https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:11:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145852 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:44:47 +0000 anchie 2145852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You guys are so right. Taking into account only 3 measurements is too simplified and doesn’t tell a full story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145850 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:39:06 +0000 PaulaF 2145850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very true, <b>trying</b>. I’m a short-waisted hourglass with a not-particularly-small waist due to a big ribcage in addition to the short-waistedness...but still read as an hourglass visually.</p> <p>Another component is how you look from the side. If you have a small bust and flatter bottom, you probably tend toward rectangle. I have both a protruding bustline and bum, which reads more curvy (and makes the relatively large waist look smaller in comparison).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145709 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:02:37 +0000 trying... 2145709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another interesting component is height and torso length. A smaller difference in waist/hip/chest measurements are more noticeable&nbsp; when there is a shorter distance between them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145472 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:14:31 +0000 Roberta 2145472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think body shape is just as complicated as bust size! You might be a 38D, but you might be rounder or pointier or perkier or carry fullness on the side or up top. So much variation, let alone fruit descriptors. </p> <p> I always thought of myself as an hourglass, but I realized in the last decade that I have more of a swimmer shape, broad shoulders and full bust, relatively narrow hips and legs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145469 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 13:56:04 +0000 unfrumped 2145469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the fruits thing can be annoying- some use the letter system.<br /> I agree with not being constrained!<br /> It’s mostly useful if it helps you understand why certain brands or styles do or don’t work as well for you and gives some focus on different fits and proportions WHEN you want it.<br /> Also if you like using Pinterest or similar for inspiration and want to translate a look- or search for similar body type pics or style icon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145443 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 02:09:50 +0000 rachylou 2145443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely what Janet said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145402 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 19:25:54 +0000 cindysmith 2145402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear what makes me happy. If somebody thinks an outfit makes me look like a rectangle or a hexagon or a piece of fruit, i don't care. Who on earth decided to try and classify women's bodies as geometric shapes and fruits, anyway? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145371 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:29:10 +0000 Angie 2145371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom</b>, I don't see pear shape either. Your BIG hair - which is utterly magnificent! - balances things out too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I measure as an hourglass, although I look much straighter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145180 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:53:17 +0000 nemosmom 2145180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ignore them, for the most part.&nbsp; By numbers alone, I *should* be a pear - I have small bust, narrow waist, and curvy hips.&nbsp; BUT, I have broad, blunt shoulders, and my hips do not *look* as wide as they measure (most of my hip measurement is contained in my backside hehe). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145176 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:38:10 +0000 Angie 2145176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Anchie</b>, you have always been a wonderful hourglass to my eye. At all your sizes. I also echo <b>Janet</b> and <b>Liz</b>.</p> <p><b></b>You can be curvy and a smaller size, or a rectangle and a larger size. I have a US00 curvy client, and a US12 rectangle/straight client.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm an hourglass, but a straighter one. I have a small waist but not a lot of curve in the hips and bust. My narrow square shoulders make me look straighter. My sway back makes my waist smaller. I take the same size on the top and bottom. I do have a round bottom so there's some curve.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for feeling stuck in a rut - read this and start a new thread:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/12/07/how-to-break-out-of-a-style-rut/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145160 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:47:39 +0000 Anonymous 2145160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing that thin doesn't necessarily mean rectangle. My hips and bum do not disappear at my lowest weight, and curvy is a description, not a size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145158 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:41:04 +0000 anchie 2145158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the feedback.<br /> I am just thinking that maybe I am limiting my self with sticking to styles and silhouettes that worked for me before and not trying anything new. I am also probably in a style rut and feeling uninspired with my wardrobe. I am just repeating the same uniform of crew neck sweaters, blazer and pants every day. I want to add few things for the fall, but I am kind of stuck - I don’t want to get more of the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145046 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 17:16:47 +0000 Cardiff girl 2145046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Body shape is one of those things that grabs you because it seems so simple doesn’t it.You only have to know a few measurements and then you get “rules”for dressing and if you stick to these all will be well but it’s far too simplistic.No body’s body is like anyone’s else’s so to fit a whole load of people into one category doesn’t allow for this .Also body shape calculators rarely take account of proportions which matter just as much as measurements and by proportions l mean one’ s measurements in the vertical not just the horizontal plane.So l would do what Janet says and go by your eye.From what I have seen of your outfits you have a good eye for what suits you.<div>&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145045 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:49:43 +0000 Liesbeth 2145045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you already have a good grasp on dressing in a flattering way so I'd just smile at the observation and move on.<br /> I myself always found it helpful to know I'm a pear. I have a one size difference between top and bottom half so no need for the measuring tape ;). The dressing tips don't always work, eg I don't like cap sleeves. But the knowledge of my shape did help me see and understand why the typical nineties look (that's coming back now) of a fitted or even shrunk top with wide leg bottoms does nothing for me. So now I steer clear of things like spagetti straps and ribbed bodycon tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145036 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 15:50:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2145036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG! I recently had an argument about this with a guy from back in the day! He’s been very flirty since we got back in touch, was planning to come visit before Covid shut everything down. Earlier this year, he was irate with me when I gave up trying to do a pull-up after they shut down the monkey bars at the park, because I was a quitter and an example like that will make my son soft (he says). </p> <p>He didn’t know I had gotten fat &amp; lost the weight between then and now, so when I was telling him about that, I mentioned I was back on the pull-ups because I think gravity has worked on my body and I want to build my chest. He’s a trainer and former body builder, so he immediately said “pullups won’t build your chest”. I know he’s technically correct, so I told him I want the wider back that comes with stronger lats, like pullups build. Still “they won’t build your chest”. Said they would broaden my back but would not add depth to my chest. Dude, at this rate, you’re not going to see that depth anyway, lol! The final round was when I told him I was being inexact because I was just going by the chest-waist-hips measurement. He said it’s shoulders, not chest. Aye-yi-yi! </p> <p>Anyway, yes to the point made by Janet and others above that the tape measure only gives a partial picture, because it can’t tell how the girth is divided. Adding depth to a chest or width to a back will show up the same way on the tape measure. But if you want a fitness trainer to shape your body exactly how you want, I know just the guy!</p> <p>ETA I also totally agree with Janet about using “curvy” as a euphamism for big. It’s unhelpful, because they aren’t the same thing.<br /> Also, I’m laughing about the story with my friend, think you will too, because I know you have the same response I do to our family’s comments on our appearances. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145034 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 15:27:55 +0000 Jane 2145034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Acceptance of my body was a big thing for me. </p> <p>Rules seem (now) to me complicated to follow and I find it easier to understand shapes, colours, proportions. I did try to follow rules before I accepted my shape. </p> <p>That said I had a little help (sugery) along the way to change my shape and that is 2 years ago now and has made a very big difference. </p> <p>I love your style - such great colour choices and lovely trousers and blazers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145033 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 15:22:55 +0000 slim cat 2145033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The straight body shape just doesn't apply to you - ignore all those simplifying formulas that confuse us. You are still hourglass shape with slightly slimmer body and the same preferences for dressing.<br />I follow some rules for my straight/inverted triangle type of body but happy to break them if certain things appeal to me. The inner feelings, your mood and your personal preferences rule the most important trend now - DYOT. And you always look fab to me . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145031 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 14:57:55 +0000 nuancedream 2145031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Janet said 100 percent.&nbsp; I don't adhere to body shape guidelines or calculators like I used to and it's so liberating. Just dress the body you have right now, not the one you use to have or the one you wish you had.&nbsp; DYOT and YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145022 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:38:28 +0000 Preppy Pear 2145022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ignore the general shape guidelines often, because I think our body shape is so much more complicated, and I think most of us are a mix of shapes. I don’t think I am a true pear based on numbers (broad shoulders, average hips, ample real estate in the thighs), but I’m not changing my screen name. Too much work!<br /> I do follow some guidelines for pears when I like them. There are recommendations for pears out there that might be flattering, but also just aren’t my personal style.<br /> I think you have such great style, Anchie, so imho, you can always experiment, but I think you have it nailed, whatever the calculator says. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145020 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:34:08 +0000 Liz 2145020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I have a very strong skepticism about any body-shape calculator on the internet that purports to assign a body-shape label based on a handful of measurements. First, because of what Janet said -- body shape is a visual thing; you need to trust your eye. Second, because I doubt any of them are based on a set of sophisticated formulas designed by a team of style and anatomy experts after careful research into global datasets.</div><div><br /></div><div>I honestly can't imagine you ever being a rectangle -- now or before. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145017 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:19:15 +0000 Janet 2145017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trust your eyes more than numbers. Measurements are taking in your three-dimensional shape, but they don't tell the whole story. Shape is what we see when we look at a body -- usually determined from a straight on angle. I don't think you were or are a rectangle. From what I've seen in your photos you've always had a defined waist and nicely proportioned shape, and I've never doubted you had anything other than an hourglass. Of course, at smaller sizes and lower weights, I think it's very common for a lot of women to take on more rectangle-like shape as we lose "padding" (although looking at photos of my 18 year old self, it's obvious that even quite a thin woman can be very definitely curvy, which is why the euphemism "curvy" for heavy or big always bothers me -- the words mean different things).&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I have some body shape flattery guidelines so ingrained in me that I can't help but follow them, but I say wear what feels good and looks good, regardless of those guidelines. There are things recommended for hourglass/pear shape bodies that don't appeal to me whatsoever so I don't wear them. DYOT!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-shape-changes#post-2145008 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:36:22 +0000 anchie 2145008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I fell down to a rabbit hole of body shapes I was shopping online and took my measurements to decide which size to order. While looking for size charts, I stumbled upon body shape calculator and while I had my measurements on hand, decided to play with it. Before my weight loss I always assumed that I am hourglass shape - I had round butt, 32G boobs and kind of a waist. But now that I lost lot of my real estate I was feeling less curvy and more straight and like rectangle. But after entering my old and new measurements into body shape calculator it turns out that it is exactly opposite of what I thought - I was rectangle before because apparently my waist was thicker and there was not enough difference between waist and my hips and bust. And only now I am hourglass. How is that possible? I don’t know if I should do something with this information or just be amused with it I never used body shape guidance for dressing because I never liked v necks and wrap dresses on me - I always felt too exposed in them. But it seems now that it was a wrong guide for me anyway. But maybe it would work better now? Not sure. Do you adhere to body shape dressing guidelines or ignore them? </p>