As I discussed here when I explained how lines work, body shape tells us: Where to put the verticals Where to put the horizontals to balance, broaden or highlight Where to place detail Where to keep boring/dull/plain/no detail That’s it! So let’s look at the O Shape (commonly called the apple or oval shape) I…
Reader Question:Also, is there any rules with shoes and body types? Particurarly thinking about boots, as it’s getting colder here in Europe 😉 Thanks again, Maija When thinking about what are the best shapes of boots and heels for different body shapes, consider your shape and what will balance it. Stiletto heels with their long…
Do you have advice on choosing a wedding dress? Picking one is a struggle… colorwise, they are often icy white (not easy to wear). Shapewise, when long, they are either very voluminous or very straight… many thanks!! Colour – Choosing the Right White There are so many versions of white available (you can read another…
I revisited the body shape guidelines to try and answer a dilemma I have around necklines. I’m 163 cms tall, broad-shouldered, DD-E cup. After my first baby weaned I developed pigmentation in a large band around my neck and décolletage. This skin gets red and blotchy when exposed to the sun, even with sunscreen and…
I often get asked about the best shape garments for each body shape. So I thought I’d create this infographic for you to give you a simple set of guidelines. When thinking about shapes for each body shape, we are usually wanting to create the hourglass shape or the idea of two triangles stacked on…
Reader Question: “Where is the best place for a V-shape body to wear brooches? I’m especially interested in areas in the portrait since the brooch can help with both value contrast and colour contrast.” Most women when getting dressed focus on the body parts they like least. This is completely the wrong way of going…
I think about relationship between body shape and neckline shape (oval and round versus straight and sharp). Is there any dependence between this two factors? I think, that rounded somatypes need more rounded necklines and straight body shapes need more sharp or straight necklines. But what about body shape with both sharp and curved linen…
If you like the look of a straight or pencil skirt, which shape should you choose for your body? This Premise skirt from Nordstrom with pleat details at the waistband is only suitable for women who are and I shape, straight up and down and very slim, with no hips as it will give you…
One of the many benefits of my 7 Steps to Style program are the monthly Q&A sessions. We get together on Zoom and I answer member’s questions so they get the support and information they need to keep on improving and defining their own personal style. This was the question of a fabulous member,…
X body shapes (hourglass figures) have defined waists, but their shoulders and hips are the same width (unlike the A who has wider hips than shoulders). There is a longer straighter slope from waist to hips (unlike the high shelf-like curve of the 8 shape). You can see that the X shape has a much…
People seem to be obsessed with understanding what their body shape is, they feel that if they just knew that then they’d know exactly how to dress, unfortunately, body shape is only 1 element of dressing your body, there are also other considerations, such as body proportions, body variations (ie. big bust, petite, luscious bottom…
Do you ever find yourself grappling with the age-old dilemma of figuring out your body shape while trying on clothes? It’s a common struggle, and believe me, you’re not alone. In fact, even as a personal stylist and color consultant, I’ve had my own share of fashion conundrums. Let me take you on a journey…
When you’re petite, finding the right clothes can be a challenge. Along with dressing for your body shape, your height and proportions matter, too. When you have a straight body shape like an H shape, there is not much definition between the shoulders, waist and hips. As with all H shape bodies, petite, average or…
In This Video 0.08 A shape and find it hard to balance my hips and hide my tummy – any tips? 4.34 Finding clothes for the over 70s for a retired casual lifestyle when you’re a large regular size or small plus size 9.47 I can’t seem to nail down fashion guidelines for my shape…
Reader Question: I’m an older woman with an apple shape who lives in a hot climate with a relaxed clothing dressing style. and I’m not sure where to shop or what to buy It’s not impossible to buy plus-size clothes all over the world. Thanks to the internet, you are longer limited to stores in…
In a recent Facebook Live, a reader asked if I could advise the best styles to wear to highlight athletic curves as many clothes don’t fit properly to accommodate a small waist with strong glutes and finding tops to fit over shoulders and back muscles as they tend to have no shape around the waist…
Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I agree that personality is the key to finding and developing your style. Most of the TV makeover shows only talk about body shapes and figure flattery, and that is important, but when you watch these shows, how many of the makoverees (yes I made that word up)…
What did you read here in 2013? Having dug through my analytics here are my top 13 posts in 2013 – and here they are – in case you missed any of them. How to Pose for Photos Who Suits a Pixie Haircut How to Choose a Necklace to Work with Your Neckline Real Life…
In This Video 0.08 I struggle with my mid-section. I believe I’m an 8 shape. I’m lean with an hourglass shape with a slightly wider high hip. I’m always trying to hide my tummy and I’m sure of how to look long and lean. How to Dress Your 8 Shape Body 5 Stylish Outfit…
There is no one route to style. You cannot become instantly stylish just from understanding your body shape (sorry Trinny and Susannah, it’s just not that simple). There is, what I call, the Style Puzzle, a group of elements when they all go together define your personal style. These puzzle pieces are just the start…
Menopause is a natural stage of life for women, but it can be a challenging time for many. One of the most frustrating things about menopause is gaining weight, which can be difficult to manage. It’s important to be gentle with yourself during this process, as you are adjusting to a new body after having…
