One of the first things we do in a Style Development Session is identify your figure type and how to apply the ABC’s of Style (Accentuate, Balance, Camouflage) to choose the right fit, silhouettes, cuts and fabrics to properly dress for it to look proportioned and harmonious.

I wanted to share a quick guide of how you can perform a DIY Body Type Analysis with today’s Stylist Tip of The Week. Below, you’ll also see some recommendations on how to choose the most flattering silhouettes to suit your figure to always look balanced and in proportion.

Grab a measuring tape, and let’s get started:

1. Measure your shoulders (from the widest part to the widest part) and multiply that measurement by 2.
2. Measure your hips around at their widest part.
3. Measure your waist (quick note: your waist is normally the narrowest part of your body, it’s usually NOT where your belly button is 🙂 ) Best way to find your waist is to put your hand at your side, pop your hip out and lean your shoulder toward your hip. The spot where your body creates a little fold is where your waist is.
4. Measure your bust at it’s widest part.
5. Comparing all the measurements, find the highest number. Then follow the results below to identify your figure type and check out the style recipe to use the ABC’s of Style to your advantage.

You’re a Triangle if: your hips are more than 5% bigger than your shoulders or bust (hips ÷ shoulders or bust ≥ 1.05)

You’re an Inverted Triangle: if your shoulder or bust measurement is more than 5% bigger than your hip measurement (shoulders or bust ÷ hips ≥ 1.05)

You’re an Hourglass if: your waist is at least 25% smaller than your shoulder or bust (waist ÷ shoulders and bust ≤ 0.75) AND your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips (waist ÷ hips ≤ 0.75) AND your shoulder & hip measurements are within 5% of each other.

You’re a Rectangle if: your waist is less than 25% smaller than your shoulder or bust (waist ÷ shoulders or bust ≥ .75). AND your shoulder, bust, & hip measurements are within 5% of each other.

You’re an Apple (Rounded) if: you’re more heavy on the upper part of your body (waist, bust and large shoulders), your belly/waist are larger than the rest of your body’s circumferences and your hips are smaller than your upper body.

You’re a Dimond if: your belly/midsection is your widest part, your waist is not defined, and your shoulders and hips are approximately the same width.

You’re a Pear if: your hips are your largest measurement by more than 2 inches.

These are just a few creative tips for dressing better for your body type. If you’d like a more in-depth analysis, and a personalized style formula, be sure to book a private Style Development Session with me.

Enjoy – Happy fitting!

xo,