Dress for Your Shape

to look timelessly elegant and stylish

Now, I am going to ask you to do something that some of you may find a bit uncomfortable. It is absolutely necessary and you can certainly shut the door and have privacy. Look in the mirror – full length – in just your underwear. Really look. I want you to realistically assess your shape. Which fruit do you most resemble : apple, pear, rhubarb or strawberry? Or are you an hourglass? You need to know, so if you are confused by the fruit imagery, let me explain.

• If you are an apple shape you will have a voluptuous chest, round tummy, little or no clearly defined waist, quite a flat bum, chunky arms and wonderfully slim legs.
• If you are a pear you have a small bust, slim arms, slim waist, flat tummy, curvaceous hips and heavy legs.
• If you are a rhubarb shape you have a boyish, straight up and down body, small boobs, no clearly defined waist, slim hips, wonderfully long slim legs and a long body.
• If you are a strawberry you have a wide back and broad shoulders, large boobs, a flat bottom, slim legs and carry weight around your tummy.
• If you are an hourglass 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 have aspects of each. I would certainly like long, slim legs, but I am an hourglass and mine are short and heavy so I resort to trickery to make them appear longer and slimmer by the clothes and shoes I wear.

In my Wardrobe Detox sessions (email me at sue@successandimagecoach.co.uk for details) I  assess your shape (or shape combinations) and I advise accordingly. The advice is priceless!

Now you know what shape you are you can begin to dress to enhance it, as all shapes have their plus points.We are led to believe that the ‘ideal’ shape, if such exists, is a figure of 8. Few of us can match up to that, at least without a life of struggle and denial of treats, and what sort of life would that be? Not one I want, but happily there is another way. First, I beseech you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go and get yourself fitted professionally for a bra (mostly for female readers!). I would never have believed the difference it could make if I hadn’t experienced it for myself. The majority of women in this country are wearing the wrong sized bra and wearing the right size can alter your shape instantly.

Whilst training as a stylist I experienced this first hand - the week before I had tried on a blouse but didn't buy it because it didn't fit. A week later, wearing the right bra it fitted beautifully.

Then you need to know a few tricks for dressing for your shape. There are lots more in my FREE book "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" and you can get yours at www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk . But here are some to be going on with.

• Apples should opt for V-neck and wrap tops to break up your torso and accentuate your cleavage (if you’re lucky enough to have it, flaunt it!) Tailored jackets that nip in at the waist will also give shape – but ensure that all your tops fall just below the beltline. Wear wide leg trousers to balance your frame or pencil skirts to show off your legs. Cover chunky arms with three-quarter sleeves and wear bracelets to draw attention to slim wrists. Under no circumstances wear polo neck or high round neck tops.
• If you are a pear shape then you want to focus attention on your upper body with frills, wide lapels, jewellery, scarves and any other interesting detail. Puff sleeves will balance out your body by giving the illusion of width at the top. Wide, slash neck tops will have the same effect. A-line skirts will skim over hips and tailored jackets and skirts with structure will be more flattering. Wearing dark, plain colours on your lower half and patterns on your top half will draw attention to your slim upper body. Get fitted for a push-up bra to add volume and balance out your hips. Boots will help disguise chunky legs and skirts should cover knees and the top of your boots. High heels will lengthen your leg, especially if you steer clear of high fronts and ankle straps. Don’t wear short skirts or bias cut skirts which will cling to all the places you would like to hide.
• If you are a rhubarb you can wear polo necks and bulkier, more textured knits. Choosing tailored jackets and coats will give the illusion of shapely curves. Wear sleeveless tops to show off your enviably slim arms. Vest tops and cut-away sleeved tops with high necks are also a good choice, which the larger busted among us really should not attempt. (I speak from experience). You can also wear short skirts to show off your long legs and tight, structures clothes to create curves. Use colours and layers to break up your longer body and create interest. Avoid baggy clothes and gypsy skirts as they will look out of proportion and draw attention to your lack of curves.
• Strawberries are top heavy so should opt for deep V-necks and wrap tops and dresses. It can be difficult to find dresses when your bust is bigger than your hips, so the softly draping wrap dress is ideal. Again, go for tailored jackets and coats and tailored shirts, ensuring that the buttons don’t bulge over your cleavage. Emphasise your slim legs by wearing fitted skirts and belt hipster belts off centre to attract attention away from your bust. Choose elegant, high heels to showcase shapely ankles. The right bra will make a huge difference to the way clothes fit. Don’t button coats or jackets up to the neck – this will make your top look even bigger. Avoid polo necks and high neck tops, bold patterns and bulky knits.
• If you are an hourglass then wear v-neck or sweetheart necklines to flatter your bust and draw attention away from heavy arms. Again, choose fitted clothes to flatter your shape. High heels will elongate your legs and lift your bottom. Always emphasise your waist – it is an asset. Wearing long boots with skirt can help disguise heavy legs and create a leaner shape. Avoid empire line or dropped waist tops and dresses as they will make you appear top or bottom heavy and a bit shapeless.

 As you can see, all shapes have their flaws and their strong features. All you have to do is figure out how to minimise the flaws and maximise the features and you have the perfect shape. I have to wonder, at this point, why designers and manufacturers make shapeless, baggy clothes when they seem to flatter nobody. Fitted clothes are more flattering, though I must admit to having spent many years wafting around in baggy, shapeless tents whilst trying to avoid mirrors!

So, if you need help, my FREE book "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" gives expert tips and advice. Just go to www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk to download your FREE copy - NOW! You know you deserve it.