Ask Angie: Body type help? I'm really doing this : )

Hi Angie and kind members. It's hard to believe I'm displaying all of my lumpy glory with these links. I haven't done anything this embarrassing since having a body noise sneak up on me in yoga class : )

I just measured myself again and think that I'm probably a rectangle. Yes? Depending where on my hips I measure, and how much bum is enveloped, there is anywhere from 5" - 8" difference between my waist and hips. I also never realized until looking at these pictures that my belly sticks out as far as my chest. I've tried on more flowy shirts but feel they make me appear even larger.
http://flickr.com/gp/14624095@N06/bRgKFm
http://flickr.com/gp/14624095@N06/8Us049

The links below are photos in Halogen pencil skirts that I just bought. One belted and one not, just for reference. I'm 5' 4" and bought the camel in petite and the black in regular. I'm more comfortable in the regular length because of my fleshy knees and thick legs. Do you think one length looks better than the other? For what it's worth my inseam is 29"/30" depending on the heel height I'm hemming for.

Petite camel.
http://flickr.com/gp/14624095@N06/8085zd
http://flickr.com/gp/14624095@N06/42e7h4

Regular black.
http://flickr.com/gp/14624095@N06/UoJ1QP

i could stand to buy some new tops in particular and knowing "what" I am dressing would be a great help. I'm waiting for the Halogen tipped knit jacket in purple and am thinking the pockets may not be my friend. Thanks for your help!!

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

On second thought - apple?

Vildy

To me, you look mainly like an hourglass. As for the bit of belly stick out, I'm wondering about your posture/position of pelvis. What happens if you stand with feet hip width apart, pull up your rib cage, tilt your bottom down and forward a bit, rotate shoulders up and around and down to the back? Does belly pull back into place?

Viddy, the posture corrections help somewhat, but my natural inclination is to slouch. I'm more conscious of it now with yoga.

shiny

I wouldn't get too stuck on the body types -- you can be a little of this, a little of that. When I first looked at your pic, my immediate reaction was pear shaped with straight shoulders and slight apple tendency. Then I read your post, looked at the pics again, and yes, I could see how you would say rectangle or even hourglass or apple.

I've got a similar belly/side view thanks to having two kids. Doesn't matter how little I weigh or how much yoga or crunches I do -- there it is.

Your legs are totally NOT thick and your knees are cute. I think either length skirt looks just fine on you!!

KathyL

I'm with Shiny. My immediate thought was pear shaped. I am no expert by far. I'm not real sure about my own body shape to be honest. I have learned that taking pics really help me to figure out what looks flattering and what doesn't more so than dressing by a body shape.

I also think both lengths of the skirt look good on you.

Clarissa

Active Member

I agree with shiny. Maybe an apple pear hybrid.

Vildy, Shiny and Kathy, thanks for looking at my thread. I've worn a lot of sweaters in the past and have decided they look sloppy and show my rolls. I have a short neck and don't like blouses with collars. I'd like to find some new everyday and layering tops (usually with jeans) and it seems every style I try just doesn't work.

And Shiny? "cute knees"? You're funny.

MsMary

I'm hopeless at the "body shape" thing. I just want to say I think you look fantastic in that camel pencil skirt outfit!!

Thanks too Clarissa, my page must not have refreshed before I replied.

Stick with me, Pil, I'm the expert at hiding rolls. And you do not have that many!!! This is a cinch. The sweater in your pics is IDEAL because of the pattern. I find busy patterns hide a multitude of sins.

I also have a short neck and do not generally prefer collars. Though it can work; just have to find the right collar. Check out my hot pink post right now -- see my navy blouse? I think it works because the collar is to scale for my neck, but more importantly, it buttons low so creates a V which flings the collar farther away, not too close to my neck, and lying flatter against the shoulders. Also it's a silk-like blouse rather than crisp structured cotton.

And YES your knees are cute.

Just piping in again to agree with Shiny (again) about patterns being your friend in hiding problem areas. I am very self conscious of my mommy tummy and have learned that patterns make a difference. Wrap style shirts and ruching also help.

I need to hone my hunting and gathering skills, there isn't much good shopping in town here. When I go out of town I get tired and then discouraged.

Kathy, now that you mention it I've tried knotted type tops in an effor to "skim" but not the wrapped and ruched.
Mary, thanks for the compliment. I do like the skirt but was afraid the sweater was too much.
Shiny, I see what you mean about your navy blouse. I've kind of been eyeing this blouse. It's similar to one of Angie's NAS picks but with the lower collar.
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....+Shirt.jsp
But you still make me chuckle : )

you still make me chuckle.

Oops - typo.

I think the sweater makes the outfit! As shiny has wisely pointed out, that print can hide a multitude of sins! Not that you have much to hide -- I think you have a lovely figure!

ETA we are skirt twins! I got that same skirt at the NAS and I think it is going to be a real workhorse! I'm going to have to copy your styling idea!

Bump - hoping Angie will weigh in.
Or do I need to be an active member instead of a member?

CocoLion

(website)

Hi and welcome! I agree with Shiny about your body type. You look like a hybrid, as many of us are. I like the shorter length skirt on you, it looks more modern. Definitely no need to hide your knees! It's funny how we have hang-ups that aren't really there. I would include your belly in that, it looks flat to me!

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