straight, curved, soft-straight, broad shouldered and full-rounded
Eliza
with your body so that you can learn which styles complement your
positive figure characteristics and to correct any minor figure flaws.
Few of us have perfect bodies (in fact, we don't personally know any
such people) and we're sensitive about our shortcomings, whether
they're imagined or real. It is important not to be too critical of
yourself!
Here, we have provided you with a guide to determine which shape you
best fit into. This will help you to select the most flattering styles
for your shape.
Remember! Your body is great just the way it is & we just want you to
look your best.
There are 5 main body shapes: straight, curved, soft-straight, broad
shouldered and full-rounded.
Read on for some tips on selecting styles that make the most of your
body features:
(1) Straight:
Are your shoulders, waist, and hip measurements similar? Your aim is to
create curves with your clothing.
* styling
Jackets - gently tailored, showing off waist, edge-to-edge closing,
fitted or loose, asymmetrically closing, collarless jackets, double
breasted, contrasting buttons and trims
Skirts - straight, crossover, wraparound, slit, knife-pleat skirts,
a-line, full, tiered
Pants - pleated or flat front with detailing - drawing attention to
your waist. Flared styles that hug your bottom will add curves
Necklines - scooped, rounded v-necks, square, boat, jewel, contrasting
trim, v, mandarin, polo collars
Tailored and tapered designs will define your waist
Avoid boxy styles.
Flowing skirts, any flared styles will soften straight lines and
enhance your curves
* fabrics and patterns
Soft clothes, which drape in a flattering way to emphasize the curves
Cottons, linens, wool that retains its shape, twill, tightly woven
knits and jerseys, rib knits
You can wear stripes of all widths, abstracts, plaids, checks,
bold/bright prints, shiny textures.
Mix and match colors are great; the contrast colors gives the illlusion
of a curvier shape
Bold prints also add to the illusion
* detailing
Lapels - very sharp, notched, straight with interfacing, pointed,
peaked
Darts - should be minimal, long and straight
Pleats - at waist, should be pressed or stitched down
Wear well defined seam lines
Top stitching & contrast piping
Braid or trim
(2) Curved:
Are you a rounded shape with a defined waist; with full rounded hips
and bottom? Your aim is to take the focus away from your hips, thighs
and bottom.
* styling
Jackets- slightly fitted, shaped and belted, asymmetrically wrapped
styles, trench or robe coat, rounded bottom - raglan or softly set-in
shoulders, not very square
Pants - flat front, fluid (not baggy) in a darker color
Pants- don't wear tight pants. A relaxed style with a slight flare will
give you a slimmer look.
Pants - for those with a bigger bottom, avoid back pockets that are too
small
Skirts - gently flared a-line skirts, long gored skirt, pleated from
waist. Avoid baggy full skirts. A solid skirt with 2 darts will flatten
your stomach
Necklines - draped collars, such as shawl/cowl, round, rolled, notched
with round edges, soft necklines, round, scoop, v, flounce, cowl
Softly-fitted dresses a-line with empire waist and emphasis on the
neckline. Cross-over styling also looks great
Tops - long-line tops and bottoms correct with concealing and balancing
strategies, sweaters that end at the hip bone, sweater with padding or
top interest to bring the eye up, top interest - boat
neckline,wrap-syles, halters
Tops - scoop, funnel or v-necklines draw attention away from the hip
area
If you have a short waist, or a tummy don't wear body-skimming styles
Dresses with a slight a-line cut will take away from your hips and
bottom
* fabrics and patterns
If your tummy, hips, thighs or bottom heavy, sheer fabrics floating
around your body creates an illusion of lightness, eg, layering or
panels - avoid clinging fabrics around the hips
Jersey - cotton, wool, silk blends, crepes, micro-fibres, soft brocades
Small scale patterns - paisleys, soft abstracts, plaids or no pattern
at hip area
Bright colored and textured fabrics above the waist. Stick to the dark
colors for pants and skirts.
Same color and texture from hem to waist; little contract at hip
No horizontal repetition at hip
* detailing
Lapels - rounded, curved, shawl, bias
Darts - single darts or soft pleats, pleats should never slant outwards
from waist or stick out
Small seams
No top stitching or very fine
Vertical lines at the hips
(3) Soft Straight:
Are you a combination of curves and angles, straight shoulders, defined
waist and curvy bottom? Or do you maybe have an hourglass figure, with
shoulders & hips in proportion, and a defined waist?
* styling
Jackets - same color trim, subtly defined waist, slightly fitted,
tailored, double breasted
Skirts - pleated, long
Pant - flat front
Dresses are best fitted & flared shaped.
Collars - notched, cowl, rolled, straight with soft fabric
Necklines - boat, curve, turtle, scoop, v, cowl
Tops and bottoms look best on you when they are fitted.
* detailing & fabrics
Lapels - notched with soft fabrics, shawl, sloping, rounded, sharp or
peaked with soft fabric
Darts - straight or pleated
Pleats - pressed down with soft fabric or unpressed.
Seams - straight with unconstructed look
Stretchy knits are great.
Princess line seams accentuate your curves
(4) Broad Shouldered/Full Busted:
Do you have larger shoulders, no waist and small hips? Or perhaps a big
bust? Your aim is to divert the eye downward to offset your bust and
shoulders.
* styling
Don't exaggerate upper body with strapless, full-sleeved or sleeveless
designs, horizontal pattern about the waist and snug or curvy tops
To minimize broad sholders, full bust, or lengthen your waist, wear a
tunic top
Avoid belts - your bust and shoulders will appear larger
Broad shoulders - to soften, V neck or a plunging neckline will pull
the eye away from your shoulders.This also applies with wrap dresses
Full bust - don't wear ruffles, cowled bodice, and avoid breast patch
pockets, shoulder gathers. You need to emphasize shoulder width and
neck interest.
With a fuller bust, wear a molded or a seamless bra. This will give
your top a smooth look.
* fabrics and patterns
For a minimizing illusion, darker colors are best for jackets and tops
Skirts and pants - try brighter colored or a printed bottom to draw
attention to your lower body
(5) Full-Rounded:
Do you have a rounded body, combined with a fuller, shorter waist?
Women with a fuller figure complain that the styles available for them
are out of date and make them look 10 years older (think Hawaiian
muu-muu). But, actually, wearing more tailored styles makes you look
slimmer and gives you a great shape. The aim of the full-rounded figure
is to elongate, not cut in half. Focus on your positve attributes and
emphasize these.
* styling
Jackets - tailored, long, collarless, cardigan, same as for the curved
shape
Tops with clean lines - open necklines like boat necks, halter,
scooped, wide v-necks, and jewel necks, that end below your widest
point, eg. below your bottom or longer.
Straight long tunic tops and overblouses that taper at waist and flair
out slightly, with darts, side vents or slits
Pants - long fluid, gently fitted pleated front. Avoid cuffs. Pleats
should start below the hips.
Pants - avoid pants that are too tight around your waist. A firmer
fabric is best.
Skirt length - whatever is the most flattering to your leg , no shorter
than 1.5 inches above the knee
Skirts - long pleated skirts, a-line, gently flared, and gored skirts
will make your waist appear smaller and hide your thighs
Emphasize the shoulders with shoulder pads (not too big and when in
style), especially if you have heavy hips or thighs or pear shape
Large round middle - wear full tops/tunics, with tighter bottom,
leggings or short skirts/narrow at hem, create a waist/ curves with an
elastic waistline (need to balance top and bottom)
Pear shape, heavy hips or thighs - avoid tight leggings with tighter
tops
Jackets - tailored, long, collarless, cardigan, same as for the curved
shape
Dresses with princess line seams fit the contour of the body and button
down dresses - head-to-toe color. A classic sheath dress is also great.
* fabrics and patterns
Bigger bottom - wear solid dark colors on your lower half.
Wear brighter vibrant colors near your face.
Wear pin-stripes/vertical stripes.
Patterns can be used for blouses or scarves (small scale)- becomes the
focal point
Wear soft, light flowing fabrics - this softens the shape and doesn't
add thickness to the body.
Wear fabrics that don't pull or stick, but follow the curves of the
body.
Avoid wearing patterns on your lower half.
Avoid bulky fabrics, such as heavy wool, mohair.
Avoid cute animal and huge prints, detailing & horizontal design
features. Keep details, treatments and accessories light.