Imogen I would like your opinion on the hem length of tunic type tops. I’m a knitting designer and teacher and this topic comes up in my Fit and Flatter classes. I think women slimmest when the hem hits just below the crotch so that the leg length is undetermined by the viewer and therefore…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the X body shape (it’s one of the two hourglass body shapes)? The X shape has similar width shoulders and hips, with a defined waist. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. The widest part of the hip is at the…
Have you got a high “shelf” like hip? I often think of this as the Barbie Doll body shape – it’s what I call the 8 shape and is one of the two hourglass shapes (the X shape is the other hourglass shape). What you notice with an 8 shape is that there is a…
How should we handle conflict between personality/ career role and body shape recommendation? As my body is very curvy , the body shape recommendation is all kinds of feminine stuff: skirt over pants, and not just skirt , but A -line flared skirt over straight ones, wrap and fit and flare dresses , waist shaping,…
Reader Question – I’m an o-shape and I find that jeans just never stay up or if I belt them really tight, they hurt. I find it impossible – any tips? All of us have different shapes, sizes and styles so finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a massive task with an overwhelming number…
Imogen, I’m a new follower to your blog and check it almost daily. I love it! It has so much information and for the first time I can relate to the types you suggest. I had a question I posed on a sewing website as I’m considering making a dress using a fabric with a border…
There are so many different accessories to choose from when adding that finishing touch to your outfit. Accessories are the icing on the cake – they add the interest and detail, a touch of sparkle or sheen that grab the light or texture and colour that may otherwise be lacking in your outfit. One of…
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…
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…
To be a V shape, your shoulders need to be wider than your hips, by a good couple of inches. You may or may not have a waist, many V shapes have a shorter waist, if so, then use the tips from the H shape through your waist area – that is – no tucking,…
How do I find a hairstyle that suits my face shape? This is the question that we were asked to discuss and share our thoughts on. In this video, Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss the 5 essential questions you should answer before you cut your hair or choose a hairstyle! Face…
As I’ve discussed before when deciding upon your body shape, the waist is one of the three key defining points (along with shoulders and hips being the other two defining points – not bust!). If you are looking at your body shape and deciding whether or not you have a defined waist, measurements can give…
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…
Many women are obsessed with their body and perceive it to be lacking. According to a study done by Triumph: 70% of women are not happy with their body, but 79% of their partners ARE happy with their partner’s body (women, listen to your partner, they love your body and think its great!) 82% of…
An A shape or Pear shape body has narrower shoulders than hips. If you’re not sure if this is your body shape, why not do my body shape calculator quiz here and then download your free Body Shape Bible which is full of tips on how to dress your shape. If you’re an A (otherwise…
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…
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…
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…
Say “Aye!” if you are frustrated by shopping because what looks great on a hanger doesn’t look great when you get it into the change rooms and try it on your body? We are led to believe that all women LOVE shopping. That all we want to do is shop til we drop, day after…
