Style Your Body Shape

Susana Monaco skirt - $47.40 from JBandme.com

I’ve had quite a few queries about pencil skirts and pear shapes so wanted to address that. I love this awesome pencil skirt and it’s definitely something that I might wear and I’m a pear shape. But then not all pear shapes are created equal. Technically I am a pear shape in that I’m bigger on the bottom BUT the majority of weight is around my hips and if I gain weight it goes to my inner thighs and hips. For me a pencil skirt is a good way to disguise my thighs but make use of the curves of my hips and bottom.

If you are a true pear shape in that your widest part is around the outside of your thighs a pencil skirt will not work for you. A pencil skirt highlights the curves of the thigh and in the case of the true pear it’s a question of getting your thighs back into proportion with the rest of your slender frame. A minimizing strategy is a far better option.

So … who does suit a pencil skirt? If you have a big bootie - think J Lo or Kim Kardashian - then the pencil skirt is ideal for you. Anyone with an hourglass frame it will play up your figure. If you’re extra curvy definitely try a pencil skirt, or the close cousins the straight or fluted skirt, to play up those curves. If you’re slender a pencil skirt will work to make the most of the curves you have.

AVOID - if you’re pear shaped. Also avoid if you have extra in the middle as you need to offset that extra on the lower half and a pencil skirt won’t help. The same applies if you’re bigger on top. You both need to add volume to your lower half and this isn’t the best option.

Good shopping,

LISA

An A-line skirt is a skirt that flares out at the waist to a hem that is wider making, funnily enough, an A shape.

An A-line skirt will

• Create the illusion of curves on a straight frame
• Minimize hips
• Minimize a tummy
• Complement extra curvy frames

An A-line Skirt Will Suit

• The A-line skirt is the staple for every wardrobe as it’s a style that’s simple and easy to wear and will be flattering on all body types; BUT
• If you have a big butt be careful because some A-line skirts can billow out over the bottom making it appear bigger than it is

How To Wear It

• The best hem height is mid or just below your knee. Showing the upper curve of your calf makes your legs appear longer and thinner
• If you’re bigger on the bottom then make the skirt plain and darker colored and pair with an eye catching top
• An A-line is enormously versatile and can be worn in any number of ways:

FOR PLAY

Empire waisted tops are an ideal way to conceal a stomach as it’s cinched at your narrowest part giving the illusion of a small waist. The empire waist also creates length in the entire body. The halter neck draws the eyes up to the shoulders and bust and keeps it there with the bare shoulders look. The A-line skirt will offset any heaviness around the middle, bottom or thighs and give you extra curves. The knee length hem will display your shapely calves making your legs look longer (and therefore narrower) and the shoe will not interrupt the line of your leg as a strapped one would so will again make your look taller. This particular skirt is made of broderie anglaise which is a sturdy fabric which is great for those with a little extra curves as it helps keep things in place. Avoid this top if you have big breasts - it will be too difficult to carry off with class.

FOR WORK

This great outfit would be perfect for the pear or rectangle shaped lady. The A-line skirt is great for minimizing heavier thighs and bottoms and the jacket with it’s subtle horizontal pinstripe will add volume to the top half. The change to vertical stripes at the waist combined with the detailing where the two stripes meet gives the illusion of a curvy waistline. The monochromatic look will increase the length of your body and make your legs look longer. The shoes just make the whole outfit pop. This is an outfit that would work well for a petite lady as well because it is simple and will make you look taller. Be cautious if you are bigger on top as the pinstripe may make you look bigger again.

A surplice top is like a wrap top but without all the fussing with the ties. It is made with two separate pieces of material ‘wrapped’ across the body and secured at the side seam sometimes with a button or tie but most often actually sewn into the seam. The cross over of the material creates a deep v-neck which is flattering to everyone but the flat chested. The wrapped pieces are joined creating a ruching effect over the breasts and stomach.

A Surplice Shirt Will…

• Separate and define your breasts so is ideal for bigger breasted women to avoid a uni boob look. Plus the ruching over the bust will disguise any ‘pull’ over the breasts.
• It’s a fitted style so will mold to breasts and follow the curve of the waist - ie boost your boobs and narrow your waist.
• Open up your chest and draw attention to your face and away from your lower half.
• The ruching over the stomach is a great way to disguise any bulges.

How To Wear It

• This top will draw attention upwards. It will minimise the top half.
• If you are bigger on top look for a plain shirt in this style, preferably in a darker color, that fits nicely following the curve of your body and then pair with a eye-catching skirt, jean or pant. Creating interest on your bottom half and minimising, though still flattering the top, will give you a more even silhouette.
• To draw attention to your top half choose in a bright color or with a eye-catching pattern and match with plain, darker colored skirt, pant or jean.
• Wear with a camisole underneath for a more restrained daytime look or without for a sexy evening outfit.

This Will Flatter

This style will work for almost anyone however it is better for:

• Pear Shaped - brings all eyes upward
• Curvy - will work well with your killer curves
• Big Breasted - a very forgiving, yet flattering style
• Rectangular - works to create a waist through the deep v and ruching over stomach
• Large tummy - ruching covers bulges whilst the deep v draws eyes

Ahh, summer. Time to dust off the swimwear and head to the beach. I don’t know about you but for me this can be quite a trying time. Particularly as where I live in Australia it’s summer for practically six months of the year. I’m generally pretty happy with my shape but that’s all challenged when it comes time to bare all in a swimsuit. Eeeep! Still this year, armed with a little knowledge I figure I can choose a swimsuit that’s functional, comfortable and stylish, and so can you.

I’ve broken this up into general body shapes but you should really consider it from a point of view of what do YOU personally want to reveal or conceal. You may be a pear shaped but have issues with your stomach, In which case you probably won’t be opting for a bikini, so read through the whole thing and then apply the bits that you need to.

Big Breasts - dealing with a bigger top

• You need to hoist those babies up there for best effect. Anyone over a C cup needs to look for underwired cups to give you the support you need. Yes, even in a halter neck!
  
• Try a style that will spread you breasts further apart as this will have a minimizing effect. Wide placed straps are perfect.
  
• Avoid something that just squishes you down - think of the sausage effect; it will ruin the line of your body. Most halter tops will have this effect, but there are some good ones out there.
• If you choose a bikini opt for substantial briefs. The size of the top that contains your rack needs to be offset and a little string bottom won’t do that. Look for something that supports your butt.
• To balance out a bigger top highlight your waist with banding or a change in color.

Rectangle - creating a waist

• Your aim is to create curves. A simple way to do that is to look for swimwear that has a detailing or pattern on it suggesting curves.
  
• A strapless suit will do the same thing.
  
• Avoid a bikini. You need to accent you waist which is not easy in a bikini. If you do opt for a bikini choose one with wider straps (unless you’re very small on top) and a low leg or boy leg pant to elongate your waist and make it seem curvier.
• A belted swimsuit will give you a very definite waist.
  
• Look for suits with detailing on the hips as this again creates curves where you want them.

Pear Shaped - taming the booty

• Your aim is to draw the eyes upward. The best choice for you might be a string bikini, preferable a halter top as it will broaden your shoulders, but anything that is going to draw the eyes upward is ideal.
  
• A high cut bottom will elongate the length of your leg and reduce the size of your bottom.
• Avoid a swim skirt as it will draw eyes to your thighs. Draw the eye to your top instead.
• To conceal a big butt look for a bright print or detailing that draws the eye upward instead.
  
• If your bottom is big it needs support. Look for a substantial brief or a suit with good support.
• A long sarong tied at the waist and open down the length of one leg will minimize a large thigh will remaining sexy and stylish.
  

Conceal Your Stomach

• If you have larger breasts (anything from a C cup upward) you need good support. Hoisting your boobs up is a simple way to make your stomach look smaller.
• Look for the Miraclesuit swimwear link the link below. There is a double layer of material for extra hold.
  
• Ruching on a one piece suit along the sides a good way to confuse the eye and draw it away from your stomach.
  
• One part of your body needs to be the focus. Its best to draw the eye upward.
• Avoid metalics or busy patterns as they will draw the eye. Simple is better.
• Look for vertical lines or detailing that give the illusion of curves where there are none.
• A boy leg cut will not offer as much support for your stomach as a higher cut swimsuit.

Petite and Slender

• A high cut suit will extend the length of your leg and make you look taller.
• For the very slender look for horizontal stripes - they will add volume to your upper half.
• Those cute triangles are made for the very slender and not so well endowed. The size of the suit is perfect for your small proportions.
• Any bows, ruffles, flounces will add volume to your top half will

Curvy

• Don’t just cover up - think about which body part is your most favorite and work to reveal that and conceal everything else. If you cannot decide then opt for your chest and face. Refer above for ideas on how to flatter breasts, stomach or bottom and thighs.
• Darker colors will conceal. Lighter colors will reveal.
• Ruching is great for confusing the eye - what is part of the suit and what is a little extra flesh.
  

General Tips

• As with all outfits there should be one element that is the focus be it a great rack, fabulous thighs, flat toned stomach or your beautiful face. Choose one and deal with the rest.
• Fit, as always, is important both in terms of personal comfort and style. You may need a different size for your top and bottom so don’t be afraid to go to a bikini or tankini.
• If you’re bigger on either the top or the bottom mix plain blocks of color with prints, the prints being on the smaller portion to create interest and the plains on the area to minimize.
• If you tempted to cover up in a big oversize t-shirt get yourself a wrap instead. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and you will feel a lot more feminine and sexy.

I hope this has been helpful. I’ve certainly enjoyed writing it and researching all the different types of swimsuits and what they do. Thanks for reading.

LISA

Unless you get the foundations right the entire structure is going to be shaky. We all know this, so it’s astonishing the number of women who ignore the foundations when putting together outfits. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans or a designer outfit if you don’t have the right underwear your foundation is going to be shaky, or rather, saggy and baggy.

Instantly go down one dress size

I used to buy the cheapest underwear I could find, because, well I’ve been known to be cheap, but also because I felt so fat that I didn’t deserve nice underwear. Besides, it’s not like anyone was ever likely to see it. All that changed one chilly winters day when I was trolling the clearance bins at my local department store. I happened to find a bra that looked about right; I didn’t have the vaguest idea of my size so went completely on guess work. I tried it on and holy cow it looked fabulous! For the first time in my life I had proper support and shape from my bra. It was great. Then, as it was cold I put my shirt back on over top and found that it was suddenly baggy. Oh my god, it actually made me look slimmer; quite a spiritual moment for me at that particular time in my life.

From that moment on I was hooked. I think nothing now of paying $100 for a good, well fitting bra that does exactly what I need it to do, and for a bargin hunter like me that’s huge. I cannot recommend enough the necessity of having excellent underwear. You can bluff a lot of other things in your wardrobe but if the basic building blocks are not right then you’re just going to look frumpy.

Get The Fit Right

It’s estimated that upwards of 80% of women are not wearing the right size bra which is just a crime. Apart from the bonus of looking better under your clothes, well fitting underwear is comfortable and at the end of the day that’s what I focus on - being physically comfortable cause my clothes fit and emotionally comfortable because I know I’ve done the best with who I am.

How do you know if a bra fits? There are two main parts to worry about - the band and the cup size. One common mistake a lot of women make is thinking that because they’re larger, or smaller, their bra should be larger or smaller in comparison. If you’re larger it doesn’t correspond that you’re larger around. In fact most women carry excess weight in their breasts which means that you need a larger cup size, not a larger bra. The same with smaller breasted women. Just because your breasts are small doesn’t mean you don’t need a wider band to accommodate your back. Just like with clothes, disregard the number on the label and focus on the fit.

I found this excellent fitting guide that shows some of the common mistakes we make with our bras. Take the time to have a look and see if your bra is fitting properly and if it isn’t, take the time to find out your size.

Underwear And Your Body Shape

Just like with clothes the shape of your body will determine the type of underwear you need. I’ll be going into more detail about particular shapes and styles later but in the mean time here is an outline of what you need to be looking for.

PEAR SHAPED

• For you the focus is on lifting your boobs up to offset your lower half; basically all eyes on your breasts.
• Opt for a push-up style bra. You need maximum support and boost.
• Bras with straps wide apart will broaden your upper body.
• In briefs look for a high-cut thigh-slimming leg which still has enough support to lift your butt.
• If you don’t like high-cut then look for a low leg that sits under your bottom.
• Opt for briefs that have lace at the bottom rather than elastic that cuts into the flesh.
• A strapless bra is perfect for broadening your upper half.

SLIM AND PETITE

• Proportion is key. You can get away with a half cup plunge bra and it will boost your boobs.
• Cups cut at an angle with make your breasts look larger.
• Opt for lighter colors and small patterns. It will make your breasts look bigger.
• A padded push up bra will give you lots of va-va-voom. Keep your eye on proportion though cause you don’t want to look like you’re wearing your mothers bra packed with tissues.
• Chicken fillets are a good option.
• A brief cut high on the thigh will make your leg look longer and you look taller.
• Avoid high waisted briefs or any sort of substantial underwear. These are meant for your larger sisters and will swamp your small frame.
• A thong is ideal.

CURVY & BIG BREASTED

• For you the focus is good support which will make your breasts seem bigger and wider which will make your waist smaller and really create that hourglass shape.
• A full cup balcony bra is ideal as it will lift your breasts right up. In fact always choose a bra with underwiring if you are over a B cup.
• Look for shapes that separate your breasts to avoid getting a mono-boob look.
• To disguise a bigger tummy lift your breasts high - again look for a balcony bra.
• For a sexy alternative go for a full cup bra with the top half sheer or lacy. It will still give you the support but also lots of feminine ooph.
• Avoid a push up bra - it’s overkill.
• Match your bra with sexy, but substantial pants.
• A brief that cuts across your stomach is perfect to disguise a fuller belly.
• Avoid high waisted briefs if you have a large tummy, unless they are support garments, to avoid unsightly bagging.
• Avoid low waisted briefs if you have a large tummy to avoid muffin-top look.
• A higher cut on the thigh will lengthen the leg.
• Opt for substantial but sexy briefs for the support. A flossy little thing will just disappear and that’s a disturbing visual.
• Consider a corset. They come in comfortable shapes and materials and will give you extra support and extra special sexiness.

Conclusion

Underwear should never be an afterthought. It’s the beginning of everything you ever put on and the last thing to come off, so if it looks good, feels comfortable and flatters you, well all the better. Style is all about confidence and knowing your foundations are strong will boost your’s.

Thanks for reading,

LISA