I do want to feminize it. I also want to wear the tuxedo jacket in a casual type of way. Like with jeans. But what type of…
