True merry77, and posting pictures here also helps me to see myself the way others do rather than what ever may be stuck in my head from past experiences about the way I look. We also change over time so need to keep that in mind. I'll take all the guidlines and use what I can out of them. None of them, that I have seen are wrong, all are helpful.

This has been a very interesting discussion to catch-up on. I agree that labelling doesn't help make "black and white" something that can't be due to the wide variety of body shapes and sizes out there. However knowing what type you are does help validate why some things do and just don't work on you that is different for other body shapes.

As a ylf-confirmed apple myself I have to admit it does make me a bit sad to read about my shape being described as "unfortunate". I guess it reinforces the lack of femininity in my shape, not something that always bothers me, but it is always at the back of mind.

Oh Tam, I meant the use of the word "apple" is unfortunate to me because it does not conjure up a flattering image. It's like calling the rectangle a beanpole or something. It's just not very nice. If anything, you and that girl from Academichic prove that apples can look fab. I don't know if I said this on this thread or another thread, but any issues I have with body types are issues I have with MY body, not with anyone else's. I don't even see you (or S from Academichic) as apples when I see your pictures. You look more rectangular and she looks hourglassy to me because you dress yourselves that way.

I don't even think apple is accurate now that I think of it. Just because we carry weight in the midsection, it does not make us "round" or cause our waistlines to be bigger than our hips or chest. I just had a negative impression of what apples looked like and I can't get it out of my head even after seeing the light.

Bottom line: don't listen to what I say. I obviously have image issues.

I had a few more comments to make.
I just had a good look at a shadow of myself and this is what surprised me
* Just how very curvy my hips/thighs are
* how much my bottom sticks out
*the inbalance in my waist - one side is much more indented than the other
* how * sigh* I still look a bit pregnant from the side

I have an old book from 1993, "Presenting yourself". It has only 4 figure types; angular, curvy, straight/soft and round (similar to apple). Under this analysis I am a straight/soft ie "very straight shoulders but a definite waist and a curvy bottom. The advice is pretty brief and is basically to wear structured things on top and softer fabrics on the bottom.

Also someone said I had a slim waist - it isn't that slim. My 28" measurement was taken in the morning before breakfast! In addition I am a lot less thin looking from the side than the front. Finally in all my belted pics I have been wearing an elasticated belt that is pulling me in. And Maya -I haven't worn it past mid afternoon and have sometimes taken it off mid-morning!

Kari - I was pleased that you were generally positive about your body after doing the exercise.

Anne and Maya, from your posts I get the impression that the whole body typing thing is not helping you and just making you feel bad about yourselves. I'm sure that is not the point of the Angie's, Imogen's or the Academichic girls' systems. If this is the case, you should find something else that does work for you without creating a lot of angst.

This thread has made me sad.

It is not a credit to anyone’s efforts on YLF that it has gotten to the point where our fabulous, chipper, upbeat and positive Tam felt a little down too. (I’m sorry Tam). Not so fab. I’m going to say enough, ladies. Stop beating yourselves up about the body type and proportions exercise. It’s not helping you or others on this forum. I’d love us to move on and concentrate on ways in which we accentuate the positive. Thats going to make you and everyone else feel better.

Wow, I wanted to comment at the start of this thread and I have not been able to keep up! I have been avidly following the academichic's body proportions exercise. I too did not realize that S. was an apple until I saw her silhouette. This just goes to show you that choosing the right clothing items can disguise body"flaws" and accentuate the positives! I agree that these body type categories are just jumping off points for most people and we each need to interpret them for the subtleties of our own bodies, lifestyles etc. I can see how it can be a useful frame of reference for someone who is starting out and doesn't want to go through an exhausting trial & error method to figure out what works and what doesn't or who needs to cull a wardrobe of items that are not flattering.

Oops, Angie, I must have been writing at the same time as you. Sorry, I didn't mean to continue an uncomfortable conversation...Yes, accentuate the positive! That's my mantra!

Well now I feel pretty terrible. I'm sorry Kari for ruining your thread, and anyone else I brought down with me in the process. This will be my last post here.

None of us with 'systems' want anyone to feel bad about their bodies. I'm alway telling my clients that body shape is just a small part of a big picture, and not the most important part. It just tells you a bit about shapes of clothes that might work, and where to put detail. There are so many other factors to take into account.

I don't believe in flaws - there is no such thing. You are all perfect, and what makes us different from each other is what makes us interesting.

Love your body, it's the only one you'll ever have, and if you love it and treat it well it will be grateful and allow you to do so many things in your life.

Celebrate your body, whatever it's shape!