Here I begin my long style/wardrobe analysis. This is an intro to the body type analysis series, which will also include detailed dissection of vertical and horizontal body proportions, shoulder shape analysis, determination of most flattering necklines, skirt lengths etc. Whenever I say something like, I am an hourglass, that is what I believe to be true but is not necessarily so. You are strongly encouraged to correct me whenever that might happen.

These photos make feel naked, so I am going to remove them fairly soon once we have moved on with this series. I am wearing a turtleneck here, and was wondering if photos where my neck scar is clearly visible might be bothering anyone? It is not pretty, for sure.

So, I am 5’6”. My dimensions (first one being that of shoulders) are 37-34-24-36, and from front only, they are 16-13-9.5-14.5 (measured flat in the mirror). My under bust measurement is 28”. I think I am an hourglass (according to Angie’s definition), and I do not think I have a secondary body type. According to Imogen’s classification, I have an“X” shape. According to Kibbe’s types (a separate post will be coming on that) I am smack in the middle between Dramatic and Dramatic Classic. I have no clue if I am elliptical or round, and I am asking the experts on that to chime in, please.

My major body shape modifier is that I have a very long torso/waist, accompanied by long arms, and long neck. Unfortunately, that all comes at the expense of short legs – my legs are about 2” shorter than the normal length for my height. That is why my major concern in terms of body flattery when dressing is lengthening the leg line.

I think that my best body feature is a pretty small and defined waist. I used to dress in a way that always emphasized that, while nowadays that only happens occasionally. I fairly enjoy more relaxed, fluid fits too.

Things I wish were different about my body (and this is no body hate, no worries, merely a feeling, I am overall relatively happy with my body) are: 2” more height, 2” longer legs, 2” bigger bust (notice a theme here ), no saddlebags, flatter tummy and overall a much better muscle tone – I am pretty flabby. There is nothing I can do about the first three, and the rest could be at least somewhat addressed with exercise, but I have always been too lazy to do it in any proper manner for a longer time (that is why used to spend hours ballroom dancing, and do a lot of walking in general). I am hoping to seriously
start some kind of proper exercise next year, and let’s hope that I manage to
stick to it.

I would be curious to hear if you think there is anything inaccurate in my own analysis and whatever else you wish to add.