Style for Your Shape: Ruler

For our final Style for Your Shape, we'll be focusing on the most common body type, the Ruler (also known as Rectangle/Banana/Boyish). Ruler-shaped women tend to carry their weight evenly throughout their body, whether they're slim or plus-sized.  If you're unsure which of the five body shapes you have--Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, or Ruler--you might find this quiz helpful. But if you're pretty certain you're a ruler, read on!

Women who are ruler shaped typically:

• have no real "problem area" when it comes to weight; they gain and lose all over
• have shoulders and hips of equal proportion
• have a small to average-sized bust
• have little definition at the waist (are "straight up and down")

Some ruler shaped celebrities include:

Many other shapes envy your easy-to-dress figure, but you may sometimes feel you're lacking in the curves department. Lucky for you though, it's easier to create curves than conceal them! And because you don't have one area that's prominent (ie. broad shoulders, a larger bust, or heavier thighs), you can experiment with most styles. 

Ruler Shape Essentials

1. A Wrap Coat

With your streamlined shape, you can pull off a bulkier coat, but a belt will cinch in your waist for some added definition.

Wrap coat - baukjen.com

2. Distressed Denim
You've got the kind of figure that looks great in all kinds of denim, even hard-to-pull-off distressed styles.
Maison Scotch jeans - flannels.com

3. Button-Up Shirts
You know that whole buttoned-up shirt with a big, chunky necklace look? Well, it's one that looks amazing on you.
Current Elliott button up shirt - lagarconne.com

4. and 5. Shift Dresses
The '60s mod look is big this season, and you have just the right shape to pull off this type of dress. While this style can look awkward on more hourglass-y figures (fitting too tight around the hips and loose in the middle), it works perfectly on your boyish shape.
Cynthia Rowley flower print dress - cynthiarowley.com
Kenzo dress - stylebop.com

6. A Pleated Skirt
Pleated skirts add bulk and can be tricky to pull off if you're bottom-heavy, but they suit your even proportions.
RED Valentino skirt - farfetch.com

7. Mannish Shoes
Your boyish figure suits menswear of all kinds, including footwear such as brogues or monk-straps.
Brown flat - office.co.uk

8. A Cut-Out Swimsuit
The sky's the limit for you when it comes to playing around with types of swimwear--try out a daring, curve-creating cut-out number.
Agent Provocateur one piece swimsuit - agentprovocateur.com

9. Interesting Tops
You can pull off some of fashion's more daring styles, so have fun with different shapes and embellishments.
Prabal Gurung sleeveless top - modaoperandi.com

10. Colourful Trousers
Have fun experimenting with different lengths, shapes, colours, patterns, and textures of trousers.
Mulberry slim wool pants - mulberry.com

That's about it for our Style for Your Shape series! See here for a re-cap of the four other shapes: Pear, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, and Apple.

Style for Your Shape: Pear

For our penultimate Style for Your Shape post, we'll be talking all things Pear! As we always say, this feature is not so much about size as it is about shape, and it's completely possible to be a plus-size pear or a skinny one. No matter how much weight pear shapes gain or lose, they tend to have a slimmer upper body in proportion to their lower half (where they carry their weight). If you're unsure which of the five body shapes you have--Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, or Ruler--you might find this quiz helpful. But if you know you're a definite pear, read on!

Women who are pear shaped typically:

• have a small, well-defined waist and flat stomach
• have a small to average-sized bust
• carry their weight in their hips and thighs
• often complain of "saddlebags"

Some Pear shaped celebrities include:

When it comes to choosing figure-flattering pieces, you want to bring the attention to your tiny waist (the envy of many other body shapes!) and slim upper body. Pick clothes that will enhance your best features, and conceal or skim over those you're more self-conscious of. 

In general, you should avoid:

• skintight jeans and trousers in light colours and/or busy prints
• baggy, shapeless trousers
• tight, body-con skirts
• skimpy tops that end above the hip-line (unless paired with a full, fit-and-flare skirt)

Pear Shape Essentials

1. A Fit-and-Flare Coat

This shape of coat will show off your small waist and give you an hourglass figure. And with your smaller bust, you don't have to worry about excessive buttons or pockets making you look too bulky up top.

Orla kiely coat - orlakiely.com

2. and 7. Dresses with Embellished Necklines
When it comes to dresses, look for styles that have interesting details around the neckline, and a simple, flared skirt.

RED Valentino white floral dress - stylebop.com
Quiz green cocktail dress - debenhams.com

3. An Oversized Sweater
Many figures can look bulky in oversized tops, but this is one look you can pull off when worn with slim fitting jeans or leggings.

Yves Saint Laurent oversized sweater - mytheresa.com

4. Stripes
A classic, horizontal-striped top is a perfect way of balancing out your proportions by widening your upper half.

J Crew slim fit t shirt - jcrew.com

5. Eye-Catching Bikini Tops

When it comes to buying bikinis, you're the lucky type who can pull off even the most skimpy, ruffled, bejewelled tops that would look ridiculous on bustier girls. Because you've got a wider lower half, keep your bikini bottom simple and solid-coloured.

River Island swimsuit bikini - nelly.com

6. Flared Jeans
A pair of flares in a classic dark wash are not only on-trend: they balance your hips in the most flattering way.
River Island flared jeans - riverisland.com

8. Statement Necklaces

Because you've got a smaller bust, statement necklaces look fantastic on you, and you can afford to go all out with the kind of huge pieces that would be unflattering on someone bigger up top.

Humble Chic chain jewelry - humblechic.com

9. A Circle Skirt
Your most flattering style of skirt is the classic circle/skater/flared: it highlights your waist and glides over your hips and thighs.
Closet yellow pleated skirt - johnlewis.com

10. Delicate Tops

Dainty, strappy tops look fabulous on you--they highlight your delicate décolletage and slim arms. 

Monsoon see through top - monsoon.co.uk

That's it for now, Pears! Hope you found these suggestions useful! Up next week for our last Style for Your Shape post: the Ruler...

Style for Your Shape: Inverted Triangle

It's time for our third instalment of Style for Your Shape...and this week we're focusing on the Inverted Triangle! Also known as "Athletic," or the "Cone" shape, this body type is characterized by broad shoulders and narrower hips. It's similar to to the Apple shape in that they're both "top-heavy" figures, but Inverted Triangles tend not to be as busty and may not necessarily gain weight around their mid-section. If you're unsure which of the 5 shapes you are--Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, or Ruler--you might find this quiz helpful. And if you're positive you're an Inverted Triangle, read on!

Women who have an Inverted Triangle shape typically:

• have broad shoulders and a wide back
• have slim hips and legs
• have a small to medium bust
• often have a muscular mid-section
• gain weight in their arms/upper bodies 

Here are some Inverted Triangle celebrities:

When it comes to finding flattering clothes, you want to keep proportions in mind to avoid emphasizing your more prominent upper body. However, while you may feel self-conscious about your broad shoulders, bear in mind that "clothes-hanger" shoulders are a much-desired trait on the runway! 

In general, you should avoid:

• boxy jackets/blazers that over-emphasize your shoulders
• thin straps
• polo/turtle-necks
• floaty, shapeless dresses

Inverted Triangle Essentials

1. A Cropped Blazer

Avoid boxy, shoulder-padded styles, and opt for shorter blazers and jackets that draw attention to your slim hips.

Lipsy waterfall blazer - lipsy.co.uk

2. A Jersey Wrap Dress
This flattering style drapes in all the right places, and softens an angular upper half. 
Issa sapphire dress - shoplesnouvelles.com

3. A Boyfriend Cardigan
The great thing about having a boyish shape is that menswear-inspired styles look fantastic on you. Styles that may be unflattering on curvier figures, like oversized cardigans, suit your proportions.
Raquel Allegra long sleeve top - lagarconne.com

4. Fun Shorts

With your slim lower half, you can play around with shorts styles, like these sweet scalloped ones. 

Topshop scalloped shorts - topshop.com

5. A Scoop Neck Top
A simple scoop neck top in a dark colour is a flattering look for you. 
John Lewis scoop neck top - johnlewis.com

6. & 10. Jeans, Jeans, Jeans!

Those slender legs of yours are ideal for experimenting with various styles of jeans, from retro flares to distressed boyfriends. 

The Seafarer navy jeans - matchesfashion.com

J.Crew distressed boyfriend jeans - jcrew.com

7. A Floral Pencil Skirt
Draw attention to your lower half with bold, floral prints and slim-fitting, curve-creating pencil skirts. 
Patrizia Pepe print skirt - zalando.co.uk

8. A Round-Collar Coat
When it comes to coats, you don't want big, padded shoulders or large lapels; a minimalist, round-collar style is your best bet for a flattering look. 
Giambattista Valli beige coat - thecorner.com

9. Patterned Swimsuits
With your athletic build, you can go all out when it comes to swimsuits--lucky! A solid top and patterned bottom is a great way to draw the focus on your shapely lower half. 
Strapless swimsuit - pret-a-beaute.com

That's it for now, Inverted Triangles! We hope you found these suggestions useful for your next shopping expedition. 
Coming up next week: Pears! 

Style for Your Shape: Hourglass

Today we're talking all things Hourglass for the second instalment of our Style for Your Shape series. The rarest of the five body shapes, this became apparent when searching for hourglass celebrities (which is why we've only got 5 examples for you). If you're unsure which of the five shapes you fall under--Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, or Ruler--this quiz may be helpful. As we mentioned in the previous post, this series is not so much about size as it is about shape: no matter how much weight you gain or lose, your body shape tends to stay the same, and the same general rules for dressing apply.

Hourglass women typically:

• carry their weight evenly on the top and bottom (bust and hips are roughly the same size)
• have a small, defined waist and fuller bust and hips
• their waist and upper abdomen is the last place they gain weight/first place they lose it

Here are some hourglass-shaped celebrities:

When it comes to picking flattering styles for your shape, you want to show off your curves while still looking elegant. While the hourglass is often viewed as the "ideal" shape that other shapes try to work towards, it can be tough to strike the right balance: when clothes are too tight and revealing you run the risk of looking cheap, while tent-like tops can make you look matronly. 

In general, here are some styles to avoid:

• high, buttoned-up necklines or turtle/polo necks
• button-down shirts in heavy materials (can result in that dreaded gaping look)
• big, bulky clothes that hide your waist
• dresses/tops with flimsy straps

Hourglass Shape Essentials

1. A Belted Coat

Look for coats that cinch you in at the waist with a belt, and avoid excessive buttons, pockets, and zips around the bust. 

French Connection black coat - usa.frenchconnection.com

2. A Crew Neck Sweater

When it comes to sweaters, you want something that's not too clingy, but not too bulky either. A crew neck is one of your most flattering necklines.

SELECTED crew neck pullover sweater - selected.com

3. A Flared Skirt

A flared skirt will emphasize your waist and skim over your hips in the most flattering way.

RED Valentino cotton stretch skirt - net-a-porter.com

4. Tie-Waist Shorts

Those teeny-tiny cutoffs are not only unsophisticated--they're also very unforgiving if you've got hips. A loose, tie-waist pair is a far chicer, more flattering option. 

Tie waist shorts - maurices.com

5. A Belt 

A belt can be an hourglass girl's best friend--cinching you in and showing off that tiny waist. Just beware of proportion: a very thick belt can be unflattering if you're busty.

Mulberry woven belt - mulberry.com

6. A Scoop Neck Tee

A scoop neck is very flattering on bustier girls; high necklines can look frumpy.

Scoop neck tank top - maurices.com

7. A Fit-and-Flare Dress

This style of dress enhances your figure in the best possible way: it nips you in at the waist and glides over hips.

Closet fit and flare party dress - modcloth.com

8. A Halter Neck Bikini

As any busty girl will know, shopping for a supportive bikini top is tough! Look for ones that come in your bra size, and as a rule of thumb, a halter neck is the most flattering style for larger busts.

Ganni black halter bikini - youheshe.com

9. Slimming Jeans

A classic pair in a dark wash with strategic fading around the thighs is your best look. 

Levi's skinny jeans - zalando.co.uk

10. A Flattering Shirt

Avoid shirts with pockets and buttoned up collars, and opt for something loose with a v-neck.

Mango stripe long sleeve shirt - mango.com


That's a wrap, Hourglasses! We hope you found these suggestions helpful. 

Up next Tuesday: the Inverted Triangle!

Body shape image viahttp://www.liveinspiredmag.com/new-years-resolution-closet/

Style For Your Shape: Apple

We're excited to share a new series with you today--Style for Your Shape! Over the next five weeks, we'll be featuring a different body shape every Tuesday, with advice on what styles to opt for and what to avoid for the most flattering look. So often, magazines will lump together all skinny figures as "rulers/boyish" and all plus-size shapes as "curvy," when this is so not the case--it's possible to be a thin hourglass or a plus-size ruler. You'll probably fall under one of the five main body types--Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, and Ruler--and whatever your size, the same general rules for dressing your shape apply. If you're not sure which type you are, you might find this quiz helpful.

Today we'll be focusing on the Apple shape! Apple-shaped-shaped women typically:

• carry their weight around their mid-section/torso area (and sometimes arms)
• have a medium to large bust
• have slim hips and legs (and occasionally very slim arms too)
• are often described as "top-heavy"
• may complain about their muffin top/love handles

      Here are some celebrities with your body type:

When it comes to picking flattering styles, you want to play up your assets (your legs and bust), and downplay your wider mid-section. 

In general, steer away from:

• tight, clingy tops/dresses 
• high necklines
• big, shapeless styles
• bulky jackets, sweaters, etc.
• lots of buttons/embellishment up top

Apple Shape Essentials

1. Colourful Jeans & Trousers
Play up your streamlined lower half with interesting jeans, trousers, shorts... You can pull off pretty much any style -- lucky!!

Cheap Monday jeans - societeanonymestore.com

2 & 7. Flattering Dresses
When it comes to dresses, you want something that will support your bust and flash a subtle bit of skin. No skimpy straps and flimsy fabrics! The grey dress's sleeves are perfect if you're self-conscious about your arms, while its sleek form-fitting body will highlight your slim lower half. The lace neckline of the black dress enhances your cleavage in an elegant way, while its floaty skirt skims over your mid-section.
Dolce Gabbana sheath dress - profilefashion.com, Vero Moda black dress - veromoda.com

3. Supportive Bras
As every busty girl will know, a supportive bra is a life-saver--or, at the very least, a style-saver--and can make or break an outfit. For the best fit, get a professional to take your measurements (Victoria's Secret and most department stores offer this service).
Lace bra - marksandspencer.com

4. A Cape or Swing Coat
A short coat that drapes over your mid-section and shows off your svelte lower half is your best look for outerwear. Avoid excessive buttons and zips, and anything too bulky.
MICHAEL Michael Kors outerwear - harrods.com

5. Figure-Enhancing Swimwear
For the most flattering look, opt for a halter-neck style in a solid colour and a patterned bottom. High-waisted styles are perfect if you want to conceal a tummy.
High waisted bathing suit - etsy.com

6. Pencil Skirts
Your slim lower half is the envy of hippier girls, so play it up in form-fitting pencil skirts.
Erdem floral knee length skirt - brownsfashion.com

8. Silky Shirts
You want to avoid tops that are too clingy and fussy, but at the same time, you don't want to drown your figure in shapeless t-shirts. Silky tops offer the perfect, put-together solution, flattering and concealing in all the right places.
PYRUS blue shirt - question-air.com

9. Peplum Tops
The peplum style, whether you wear it as a top or dress, is a flattering look for Apple shapes: it conceals your tummy while giving the illusion of a defined waist.
Forever New peplum shirt - forevernew.com.au

10. Kickass Shoes
With your slender legs, you can pull off any type of shoe. Take advantage!  
Miss Selfridge strappy sandal - missselfridge.com

So there you have it, Apple shapes! We hope you find these suggestions useful on your next shopping expedition. 

Up next Tuesday: the Hourglass...

Body shape image viahttp://www.liveinspiredmag.com/new-years-resolution-closet/