Dressing Your Glorious Physique

Posted in: Style Corner by Ms. Ayo Fashola on March 16, 2009 3:47 pm

Why is image so important? Because, as we have seen, in every walk of life, we are judged by our appearance. When we feel good, we look good.  You feel more confident, you stand straighter, you smile more and you speak with conviction when you have given yourself the time and attention you deserve. A well-dressed woman is complimented on the way SHE looks, not on the clothes she is wearing.

Did you know that they are over 48 unique female body shapes? So the goal is not to be a size 2 or a 24. Yes, you may have weighed less in high school, college or before the baby, but the goal is to accept and dress your current body now. When you dress your current body type, you will look younger, sexier, taller and slimmer. Within the 48 female body shapes are four distinct main types.

Rectangle

This shape is characterized by narrow/ straight shoulders and lean limbs, flat chest or small bust, small and non-defined waist, narrow/straight hips and buttom, straight ribcage

If this describes you

• You will benefit by using details on the hips and bottom to create shape
• Your clothing line needs to be straight with emphasis on the waist
• Go for uncluttered look. If you do use details like ruffles, beading or bows, pair it with something streamlined
• Use texture and layering

 Avoid: full frill and flounces, Large gathered skirts, belted jackets and coats, bulky heavy textures, close fitting, figure-hugging garments

Hourglass

This shape is defined by a defined/full bust, a small/defined waist, a neat/rounded bottom and neat/rounded hips

If this describes you

• Show off your body wearing clothes that define your waist, enhance your bust and highlight your hips and bottom
• It is important that you wear clothes that follow your body line as opposed to those that constrict you
• Choose fabrics carefully. Avoid heavy or stiff materials or you’ll end up with tops and jackets that are two or three sizes bigger than you need just to accommodate your curves. Avoid heavy or stiff materials or you’ll end up with tops and jackets that are two or three sizes bigger than you need just to accommodate your curves.

Avoid: boxy jackets, trouser or skirts that have no shaping, straight tunics, men’s shirts, baggy sweater and sportswear, too much layering

Triangle

This build is characterized by full hips or thighs, a defined waist, shoulders that may slope and are narrower than your hips, a top half that appears small

If this describe you:

• Your jackets and tops need to finish either above or below the widest point of your hips and bottom.
• Layering on your top half creates visual interest and draws the eye upwards
• Buy jackets or tops that fit your shoulders rather than your hips–you can always leave the bottom button undone.

Avoid: straight skirts, details on skirts and trousers, halterneck and raglan sleeves, tight fitting single-layer tops, and tops and jackets that finish at your widest point

Inverted Triangle

This build is characterized by straight and squared shoulder line, little definition between waist/hips, flat hips and bottom, a bottom half that seems smaller than your top half

If this describes you:

• You will need to ensure that there is minimum detail on your shoulder line; keep this area as simple as possible
• Your clothing line needs to be straight and clean
• Your silhoutee should be uncluttered

Avoid: Frills and flounces, gathered waistlines, tiered skirts, epaulettes, soft, floppy and fluffly fabrics,  bias cuts

Learning how to dress your body type is the beginning to a confident style and image. If you want to know what styles flatter your unique  sexy body shape, visit my facebook at www.facebook.com/ayofasholastyle or post a message in my contact page and you will be on your way to a more stylish and confident you.

warmest, Ayo. 

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Tags: Attitude, Behavior, Clothes, Color, Creative Ideas, Figure Style, Shopping