What's the Right Shape For Your Shape? THE DRESS EDIT

Have you ever had that experience where you absolutely LOVE the dress on the instagram model or mannequin, but when you actually try it on, it's down right awful?  And hopefully your first response IS NOT what's wrong with me? I wish I were.... 
Remember these wise words spoken by my mentor of all things image, Judith Rasband....
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     There are NO figure flaws...ONLY fitting flaws.

​If the clothes don’t fit, it’s not your fault it’s the clothes fault! They may simply be the wrong shape for your shape.  There are 7 main figure variations that are different from the ideal, which rarely exists.  The ideal figure has shoulders symmetrical over the hips, she’s about 5’5”, bust cup size B, and she can walk into a store and most styles are going to fit her well.  Instead of using the shapes of fruit to describe the different figure types, we use geometry.  There just isn’t enough fruit to describe all of the different figures. So we’re going to use geometric shapes, because you may be exactly like one of these shapes, or you may be a combination.   (See video for my method on how to determine your shape.)

The easiest, or beginning strategy, is to simply repeat your shape with the same shape in your clothes.  Here are just 4 of the 7 main figure variations (below).  Notice how the dress on the left is shaped like a triangle, which is great for the triangular figure type as it fits narrower shoulders and camouflages a fuller hip.  Inverted triangle is second from the left, accommodating broader shoulders and narrower hips.  Rectangular figure types (right of center), those with shoulders symmetrical over the hips and very little waist indentation, will find the rectangular shaped dress to be a quick, easy fit.  And hourglass shaped women, those with fuller hips and bust will appreciate the dress shaped like she is, with more waist indentation, (far right). ​

The second strategy, which works for virtually every figure type, is to bring attention toward the middle. Create a longer line that draws attention in and up and around your face.  Do this with any type of contrast.  It’s not just about covering up.  It’s about controlling where people look at you.  If you have larger hips, don’t put the contrast there (with lighter colors, wide stripes, etc).  If you have a tummy bulge, don’t place a circular pattern on your tummy so that it becomes the target of focus.   This could include adding a third layer piece, a vest, sweater or jacket to create a contrasting line in the center front, (left).   Adding a necklace to bring the focus in, (left of center).  A noticeable vertical row of buttons will also create a longer visual line, (right of center). Even a short necklace will bring the focus away from a broader body silhouette and up to the face, that's right, back to the "money maker", (far right). 

There are more options, but the first step is to determine your specific figure variation.  To learn your version of the ideal, and gain your fabulous fit, you'll love my hybrid virtual/in person session.  Check out the details HERE. 

KNOW YOUR FABULOUS FIT