Trinny and Susannah’s the Skittle is described as average tits, slim waist, ok tummy, big thighs, chunky calves.
I’ve got to say I’ve had great difficulty working out the difference between a skittle and a pear. The differences are subtle but definitely quite distinctive in terms of dressing. Both a Pear and Skittle have a slim waist although on a Pear it’s likely to be longer. That’s because the real difference between a Pear and Skittle is the hips and thighs. A Pear has added extra on the outside of their thighs. By contrast a Skittle just has big legs; thighs and calves. A Pear is also likely to be much smaller on the top half with smaller breasts and a more toned stomach.
Dressing The Skittle
The biggest problem with a Skittle is the lack of balance between top and bottom. The bottom is bigger than the top and that highlights how much bigger the bottom half is. So the solution is to get balance back. This is done be adding volume to the top half and minimising the lower half.
Don’t – wear short trousers or capris. You have short legs so if you cut them half way down the calves you’re simply making them shorter again which makes your thighs look wider.
Do – get some interest happening in your top half with eye catching jewellery and eye popping tops.
Don’t – wear stretch pants of any type as they will cling to your thighs.
Do – wear fitting clothes on your upper half as baggy on top will just highlight the lower half.
Clothing – what shapes to avoid
Skinny leg jeans – assuming you can get them in your size (something I struggle with) they highlight your thighs and make your ass look huge.
Pencil skirts – this works the same as skinny leg jeans in that it catches your lower half and highlights although it can be made to work if you have something extra special go
Cropped pants – short pants cuts your leg off and makes your look shorter and your legs wider.
Ankle straps – your legs are short and an ankle strap on a shoe has the effect of making them look shorter, and again, wider.
Clothes – what shapes to look for
Shirt with detail – use added embellishments and details on your blouses to add bulk and volume to your top half. The idea being that your lower half is contained and simple so bring the drama to your top half. It will draw attention directly to your face which is the ideal place for it!
Panelled skirt – look for a firmer fabric with some shape to it. The panelling will give you firm support whilst the slightly flared shape will give a hint of femininity. Any vertical lines on your thighs and bottom will have a slimming effect.
Dress with flared skirt – a dress that is fitted through the top half of your body before flaring out over your thighs is the best choice. The fitted top hugs your curves and emphasised your slenderness on top, the detail at your waist highlights your waist and then the skirt flares over your thighs and discretely disguises their width.
Body hugging top – wearing colour on your top half attracts attention, more aptly it draws attention away from your lower half. A body hugging top shows your slender torso and ruched sleeves make your body look wider. The draping neckline of this top adds volume to your top half making your seem more balanced.
Fitted knit – the goal for a Skittle is always to make the upper half of their body broader to offset the width of your thighs whilst at the same time showing off your slender waist. A fitted knit vest over a feminine blouse with show your shape beautifully whilst making your shoulders look wider.
Wide leg trousers – wide leg pants fall from the hips and bottom and will skim over your thighs. Because they stay the same width all the way down they d isguise your calves and make your legs look longer. Get them hemmed to your heel. If you prefer to wear heels have them hemmed even longer and you will look taller and leaner again.
Waist hugging jacket – make use of your tiny waist with your jackets by finding one that hugs it lovingly. The wide open neck of this jacket broadens your shoulders and makes your seem wider, offsetting the width of your lower half.
High chunky heel – wearing a slender heel will simply highlight the width of your thighs and calves, particularly if you wear them with wide leg pants. Select a chunky heel that offers good stability. A higher heel is good as it adds height which again gives the illusion of more slender legs.
If you want to find out more about Trinny and Susannah’s Body Shape Bible please click here.
About Lisa
Mostly a really good description–but I would clarify by saying that the main difference between the Skittle and Pear is the butt. (You are right, though, they are similar–and likely genetically related. My mom’s a Skittle, I’m a pear, and I know a mom-daughter pair with the reverse combination) The Skittle, left to her own devices and without a good trainer/workout equipment, will have a completely flat butt, something the pear could never identify with! I would say the long-waistedness is mostly equal with these two types though (if anyone with normal-length legs ever tries going shopping in East Asia, they’ll quickly discover that nothing made for a bunch of Skittle girls will be long enough!)
my body is skittle except I am tall, so my legs are long. I’m wondering if the length of clothes is still an issue. I do agree on the shape of these – very good shapes for me!
Hi Julie
The length matters if it’s an issue for you. Everyone has different preferences where the clothing ends, but beware. The eye is drawn to where the clothing ends.
LISA
Hi Lisa ~ can you email me so I can send you a picture
of my profile? I would love to know if “skittle” is the right
choice. And if it is, what “style” this is called.