Krishnidoux. I always like to hear your input - and a very unique perspective in one sense (I've worn padded bras for a long time though!!)

It does remind me though that when I was thinner and younger, I had more of the slim (upper) hips/ full thighs combo, like you. I had to take in the "hip wings" of clothes sometimes. And what I liked was peplums that filled in that area. Sometimes pockets could work too if the placement was just right. Peplums that fit correctly on a long waisted person like me are pretty much a HEWI, but I did have a great one in the mid 90's.

Anne, I have found this thread really interesting, especially reading the responses. My body shape is likely to be a pear, because I have a small bust. As I have a strong shoulder line many sheath dresses still work for me and so I don't feel that I need to stick to A-line shapes or that these are necessarily best on me, despite the classic "pear" rules. I like wearing skinny jeans because they are comfortable, despite them highlighting my thighs.

Wearing what I like is more important that trying to stick to a set of rules. I am also relaxed about my optimal colours. I have never had my colours done, but rather buy what I like and feel good in.

Hi Bijou, I, (as you know) like sheath dresses too, and feel that I don't need to stick to those rules. I wore skinny jeans too, though I don't think they are my best look, and I ended up having more relaxed fit skinnies because I was worrying about them being too tight.

You look great, so I think for you "wearing what you like" encompasses flattery, even if you aren't consciously thinking of it.

Bijou and Anne, I’m with you. When I gain weight, it goes straight to my tummy—classic Apple. Eventually my belly sticks out in front as far as my breasts, and the difference in measurements drops. Shift dresses, which are recommended for apples, are hilarious on me then. They don’t swing—they get stuck on the belly. If I wear a bigger size, the effect is one of fabric lying on top of my gut. Not flattering in any sense. Sheaths, with their structure, work much better for me then.

I bought a replacement for the tunic I mentioned up thread as a beach cover uphttps://www.kmart.com.au/product/crochet-kaftan/2100841

It doesn't seem to cling on the tummy.

Fashiontern, I guess on the days when I am bloated, which is when I tend most towards an apple shape, I tend not to wear sheathes but prefer woven dresses that stand away from the body.
I suspect the good thing about sheathes for you might be that they can show other curves so balance out the tummy?

Jeanne, that's a fascinating insight for us. Thanks. I had thought that most sizes were two inches bigger in the hips than the bust.

Jeanne, that is interesting. Body shape does change with age.

Interesting topic!

Someone above defined hourglass as shoulders being a similar width to the hips. That applies to me, but I have never considered myself hourglass; I always thought hourglass automatically meant you can look amazing in a bodycon dress and other fitted clothing, and I certainly do not!

I am slim allover (with a small head and chicken legs, lol) but my hips are very wide and pointy and I have a large bum; so while my shoulders are as wide as my hips, the particular shape of my hips means I will never have a smooth silhouette. Though my waist is very small, I never accentuate it because it makes my hips look pointier. That’s why I thought I can’t be hourglass- because hourglass looks amazing when the waist is shown off (at least, that’s what I thought until reading this thread).

I am always having to choose clothes that counter my hips- which is why I thought I must be pear.