Dress For Career Success - Know Your Body Shape by Sue Courtney

Dress for your body shape

Women's body shapes fall into five categories and it is essential to know which shape you are to ensure you wear clothes that are flattering.

The five body shape categories are:

1. Apple
2. Pear
3. Rhubarb
4. Strawberry
5. Hourglass

• If you are an apple shape you have a voluptuous chest, round tummy, little or no clearly defined waist, quite a flat bottom, chunky arms and wonderfully slim legs.
• If you are a pear shape you hacve a small bust, slim arms, slim waist, flat tummy, curvaceous hips and thick legs.
• If you are a rhubarb shape you have a boyish figure with small bust, no clearly defined waist, slim hips, wonderfully long, slim legs and a long body.
• If you are a strawberry shape you have a wide back and broad shoulders, a large bust, flat bottom, slim legs and you carry weight around your tummy.
• If you are an hourglass shape then you are curvaceous, with a full bust, small waist, rounded hips and generous thighs. You may also have heavy legs.

As you can see, there is no perfect shape. If you are like me, you would probably like to hacve aspects of each, but acceptance of what you are is essential. Once you are clear about what body shape you have, you can dress to flatter your shape, highlighting your assets and drawing attention away from aspects that you are less keen on.

So what are the styles that flatter each shape?

Apple

• V-necks or wrap dresses visually break up the torso.
• Tailored jackets that nip in at the waist.
• Fitted tops falling just below the beltline.
• Pencil skirts showcase good legs.
• Drop-waist skirts with wide waistband to crearte an hourglass shape.
• Wide leg trousers balance frame.
• Wear long coats open to visually slim.
• A scarf can cover tummy and draw eye down.
• A jacket in a smaller size, worn open gives impression of a slim, defined waist.
• Bracelets draw attention to wrists - if slim.
• Tops with wide, open necklines draws attention away from waist.

Pear

• Keep attention focused on upper body.
• Choose jackets and coats with wide lapels.
• Wear jackets with epaulettes and frogging detail.
• Tailored skirts and jackets.
• Restrict patterns and bright colours to tops, jackets and coats.
• Court shoes with heels make legs appear longer.
• Chunky shoes will flatter a full calf.
• Tops with detail at neckline draw eye up from hips.
• Tops with flared sleeves balance proportions of bottom heavy figure.

Rhubarb

• Fitted jackets and coats that flare over hips to give illusion of waist.
• Jackets and dresses with light shoulder padding will give more defined shape.
• Structured clothes create curves.
• A properly fitted, push-up bra will improve proportions and shape.
• High neck, frills and detail will all visually add shape.
• A pencil skirt and fitted jacket will create curves and showcase slim figure.
• avoid plunging necklines for evening wear - go backless instead!
• Well-fitting, slimline trousers emphasise height and slim frame.
• Wear belt on hips to create illusion of waist.

Strawberry

• Deep v-necks or wide scoop necklines soften shoulders and draw eye down body.
• wide slash necks also flatter.
• Wrap tops flatter and enable good fit.
• Draping cowl necklines also draw eye down.
• Tailored shirts - but ensure buttons don't bulge over cleavage.
• Tailored jackets or coats without belts balance shape.
• When buying dresses - buy to fit larger top half and have the lower, skirt section professionally altered to fit.
• A professionally fitted bra is essential to accentuate waist and separate bust. Clothes will hang better.
• Bootcut or wide, straight jeans and trousers will balance proportions.
• Elegant high heels make the most of shapely ankles.

"With one styling session my wardrobe was completely transformed into styles, cololurs and fabrics that complemented and enhanced my strawberry shape. Sue's practical advice and tips enabled me to utilise what clothing I had in my wardrobe to look more stunning." Marian Wilson

Hourglass

• Wear v-neck tops.
• Sweetheart necklines flatter bust and draw attention away from heavy arms.
• Emphasise waist.
• Fitted, tailored jackets which nip in at the waist will streamline curves.
• Wide lapels balance bust.
• No more than 2 buttons on a fitted jacket.
• Capitalise on your curves - you have the ideal body shape so don't hide it under your clothes.
• Tailored trousers.
• Heels elongate legs and lift bottom.
• Pencil skirts and fishtail skirts are flattering.
• wera waist belt or jacket that is fitted at waist.
• Skirts are often more flatteing than trousers.
• Low front court shoes will make legs look longer.

Once you know your body shape it is absolutely vital to get rid of all the clothes that don't enhance or flatter your particular shape. Don't be tempted to put them at the back of the wardrobe - get rid of them. Don't throw them n the bin, donate to a charity shop, so someone else can have the opportunity to enjoy them. In this way you clear space for flattering clothes that you know look good and that you feel wonderful wearing.

Top Tip
Dress to flatter your body shape at all times.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved,

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy of the booklet please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/
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