It is not uncommon for women to experience a shift in their body shape as they age, particularly during menopause. As women lose estrogen, they tend to gain weight in the upper body, resulting in less-defined waists. This can lead to a shift from an 8 shape to an H shape or even an O…
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium. When we talk about dressing for your body shape and body proportions, what we are trying to do create visual balance. There are 4 main principles of co-ordination that influences how you achieve balance with your outfits. These are: Levels of Refinement Principle of Volume Related Shapes Related Lines When…
Reader Question – I have a 44 double D bust and I’m about 172 centimeters tall. I’ve tended to hide my bust in loose flowing clothes and I recently tried a figure flattering dress. I was amazed as I did look busty but in proportion. Why is this this? balanced body proportions Oversized Clothes Don’t Make…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the O body shape (often described as the Apple shape or Oval Shape)? The O shape can have similar width shoulders and hips or their shoulders may be narrower than their hips, but they have a rounded waistline curving outwards both at the front and sides. …
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…
How to identify your body shape? One of the questions I get asked the most is “what’s my body shape?” I get emails daily from people wanting to know their shape which is why I have developed my free Body Shape Calculator Quiz. It’s a simple test to help you discover which of the 7…
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 was asked the other day by a reader where are the defining points to figure out body shape. How to Define Your Body Shape Is it bust, waist and hips, shoulders waist and hips and where are the hips defined from – the thigh or up on the buttock area? For me (and I’m sure there…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the V shape body (otherwise known as the inverted triangle or cone shape)? The V shape has broader shoulders than the waist or hips. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. You most likely have an undefined waist (your rib…
Dear Imogen, Thank you so much for creating Inside Out Style. Many of the style blogs I find are designed for models or teens, at least that’s how it seems to me. Most of your articles are for more mature women, with children. And you don’t pretend to have a perfect figure, you teach us…
If you’re one of those women who would describe their shape as ‘boyish’ or ‘beanpole’ these tips are for you. I use the term I Shape for this body shape, it can also be called a slim rectangle, banana, celery, beanpole and all other assorted vegetables! But, if you would describe yourself as curvy and…
A collection of lovely handbags is a wonderful idea if you enjoy variety and dress for different occasions (from everyday casual, and business attire to evenings out). However, having a collection can mean spending a lot of money (though these days there are many places you can purchase quality handbags at affordable prices, from thrift…
Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Choosing Garments that Embrace Your Style If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me “I wish I could find clothes that fit me”, well I wouldn’t be a millionaire, but I’d have quite a few dollars! So why is it so hard to find…
Did you know that we have a lateral body shape, as well as the regular “horizontal” body shape (what we call “body shape“) and also a vertical body shape (also called body proportions). Your lateral body shape is your body in profile or the side view. Along with our front view/body shape, we also tend…
It’s the only body you’ll ever have. Treat it with respect. Dress it so it’s comfortable and you are flattering it. Our bodies change with age. They don’t remain youthful all our lives and many women struggle with this fact as they age. They had learned how to dress the body they once had, but…
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…
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,…
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…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the I shape body (otherwise known as the rectangle. celery, banana)? The I shape has similar width hips and shoulders and doesn’t have a particularly defined waist. It’s a slim shape, with narrower shoulders and hips and the owners of them may often describe them as…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the A body shape? The A shape has narrower shoulders than hips with a defined waist and is often described as a pear shape body. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. The widest part of the hip is at the…
Which are the best shaped shorts for your body shape and proportions (cos they both matter)? Body shape gives you the best shape or silhouette. Body proportions tells you how long the shorts should be to flatter your gams. The guidelines for flattering shorts shapes is really the same as for flattering skirt shapes.…
