Trinny and Susannah: The Column

Trinny and Susannah’s the Column is described as shoulder width the same as hip width, slight waist and longer legs.

The Column is the racehorse of the group, all gangly long limbs and careless elegance. You do have curves, but sometime they just seem to disappear and you end up looking like a, um, column. With the right shapes though you are tall and statuesque.

Dressing the Column

Columns are in the enviable position where, with the slightest attention, they can look fabulous. You simply have the frame for it. Clothes love you. The real issue is that your curves can disappear by simply being stretched out over your long frame. The best way to bring those curves back is to use blocks of colour. In that way you can make marvellous use of your long legs, arms and body without ending up looking all straight up and down.

Don’t – accetuate your length by wearing one colour all over

Do – breakup your length by using blocks of different colour on the top and on the bottom

Don’t - wear boxy jackets – they will emphasize the straight up and down of your torso

Do - highlight your waist

Clothes – what to avoid

Straight dresses in one colour- a column is straight up and down, so wearing a dress that’s straight up and down merely emphasises that fact. You will have no shape at all.

Cropped tops – your body is long and so are your legs. A cropped top will shorten the length of your body which is then added onto the length of your legs, resulting in them looking freakishly long.

Dropped waists – this is the same but in reverse. A dropped waist will make your legs shorter but unfortunately your body seem unnaturally long.

Clothes – what shapes to look for

Slightly flared trousers – although you can wear practically any shaped pant the best idea is to opt for one with a slight flare to add a little curve to your body. Pair it with a top in a different colour for the most dramatic impact.

A-line skirt – an a-line skirt does the same job as a slight flare on the trousers, drawing attention to barely there curves. Chose a gently flaring a-line to give your lower half some shape. Mix up colours and patterns and really have a good time working out your own personal style.

Single button jacket – The idea of this jacket is to breakup your torso, which the single button does kind of like drawing a target there. The angled hem and waistline all achieve the same thing, basically drawing attention to the centre of your body and creating curves.

Bias-cut dress – a bias cut dress, usually in chiffon, clings to every curve. The Column is perfectly shaped to pull it off with ease. Choose something with floaty sleeves that will utilise your long arms. This example works wonderfully because it will draw attention to your tiny waist and the different blocks of colour will further break up your long body.

Belted three-quarter length coat – a belted coat is not for everyone but you have the height and length of leg to carry it off with ease. Wear it belted, either at the back or front to keep some curve at your waist otherwise you’ll end up echoing your straight up and down shape.

Cropped trousers – you have wonderfully long legs so a cropped trouser, which cuts the leg where ever the material ends is not going to make any difference for you. Choose either knee high or mid calf length; either will look great.

Round-neck jumper - a round neck line is better than a deep scoop neck or a v neck and adds a touch of style and elegance. Wear it with either short or long sleeves and as a jumper or t shirt.

Shaped and gathered shirt – you have the perfect shape for a blouse but the best choice is going to be something that breaks up the long expanse of your torso. Look for something that is textured and gathered at the waist to give you some curve.

Balanced shoes – you don’t need a slender heel or a thick heel, just a heel that perfectly matches you so you feel comfortable and supported.

If you want to find out more about Trinny and Susannah’s Body Shape Bible please click here.