What would look good on me?

Elly

Thought I would post some body type, type questions. I think I am an hourglass-- but with broad shoulders (vase?). I also think I am short-waisted, I have a tiny waist, but the distance between my hip bones and ribs is very small. I am fairly tall (5'8", 34 inch inseam). I wear a 34 D or 32 DD but because of my frame it isn't an proportion issue until I go to buy shirts-- then I have to size up sometimes to fit the shoulders and chest. I also have long arms. Shoulder circumference is 46 inches. Bust is 38.5, waist 27, and hips at 40 (but that is mostly booty). Arms are 22 from shoulder seam, and 32 from mid back.

Any tips for what looks (specifically fall (40s 50s and 60s) and winter (30s and 40s), casual/smart casual) would look good on me? Any brands that might work with the long arms, broad shoulders, big chest, but small waist thing? Or just the long arms thing?

http://s961.photobucket.com/albums/ae96/Elly221/

14 years ago

Body Type

6 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Traci

Veteran

Lovely figure!

Your body shape reminds me of the girl from Work With What You've Got.
http://workwithwhatyouvegot.blogspot.com/

She has a very distinctive style, so it may not work for you. Scroll through some of her archives to fall and winter of last year.

Otherwise, you're almost completely opposite from me (tall/short, hourglass/apple, long limbs/stumps) so I have no advice on stores.

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

You look like the most hourglassy hourglass I've ever seen :). Have you reviewed Angie's guides to dressing your body type? Might be a good place to start. I'm so not an hourglass, but I think some of the basic guidance focuses on emphasizing your waist...

14 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Thanks Traci-- I like some of the jewelry she reviewed, but I think I have bigger shoulders and a bigger hip to waist ratio than the blogger.

Jonesy-- I looked those up. There were a couple good tips, but a few things I can't figure out. I generally wear the hip length tops, bootcuts, soft fabrics, the necklines, ect. I guess I am having a problem figuring out the right type of jackets and knits for my body (I am new to winter).

14 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Hi Elly - in another post you said you were 'in a rut' with everything, so I'm just casting out a couple of ideas for you to think about to help you move forward and get some more suggestions. It may be that it's the 'look' that you need to get excited about rather than the exact shapes for an hourglass (since you've obviously taken lots of that on board already)

- what are the things you can't work out about the hourglass guide?
- look at blog posts about 'bottoms' for example (pants/skirts/dresses) to see the most flattering lengths for various items and check that's all working for you
- mum on the go posts for casual looks
- business casual and smart casual posts

Also, just to say, trust yourself and go and try a few things on. If it's jackets and knits you're looking for, try them. I think you've been ill recently, but some places have a free delivery and returns service so you could take advantage of that if getting to the shops is too much of a problem. Post on here and everyone will make suggestions.

Does any of that help?

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Elly! Congrats on posting! You are a gorgeous hourglass.

I noticed that you've read the body type guidelines. That's a good starting point. I hear that tops and jackets are your nemesis. Start new threads on what these challenges are and we'll help you sort them out

14 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Thunalata--

Thank you. I think my main problem understanding the guidelines has to do with jackets and tops. I am not a big fan of the traditional nipped blazers (or the ones I have seen this year). I wouldn't mind one in a tweedy fabric or corduroy with the elbow pads or another more menswear style, but the regular ones just don't do much for me-- they don't really fit my style or my lifestyle. I like the BF blazers much better, but find that in general they aren't very flattering as an everyday silhouette. I also have fit problems with woven tops, and can't belt most or they become too short (tunic length only). I generally need a tall in knit tops with long sleeves too, unless they just have very long sleeves (and sometimes for the length) which limits some of the more interesting ones. I also rarely wear skirts or dresses in the winter-- I would be open to them, but they ceartainly aren't going to get as much wear as my jeans. So, I almost feel as though the formula leaves me with the options of t, cardi, jeans and t, cardi, alternative bootcut pants. Sure, I can dress the look up with accessories, but it isn't really the step up I am looking for. However, I agree that it is flattering, while a lot of other pieces aren't.

A lot of the pieces utilized in the mom on the go and smart casual looks aren't the most flattering, although fun and trendy or are hard to fit (woven tops, heels/sleek boots).

Angie,

Thank you-- I think you nailed what I was trying to ask about the hard to fit/flattering pieces. I will start another thread.

14 years ago

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