Body Shape Guide
We all come in different shapes and sizes and no two people are the same. Whatever your shape and size, throw your growing tummy into the mix and you're left wondering what clothes will best suit your new, ever developing, body shape.Most of the basic rules still apply however, so sticking with what works best for you prior to pregnancy is a good starting point. You shouldn't have to change your personal style to accommodate your new figure, although you may have to make one or two concessions along the way.
That said however, we've put together some useful suggestions to ensure that you get the most out of your new maternity wardrobe.
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Simply pick from the body shape choices below for ideas on what to wear and what to avoid, plus some of this seasons ideal choices for your shape.
 Apple
Hourglass
Pear
Ruler
Description: Apple-shaped bodies have an inverted triangle shape – meaning they have broad shoulders. Apple shaped tends to describe women who have wide torsos (full bust, waist and upper back). Such women have relatively slim thighs and upper legs. Apple shaped women often have a 'top-heavy' appearance, with a bust and midriff bigger than their hips, a prominent tummy and a flat bottom.
If you are apple-shaped then you are in good company ~ other famous UK 'apples' include the beautiful Elizabeth Hurley and Oscar winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
What to Wear: Trousers and skirts that are straight. Avoid very fitted or tailored garments. Avoid mixing and matching many different colours. Choose monochromatic outfits, as the use of just one colour will create an overall impression of length that will focus away from your width. Tops should cover the hip area and be worn over tailored trousers that flatter slimmer legs. Shorter skirts also help to draw interest to your lower body region. Light coloured hosiery (preferably 'nude') will help focus attention on your legs.
What not to wear: Garments with a lot of upper body detail (wide collars and lapels, shoulder pads etc). Pockets should be avoided as often these can be unflattering and attract unwanted attention to the upper body. Avoid Capri or skinny pants.
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Description: The Hourglass is the most sought after body shape. Lucky Hourglasses have perfectly proportioned upper and lower halves with a well defined waist. Their only flaw? If they gain weight, they have a tendency to gain it all over the body.
Celebrity Hourglasses include Sex and the City's siren, Kim Cattrall, Halle Berry and Golden Globe nominee, Julianne Moore.
What to Wear: Choose shirt waist dresses, tailored jackets, straight skirts and slim pants. Tuck in blouses. Well fitting princess seam dresses will add length and show off your shape. Wear straight skirts, tailored pants or pair full skirts with close fitting tops. Wear contrasting colours to show off your shape. You can also use vertical stripes to give an appearance of length to your silhouette.
What not to wear: Stay away from Empire dresses or tops, especially if you have a full bust. Also steer clear of full tops with full skirts, very wide pants and pieces made with bulky, heavy fabrics.
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Description: Pear shaped generally describes women who are vulnerable to weight gain below the waistline on their hips, thighs, and bottoms, as opposed to their stomachs and mid-sections. Commonly the upper torso is relatively slim in comparison to these lower parts of the body, with shoulders and bust being narrow compared to the hips.
Famous pear shaped celebrities include singer Baby Spice and Oscar nominated actress Kate Winslet.
What to Wear: A-line skirts/wraps are by far the most flattering for 'pears' as they slim the hips and emphasise the smaller waist area. Short, tight skirts should be avoided as these will accentuate the tops of your thighs, and divert attention to that problematic area below the waist.
What not to wear: Avoid light coloured bottoms and stick to darker blues and browns which absorb the light. Tops should be fitted and focus the eye to your upper body (beautiful necklines, patterns and colours). They should not be baggy as these will cover your waist, and instead should finish at the top of your hips so that your waist is emphasised.
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Description: The Ruler is a rare shape, indeed. Without a great difference between the waist and hips, a Ruler is waif-like and slim. If she gains weight, she will probably gain it in the stomach and bum, while her arms and legs stay thin.
You share your shape with the likes of A-Listers Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtney Cox.
What to wear: Wear styles that have detail on the bust and on the hips. Choose designs that have horizontal lines, adding dimension to your shape. Consider unstructured tailored jackets with wide shoulders and lapels, or jackets with small lapels that taper at the waist line. Pair contrasting colours on the top and bottom. Pair full tops with A-line or pleated skirts. Wear wide leg pant and team with chunky knits.
What not to wear: Avoid high or wide waistbands and block colours. Also steer clear of patch pockets, large plaids, checks or patterns with vertical stripes.
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Body Shape Information courtesy of www.pushmaternity.com
November 2006 |
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