From Eternal Voyageur, illumination on body shape confusion: the 3rd Dimension, aka where Trinny and Susannah went wrong. Basically, her point is that all these silhouette systems, including the one I use, only take into account the forward view, therefore they are limited in usefulness.
In The Triumph of Individual Style, the point is made that it is possible to be one shape from the front and another from the back, along with advice for dressing accordingly. But I can think of instances where the side view is a different shape as well. (MyShape’s system accounts for this.)
Honestly, I have no idea whether this “side issue” (ha ha) is a concern for me or not. Every time I look at myself in profile, I suck in my stomach and pull myself up straight. Have you struggled to find your body shape? Lots of people do. Here’s my favorite suggestion:
Instead of trying to pick your figure out of a finite number of shapes, can you choose a silhouette of clothing which is easy for you to wear, given both your personality and your figure?
Well, yeah — a J Peterman caftan.
hahaha.
For all of you who see the word caftan and bust up laughing: laugh first, then go look at the J Peterman website!
I look at front side and back of people – side view is important for whether or not you need seemage on the side of skirts etc. If you appear more round from the side, you need to break up the side of your body with vertical details.
If you appear more elliptical from the side you need to break up the front of your body with vertical detail.
The problem with T&S is they try to incorporate body shape, body proportions and body variations (big boobs, no boobs, big thighs etc) all into 11 body shapes – IMPOSSIBLE!
I do have hard time figuring out my body type. I must be a combination. Definitely not pear shaped on top … I’m not tiny in build on top with my broad shoulders/back, and straight waist with small bust. But definitely not hourglass with my small bust and not-tiny-waist. But not apple shaped because my tummy is pretty flat. And not rectangle shaped since my behind is rounded.
My least favorite part is my belly … I have to use good posture to keep it flatter. But I’m growing to accept it, since it cradled 3 babies. Oh, and some pilates is helping me refine it, though I know I’ll never be tiny through the waistline. Imogen had a blog post about no-waist people, and explained how our bottom ribs aren’t very far from the top of our hips … its true! It was freeing to realize it.
Christine – you can be a rectangle with a rounded bottom – the body shape is only about the outline of the body, not what else is contained within – so I am a rectangle with enormous boobs, a flat bottom and long slim legs. I have a friend who is a rectangle with a rounded bottom and solid thighs.
I also found that ribs to pelvis meaurement very freeing – I used to think that if I just lost some more weight I’d have a waist – it’s never going to happen!
Okay! My front view is mostly straight. And I do actually like my rounded behind … its my most feminine curve. 🙂
I love my long torso, except for when I can’t find a shirt or dress long enough. I dislike my short legs, though it means I don’t generally worry about skirts being too short. Wish I had a smaller waist, but am very happy I’ve never had “issues” with my hips & rear.
I’m a big fan of the MyShape measurement system. In Trinny/Susannah’s shapes, and most of the other categories out there, I fit part of the profile for two different shapes. These will often be the shapes with completely opposite “rules”. But with the full measurements entered at MyShape, I’m an “M”, and the recommendations are dead on. (Except that I do keep seeing outfits with cropped pants. With short legs, I only do cropped pants for biking or hiking.)
I’d be ordering my entire spring & summer wardrobe through them, but need to clear out my closet & drawers first. The prices are high – worth it since everything fits perfectly – but high enough that I want to be absolutely sure I’m only getting what I need.
Sorry – I should have said the MyShape prices are higher than my typical Old Navy & Gap shopping. It’s not at all unreasonable if I were comparing to Macy’s, Nordstrom, etc…