Ask Angie: Trouble with my shape!!

Voxall

Hi Angie,

I am hoping you may be able to give me some guidance. I have been struggling of late to get clothing fits my body shape. After much private research I have decided to ask someone. I am 5ft 9" in height, weight approx. 142lbs and my measurements are as follows:

43" shoulders
38" chest (36D cup)
34.5" ribs (my rib cage is very prominant and causes bother when trying to get dresses, even more so than my chest)
28" waist
38" hips

I have wear a Size 10 in jeans but sometimes Size 8 (depending on where I purchase them). I have the age old problem of not knowing what shapes suits me. I am conscious of not wearing sleeveless tops as I am conscious of looking huge on top. Have you any advice as to where to shop, what to shop for, etc. Any help would be appreciated as I am sick of looking like I am pregnant in tops or like a body builder if tops are tight.

10 years ago

Body Type

6 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! From your description it actually sounds as if you have a very balanced figure -- in an hourglass shape! But perhaps you could benefit from reading the guidelines for the IT figure as well. Angie's about to update these over the next few weeks, but in the meantime: http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/.....type-2010/

It's hard to say for sure about body shape without photos -- people with identical measurements can actually look quite different.

But we'll get you sorted!

10 years ago

Voxall

Member

Thanks Suz.

Your response is much appreciated. I always have hated cameras and having photos taken of me but I will upload one if I find one I like. It will give a rough idea of what I would wear as I tend to stick with the easy bootcut jeans and a jumper to avoid having to worry about choosing tops or dresses.

I did find a dress for a wedding I attended in August from a vintage shop. It fit okay but I couldn't help feeling like my chest and ribcage looked massive in it. I will also take a look at the link you recommended.

Thanks again.
Pam

10 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Hi Voxall! I have that ribcage issue myself when I try to wear fitted dresses and vintage inspired stuff. In my case I suspect it's thanks to all of my years of singing in choirs as a kid. Knits and softer stuff can help avoid that problem a little bit. I agree with Suz, from your measurements you sound like an hourglass with defined shoulders. What would be interesting is whether you are an 8 or an X in Imogen Lamport's system - whether your hips are close to your waist and make a bit of a shelf (that's what mine does) or whether your widest part is a bit lower down (the x). Figuring out I was an 8 on the bottom half has made a lot of difference on how I dress, because 'hourglass' isn't always enough info. If you go to http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/ and look at her shapes you can see more info.

10 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

angie and the forum are wonderful at determining body shape. BUT, it is so much easier with a photo rather than measurements.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, Voxall. And the ladies have successfully started the ball rolling. I look forward to helping you determine your body type with an uploaded photo.

10 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Hi, Voxall! When determining body shape, so much of it depends on the appearance of the body from the front...so that's why measurements aren't always the most helpful thing. If you can take a pic, it would be best to be wearing something tight, like a bathing suit or a tight top with leggings. A lot of people cut their heads off in the pic if they're not comfortable with posting the whole thing. No worries! :^)

I am a big supporter of Imogen's refined system on her Inside Out Style blog. I too am a figure 8. She divides some of the typical body shapes into smaller categories, which really helps a lot with determining what works for clothing.

10 years ago

Category