apple? rectangle? Hour? oh my! (help w/ body type)

I always assumed I was (am an apple shape) but now I see all of you talking about a rectangle. I suppose I could be that as well. We'll see if I can figure out how to attach a photo to help, but I'm curious what category I'd fit into and where I would look for some style advice. At some point I've got to get out of my t-shirt, knit top, addiction.

I'm 5'4" and have a shorter torso than legs, I feel like most shirts and dresses are always far too long from chest to shoulder for me, I've assumed for a long time that was because I have a tiny chest compared to what the clothing producers fit their clothes for in the size I wear (always fitted larger to accommodate my insistent 3-months-pregnant stomach. (SUCK!)

My measurements are:
Shoulder: 41.25
Bust: 33.75
waist: 32.5
hip: 39.25
for curiosity I measured my stomach at my bellybutton: 39.5

Also, where does one measure their waist? I did the bend and measure at the crease trick, but that is at the bottom of my rib cage as opposed to closer to my bellybutton, where I thought it was supposed to be.

Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for any help you can offer this newbie!

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....a6a0fc.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....e86680.jpg

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Hi! I think you're an hourglass with pear tendencies; but the other YLF-ers may disagree

I think you have a narrow waist (I generally measure the narrowest area of my middle to be 'waist'); so this attributes to the 'hourglass' tendencies.

I thought you may have pear tendencies because that seems to be the larger area of your body - I hope that makes sense.

I don't think you're an apple though! Or a rectangle - your waist is too small for that

Welcome to the forum!

rute

You are an apple

amyreh

I would say you are an adorable apple as well so I think you had it right

MsLuna

I'd say Apple with a bit of hourglass

Queen Mum

I would say apple too.

Jilly

Active Member

I'm leaning towards apple, too. I empathize about dresses, Shawna. I'm 5'4" and short-waisted, and I've always had the same problem about them being too long from waist to shoulder, AND I'm busty, so it's not just you. I'd encourage you to wear separates more as that's what I do.

Sveta

Looks like adorable apple to me!

LOL; sorry Shawna, I've been voted off the island

Lol lyn* I can see why you said pear though: it's the lower side of her abdomen that's wider. The widest part isn't quite at the hip so I'd say she's an apple. I have a very similar body type (my secondary shape is apple). You're still in the island!!!

elpgal

Apple with secondary rectangle tendencies. As another apple, I know it is a challenging shape to dress. I think you would do great in woven floaty tunics and skinny bottoms.

Meredith1953

Hi Shawna2012
I think you seem (at least in these photoraphs) to be an adorable apple with a slight rectangle aspect. Your arms seem nice and slim and you seem really evenly proportioned in the shoulders and top of your thighs. Floaty tunics with maybe slim skirts or pants and longer length jackets might look really super on you. Vnecks or more open necklines in tops are flattering also. I always feel that I am a tad sensitive about being "slightly" short waisted so I avoid too much contrast between my tops and bottoms as a general rule (unless I wear a cardigan or jacket that ties back into the pants). These are just my opionions so other ladies with more experience may disagree with my analysis.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I have a similar lower torso/waist/hip area to you in that I have a narrower actual waist as well, but it's surrounded by uh, flab. I have found that I can't really dress to emphasize the narrow waist too much, as is the traditional wisdom, because then the flab around it is prominently on display. It's hard to find things that have the appropriate body-skimming but not clinging fit (especially since knits are handy to stretch to fit, but can be more clingy and thin). When I have found things that suggest a waist by some narrowing at the side seams, but still flow over the tummy, they work really well for me.

It looks like you have great legs so I think elpgal's suggestion of tunics and skinny bottoms is a great idea - just make sure the tops are fitted enough to not make you too top-heavy.

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