Unsure of body type

noella

My first pic post here, so a little nervous!
I have absolutely no idea what my basic shape actually is, and am currently struggling with the idea of what may or may not suit me, style-wise. I have a preference for slim fit jeans and smart shirts/sweaters, but always feel self conscious of my upper thighs/rear. Feel that I suit skirts much more than jeans/trousers.

Measurements in inches (if it helps)
Chest 32
Waist 25
Hips 35
Height 5'4
Weight somewhere around 107 lbs.

Are the skinny jeans a bad Idea? I am definitely high waisted (spoonish?) and this is perhaps the root of my issues when choosing clothes. Would love some advice and guidance! Or failing that, just demystify my shape for me!

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12 years ago

Body Type

12 replies

Latest reply was from noella

Louise

Veteran

Hi noella and welcome aboard the good ship ylf.
I'm not the best with body shapes so I'll leave that to the more knowledgeable among us x

12 years ago

Velma

Veteran

Good for you for being brave!

You look like a very pretty hourglass to me. More specifically, I think you are an "8" in Imogen's system:
http://www.insideoutstyleblog......pes-8.html

I have the same type of figure, though on a little larger scale these days. Although I am tall, my waist falls pretty high, with my hipline starting right below the waist and running straight down. Skinny jeans work well on me--but also bootcuts. Jeans are literally the only kind of pants I wear (except for exercise gear), since all sorts of skirts are much more flattering to my figure.

Welcome to the forum!

12 years ago

Anonymous

Hi Noella, and welcome! You have a gorgeous figure. You look to me like maybe a cross between an 8 shaped hourglass and a pear. You might be able to use both sets of guidelines. Your hips and thighs do NOT look overly large to me at ALL. I think you could totally rock skinnies and trousers. You could (but don't have to) add some detail or volume at the shoulders/bustline to balance things out. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your posts.

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Posting that first picture can feel like a bit of a hurdle, can't it-)
I would also say hourglass.

Welcome to the forum Noella, looking forward to seeing you around!

12 years ago

noella

Active Member

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Velma, wow, that link is fascinating, and I had already suspected the '8' shape! Some really interesting info there. I already avoid shapeless skirts (especially full or pleated with narrow waistbands) and stick with slender alines or pencil.
Am very shy of belts though, I hate how high up and close to the chest they sit.

Odd to hear slim leg pants may suit me. I am so very critical of my backside, so usually wear a longer cardi to cover it up - but I am so sick of layering and would love to simplify my style. My style 'idol' may be Emmanuelle Alt, which is probably a bad idea, haha! But it isn't her looks/shape so much as her clothing that I adore.

The damn hip area gives the appearance of weight that doesn't exist, so tricky to negotiate, even at a low BMI. I always find that jeans fit me on the waist area but are too big everywhere else. Online I only ever hear complaints about the opposite effect, so wonder if this shape is unusual.

These are the most unflattering snaps ever, I promise my posture improves off camera

12 years ago

Velma

Veteran

Noella, you are far too hard on yourself!

I forgot to say that trumpet or mermaid skirts--anything that is fitted through the hip area and flares no higher than mid-thigh--often work really well on me, in addition to the obvious pencil skirts. Well-fitting A-lines are also good, and in the summer, I like drifty chiffon skirts, including wraps.

I'm not finding any photos that show much of my figure, but just for the sake of some figure comparison, here I am in one of those chiffon skirts (a slight trumpet shape):
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....osition-18

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Welcome to the forum! I see hourglass, too. You'll find a lot of inspiration from the terrific women on the forum!

12 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'd say you were a slender hourglass, Noella!

I actually don't see any pearness --- you seem perfectly balanced on top and bottom --- but if you *are* conscious of wanting to play down your thighs and rear, simply borrow some dressing-up tips from the pears as well! (Though, any hourglass-enhancing tricks that highlight the waistline, like a cinched belt, or flatter the bust, like underbust gathers or cowl necklines or wrap dresses, will also automatically balance the bottom half as well on your figure!)

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

I think you are an hourglass too! I think you are nicely balanced and don't need to worry about covering your bottom!

Welcome to the forum!

12 years ago

noella

Active Member

Velma, I really like the skirt paired with the denim jacket, and the close up details of the 'ruffles' are beautiful! I've never worn anything floaty come to think of it, only the occasional blouse.

I actually spent hours reading the Insideout style blog, a wonderful find! And although the high hip details seem to run true for me, the general advice for dressing an 8 shape doesn't fully work for me (if I wear long tunics to jeans I feel swamped). The info regarding proportions cheered me up though, for I am apparently quite even, as well as having the higher hips....but it is all so confusing.

And thanks to everyone for sharing your opinions!

I've been reading these forums for such a long time and am so glad that I finally joined up!

12 years ago

Irene

Veteran

Hi Noella! We have very similar bodies, although my bust might be bigger.

Your hips are not big at all. They look smaller than mine and I wish mine were bigger (I have a JLO wish going on though lol).

Honestly, I think you could wear about anything and look great in it. Don't be so harsh on yourself -no woman should do that though.

Welcome to YLF and best of luck in finding your own style! That body deserves to look its best!

12 years ago

noella

Active Member

Thanks Lemonade!
I'm quite fond of larger hips, have always found pear shapes to be very beautiful (my sister is one, and I used to wish that my waist and belly were so petite with the hips curving out below).

We are unduly harsh on ourselves, I know.

Have recently discovered a love for pencil skirts worn with loose shirts and sweaters (with both flats and heels), and so many people have asked me 'are you off to the office?! I work from home so this is rather amusing. I have been trying so hard to make this look more casual/elegant.

12 years ago

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