I don’t fit into any of the shapes, and very few people I know do fit into their shapes. In many ways, and what I do with my clients, is work out what bothers you most, and work from there. So if someone has a flat chest and is happy, it’s not an issue, so we don’t spend time trying to make it look larger, but if they’d like more volume there, then we can create it via illusion.

When I try an categorise myself via their book I’m Lollipop (breasts and waist, long legs) but I don’t have slim hips. I”m Hourglass (breasts, big hips, short waist) but I don’t have generous thighs. I’m Brick (no waist, average tummy, flat bum) but don’t have broad shoulders, chunky thighs or calves. I’m Cello (big boobs, short waist, big hips, slim lower legs) but don’t have big thighs or bottom. I’m Vase (big tits, hips equal tits, slim thighs and legs), but I don’t have a long curved waist.

So where do I fit in? I don’t think the system works, unless you do actually fit into one of these groups. Most of us don’t.

It’s easier to use a system where you look at one element of your body at a time, rather than trying to fit every body shape, proportion and other variation onto 12 figures.

Oh and I think the way they’ve named them is really derogatory too.

This is the reason why, even though I have a smallish bust and largish legs, I am a figure eight. My SHOULDERS are as wide as the widest part of my hips.

I agree with Trinny and Susannah that it is more important to dress the body shape than the size, but I think considering length issues here just makes it more confusing. Consider Wendy’s situation, she’s an inverted triangle with short legs; according to the 12 types list, her shape doesn’t exist!

All of this stuff can be figured out “from scratch”, so to speak, using the concepts taught in the Triumph of Individual Style.

Anyway, I peeked at your picture from the Christmas party (LOVE the red shoes and lipstick, btw!) and here’s my opinion: inverted triangle or hourglass. And it really doesn’t make much difference which you choose. I say “wear whichever you are comfortable in”. There! How’s that?

I know I have largish boobs (34D) and long legs so that means a very short waist. I have long thin arms. I have nice shoulders, but I dont’ know if they are broad or average. I struggle with a bit of a tummy, and always have. I don’t think I have much of a waist. My hips are wide or average, I’m not sure which.

I just don’t think I fit well into any of the twelve shapes.

Mom - *snort* (That, as you well know, is a laugh which comes through the nose)