Trinny and Susannah’s the Cello is described as big boobs, short waist, big hips, big bottom, big thighs and slim lower legs.
Basically, a cello is big, but unlike a Brick or an Apple or Skittle everything is basically proportionate with a definite waist though quite short. In the past you may have considered yourself to be a pear shape, you thighs and lower half just seem so out of control, but in reality the upper half, with your broad shoulders and big breasts balances you out. You have very different issues that a Pear, or more accurately a Skittle.
The definition of Cello describes my shape perfectly, except for the fact that I have very narrow shoulders. I have large breasts but most of the size is in the cup (E) so I’m more a skittle. I still utilise any tips that will work for a Cello as well as a Skittle.
Dressing the Cello
Rule number one – give up trying to hide. You can try, but really that’s simply going to make you stand out even more. Stand tall and utilise your full height; shoulders back, chest out, eyes forward. Now, highlight your waist and make use of those curves. Every outfit should show that you have a tiny little waist and lovely curves going on. Be careful of throwing your balance off.
Do – open up your chest. Covering up your chest will make you look frumpy and lumpy.
Don’t – wear pants or skirts that are pleated at the waist. They add bulk to a stomach that already has enough.
Do – wear fitted clothes. I know it may seem as if the world wants larger women to cover up in shame but this is not a good strategy. You simply end up looking bigger and feeling frumpy.
Don’t – slouch. Stand up tall and use your full height. You are who you are and standing tall and confidently will help to make your feel confident.
Clothes – what to avoid
Mini skirts – a mini skirt will cut your thighs at your widest part and draw all the attention there. If your limbs were long and willowy this wouldn’t be an issue, but they aren’t, so, the effect is your look shorter and squatter.
Skinny jeans – highlighting the size of your thighs in comparison to the slenderness of your calves just looks off and makes your thighs look wider again.
Polo-neck jumper or shirt - you have breasts, quite large ones in fact, and anything that covers your cleavage is a big no-no. You’ll simply look shorter and wider with some sort of deformity in the middle of your chest.
Satin skirts or pants – satin is unforgiving material that doesn’t move to accommodate your body. Instead it will crease in all the wrong places and the shinniness highlights any lumps or bulges.
Ankle boots – you need to look taller to offset the width of your body and the best way to achieve that is to utilise the full lenght of your leg. An ankle boot doesn’t allow that to happen.
Long jackets – a jacket with a hem that finishes on your thigh will draw attention to your thigh and completely swamp your more slender waist.
Clothes – what shapes to look for
Wide scoop neck top – a high collar simply will not work for a Cello. You (we) need to open up the chest area and the best way to do that is a deep scoop or v-neck. The wider the scoop or v the better. It opens up your shoulders as will and reduces the size of your breasts.
Shirts with no lapels – finding shirts that fit over your breasts comfortably can be somewhat of a chore and on of your best options is one without lapels. Again opt for an open neckline to reduce your breasts. This particular example is a wrap top which ‘wraps’ and highlights the waist.
Long lapel, single button jacket – a Cello has a tiny, short waist so its important to make your body seem longer while still highlighting that tiny waist. A long lapel will make your body look longer whilst the single button will nip in the waist like it was tailored for you.
Empire waisted dress with halterneck – the empire waist cuts your body at the narrowest part, just under your breasts, and gives the illusion your body is longer and leaner. The halter neck will give good support for your breasts.
Panelled skirt – the panels on the skirt will provide much needed support around the stomach and bottom. But then you need movement in the lower half to offset the ‘tightly packaged’ feel of the top. A pleated skirt that starts under your tummy is also a good choice.
V-neck jumper to hips – a deep v-neck is as useful for Cello’s as a scoop neck for showing off on of your best assets, your breasts, at the same time as reducing their impact. Choose a jumper that is long enough to cover your stomach and allow it to ruch in the middle. Three quarter length sleeves will draw attention to your waist.
Wide leg trousers – you need simple trousers with no side pockets. Wide leg trousers will lovingly cover and disguise your thighs. Opt for a simple cut and dark colour.
Wedge with a platform – you have nice lower legs below a substantial thigh. Consequently you need a shoe that will display those ankles but offer enough support to balance out your thighs. A wedge does that. The platform gives you increased height and makes you look taller and leaner. A flesh coloured shoe will look like an extension of your leg and make you seem taller and leaner again.
If you want to find out more about Trinny and Susannah’s Body Shape Bible please click here.
About Lisa
I’m confused about my shape. I think I’m somewhere between a cello an hourglass, is that possible? I have a generous bust line and a relatively small waist. 40B 31 43 and 5’3″. When I was in my twenties I was naturally slim and 35 24 34. I have a short waist and small lower legs and ankles, small arms, prominent collar bones. I know I do look better in sheath dresses, pencil skirts and V-neck shirts. I don’t wear skinny jeans, but I look good in regular straight legs. What do any of you ladies think? Hourglass or Cello?
Hi Elle
My vote is hourglass.
LISA
Hey Lisa,
I’m still really confused about my body shape. I have broad shoulders, small boobs (32B), 27in waist, and hips that are about 35in. My calves muscled but aren’t too big. My waist and stomach are the same all the way around, like a cylinder. Also, I’m 5’8″
What do you think? I’d really appreciate your input.
Hi Arada
You waist is smaller than your hips but you don’t say if your shoulders are broader than your hips. It really isn’t enough to go on. I’m sorry. What I’m looking for is which area of your body you feel is the most predominant, or what gives you the most trouble.
Let me know.
LISA
Hey could you please tell me what body shape I am?
Thanks!
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/IMG_0845_2.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/IMG_0860.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/CIMG0493_2.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/CIMG0676_5.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/CIMG0594.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/IMG_0720_2.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/CIMG0776.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/CIMG0768_2_2.jpg
My friend would also like to know her shape…
Here are 3 pics of her:
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/250817_10150265837678352_569033351_8943691_5041270_n.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/199644_1785368367984_1652783104_1702947_1856486_n.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/anonymous0101/185553_2005104441074_1047527176_31842977_4224160_n.jpg
Once again, thank you!
Hi Anonymous
I’d say a Cello or Hourglass. You’re very proportionate, short waist, full breasts and hips and thighs.
Your friend has a longer waist but is otherwise similar.
LISA
Lisa, could you please clarify to me the difference between an hourglass and a cello…I don’t really understand what the cello-shape is all about!
Thanks!
Hi, I am a funky shape too.
5 ft and half an inch tall, 34 DD, 28 waist and 40 hip , flat tummy,heavy thighs, big but and my arms and lower legs/ankles are tiny.
I think I am cello? My q is about to tuck or not tuck in a top and to wear or not a bely, i never wear belts i find it accentuates my hi waist and then the curve of my behind too, in a not so good wat. I can find wie leg pants no problem but most tops are too long, and I am very short waisted. I find it very hard to build outfits. any advice?
Hi Anonymous
My understanding is an Hourglass is busty and has a short waist and most probably some of a tummy. Her behind will be usually fairly flat and her arms and legs shapely. A Cello by contrast is a big lass. She is busty, she has large thighs and usually arms as well. She is likely to have a fairly developed booty. She will mostly likely have a spare tire around the middle.
There will likely be some overlap between two or three of all the shapes.
LISA
Hi Terri
If you find that tops are two long you have two choices, as you say, tuck or don’t tuck. Really it’s personal choice. The only thing that looks a little off is when you have high waisted pants, sitting on a high natural waist and a rounded stomach because it captures and highlights the roundness of the stomach. Even that is not a problem is you’ve not self conscious about it.
If you don’t want to tuck try and find mid to low rise pants that sit on your hips nicely (it can be quite hard with a small waist as they always want to ride up) and tuck the shirt in. It will make your torso look longer. Really with tucking that’s the only issue. I personally don’t like it because I find it accentuates my breasts too much. So I opt for belts. Again personal choice and what you find works for you.
Oh, goodness, like many other people, I’m having a hard time determining my body shape and it’s becoming slightly frustrating, reading so many different blogs that say vastly different things. I wear a 34C, my waist is 28″, and my hips are about 35″. But I have larger thighs and my calves are fine, with defined ankles. My arms are a little bigger though, yet my shoulders are (I guess what I’d consider) narrow. I have a shorter waist too, at least that’s what I’ve been told. Could you help me determine my shape so I can finally figure out what I’m doing here? I’d truly appreciate it.
Hey Socrates
I have bad news: finding out your shape is only a step in the direction of finding what cuts of clothes will and won’t work for you. Other than that it has no practical purpose.
It’s pretty hard to tell Trinny and Susannah shapes from measurements but I’d guess either an Hourglass or Cello.
LISA
Hi! I’m confused with my body shape as well… I’m a 36.5 30.5 35.5
Any idea what kind of body shape I have?
Hi Bel
Measurements are not much help for me, particularly as you don’t include your shoulder measurement.
LISA
hi Lisa,
I have size 34DD breats and i also have a really big bum and thighs but a small tummy so when I buy jeans or anything like that, I have to buy bigger sizes but then I have to wear a belt ad they fall down from my tummy., I’m 14 and I don’t have/want an outrageous style, i usually wear leggings, uggs, jeans, cardigans, and i normally am not good at puttin outfits together. could u suggest any clothes for me to buy or an outfit or even a dress that will flatter my figure in all the right places for when I go out?
Please I could really use someones help!
Hi Phoebe
I’m sorry that it’s taken so long to get back to you. We’re moving house at the moment and things are just chaos here.
Clothing wise you’re not too far on the wrong track with your choices. The thing with Cellos and Hourglasses is that extreme curves and making them work for you. The best bet is to always highlight your waist, and I know that can be a huge dealio with have such a tiny waist but do perservere. Opt for knitted tops and anything with a bit of shape to it that will skim your breasts and then hug your waist. With pants opt for wide leg mid to low rise so they sit on your hips and skim your legs. With dresses your best be is going to be an empire waisted dress, which means that the waist is just under your breasts, your narrowest part. Look for maxi dresses or wrap dresses with empire waists.
Good luck.
LISA
Hi! i have small boobs, short waist. broad shoulders(but a few centimeters smaller than my hips) wide hips, big round butt, large thighs( i think!!!!). My legs are normal!
The “distance” between my shoulders and hips is about 5 % ( at least 5-6%). The “distance” between my hips and my waist is 25 % . – So i´m very confused because i have the “pear shape” in the lower end.. but at the same time i have broad shoulders. My breasts are small (A/B) so therefore i was thinking that i could not be a ” Hourglass”? – The area that makes the biggest issue is my hips/butt and my broad shoulders.. i hate it! Hope You can help me!!
- A little letter from Denmark
– sorry about my language.. – only 17 years:D
Hi Louise
I think you have a shape that doesn’t fit exactly into any category. The Cello is a good choice, although you need to adjust for the fact that you have small boobs. In facts its quite the blessing because you don’t need to focus so much on breaking up your chest.
Have a look at the ideas of Pear as well for clues in dealing with your hips and butt. The best bet is to try to create outfits that draw attention to your waist.
LISA
okay thank your for you quick respond and may i say that its a fantastic website!! very helpful! Happy New Year btw.
Big boobs, thick thru the ribcage and waist. My butt is small and my legs are normal. I tend to buy clothes too big, but trying to be concious of that. I get so frustrated when I go shopping.
I’m not a “grandma” type by any means!
Note: I’m 58 and grey hair, but don’t let that fool you
Business casual, tops, pants, jeans.
Hi Pam
I’d say you’re a goblet.
Make use of your legs and minimise your top half. And bravo for not becoming the Grandma.
LISA
Great example of a Cello: Kim Kardashian. I get a bit annoyed by people comparing my true-pear shape to hers. Christina Hendricks could also be one, though I’m inclined to consider her a true Hourglass.
so, what am I? 5 foot 9- measurements are 37-28-40- Thank you!
Hi Saweetie
Its pretty hard to say from measurements. Where are you measuring?
LISA
hi- measurements are 37 inch bust- 29 inch waist and 40 inch hips- thanks so much!!
Hi, I have been poring over your site trying to ascertain my body shape. I don’t seem to fit the bill for any one/two shapes. I recently gained weight and it is throwing off my ability to dress myself in a flattering manner.
My measurements are 40.5′ shoulders, 31.5′ waist, 42′ hips. I am 5’7. My bust is smallish at 36B. My arms, lower legs and ankles are slim. My tum is small but not flat. I am maybe slightly short waisted though, I don’t know how to truly determine that, but it does not jump out at me either way. However, I am fullest at the top of my thighs (very, very top) at 43′. They are quite full at the very top but the taper down quite quickly.
Please help. Quite stumped. Thank you
Hi Mizbe
Rather than focus on body shape maybe think about the specific issues you have with clothing. Sometimes the easiest way to address the issues you’re having is to think about what parts you want to draw attention to and which ones you want to hide.
LISA