What is my body type?

annasan

Hi!

I'm new here and have absolutely no idea on what body type I am. I just graduated from college and have been wearing ill-fitting clothes all my life. I recently started working at a very conservative office (even less forgiving in dress code than law firms and financial institutions) and my boss and a few co-workers have called on me not looking polished and presentable enough.

So I decided to get help and ask all you fabulous ladies help in determining my body type. I'd also like to ask the following questions:

- What kind of suits and blazers would look good on me? I need to wear one everyday and have no idea what kind of shapes/length to look for. I'm not quite sure, but I "think" I have a problem because of my shoulders (I just hate the way they look when I try on suits and blazers). More info on me: I'm 23, 5 ft 3 in and weigh around 135-140 lbs.

- Do you think I can pull a skinny jean or will I be better off sticking to boot cut and flared jeans?

Here are my pictures (sorry for the crappy quality, I had my sister take them using my phone):

http://s661.photobucket.com/al.....ng_comets/

I am totally clueless and fashion challenged so any form of help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

16 years ago

Body Type

11 replies

Latest reply was from annasan

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

You look like an apple to me.
Here's Angie's post in Adorable Apples:
http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....ble-apple/
I think that if you pair it with a tunic or dress, you can do a skinny jean.
Here's Angie's post on dresses for apples:
http://youlookfab.com/2007/05/.....le-apples/
A dress with a blazer might be a good work option for you.

16 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

I'm not really sure about your body type, but welcome. I'm certain that you'll get lots of great help here.

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Welcome annasan- i'll leave the body shape to the others it's not my strong point. You can wear skinnies, you just need to find the right top length here's Angie's blog to get you started http://youlookfab.com/2006/10/.....r-curvies/
As for being clueless and fashion challenged your co workers will be eating their words in a few weeks, we'll get you sorted x

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

I am leaning towrds an apple body type but not a very rounded apple. I hope Angie can chime in on this one.
Does this sound like you (I'm an apple but you have a longer waist than I)
http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....ble-apple/

For jackets - look for something that tapers in a bit at sides and comes down to the top of the hips.

Here's an Angie post on cuves and skinnies that might help -
http://youlookfab.com/2006/10/.....r-curvies/

You can build a conservative wardrobe (keep an eye on what your bosses are wearing for hints) and also a fun closet for days off - the ladies here are great guides!

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Hi annasan, and welcome to YLF. I'll also leave the body type question to Angie and some of the other expert ladies here. Pear, hourglass and inverted triangles are easy for me, but for some reason the apple shape really confuses me. I'd always understood that an apple doesn't really have a waistline, but to my eyes you clearly have one! I'll stop here so I don't confuse you...

Tough break on the office dress code. I'm curious what you do that your workplace is so conservative? I've only ever worked in creative settings (and will probably never own a suit in my life!) so I can't be of too much help with this one.

I do think that you can definitely wear skinnies no matter what your body type, I believe everyone can. It's just a question of finding one that's the right cut (you might find that a straight-skinny is better than a tapered-skinny), and pairing it with the right length top. The archives on Angie's blog should help a lot.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for posting pics and welcome to the forum! I’d say you have apple tendencies for sure. But use the hourglass guidelines as well. Does that make sense?

16 years ago

annasan

Member

Thanks for the replies everyone! It's all been helpful!

Angie - Thanks for enlightening me on what my body type is. Could you please give me some ideas on how to mix the two guidelines? And how do you suggest I rebuild my wardrobe once I've thoroughly studied the guidelines?

Ele - I work in diplomacy, high politics. So there's no way I can dress creatively on the job (which really sucks, but I love what I do!).

Chris - Thanks so much for the bit on blazers and jackets! Do you think it be best I go to a tailor to have some custom made?

Loulou - Thanks for the link on skinnies. I'll give everyone an update on how it goes!

Alecia - Thank you for the welcome.

Chewyspaghetti - Thanks for the links! Currently studying them now before I start rebuilding my wardrobe.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That’s a style renewal, annasan! And we are happy to help.

It can be done on this forum and there are lasses who have transformed their look and style in this way over time. But you have to break the process up into manageable bits. It’s a good idea to start posting separate threads on your specific questions one querie at a time. Hope that makes sense.

16 years ago

Georgia

Active Member

annasan, I feel your pain! I am also in the process of building my wardrobe and need all the help I can get. I've been absorbing a lot from the forum and Angie's posts. Maybe we can each find "closet Nirvana" with the help from all these knowledgable ladies!

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

On jackets - no need for custom made. I would look for suit jackets that have a bit of built in tapering (if it needs more you can have tailored) and try on lots of styles until you find the right fit.
What stores do you plan to look at or are you an online shopper?

You might want to start with a matched skirt suit and a matched pant suit as basis for wardrobe and build in some blouses/tops for underneath. Keep rotating the under pining and accessories and no one will realize you only have two suits.

Do you always have to wear a matched jacket/bottom? If you can wear a cardigan/blouse once a week or so you will get more options. Also, a sheath dress in coordinating color to one or both suits will extend the combos.

16 years ago

annasan

Member

Thanks Chris, Angie and Georgia!

I'm planning to go window shopping this weekend at a couple of stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic. I'll try things and see how they fit while keeping in mind Angie's guidelines.

Chris - thanks for the cardigan/blouse tip! I'll observe other females (we are so few) at the office to see if I can pull this off at work.

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