Style Confidential: The Hourglass Figure (Body Shape Profile)

The hourglass figure - hips and boobs in proportion to a small, defined waist - is historically 'the feminine figure' and 'a painter's dream', as well as one of the healthiest body shapes to have. Fashion stylistics such as Gok Wan and Trinny and Susannah recommend creating the illusion of this figure on apple, pear, and athletic shaped women.

Weight distribution: overall coverage, hips, upper thighs, upper arms, chest

What to wear: V-neck jumpers/sweaters, deep-V cut dresses, pencil skirts, two-button jackets, fitted cardigans, drapey trousers, fitted dresses, thin waist belts

What NOT to wear: big belts, smocks, cowboy boots, batwing sleeves, bows or flounces, ankle strap, point shoes

Famous inspiration - Hourglass icons:

Marilyn Monroe

Nigella Lawson

The moral is: if you've got it, flaunt it, if you don't, fake it!!

What are your body shape styling secrets?
(WATCH OUT FOR MORE BODY SHAPE BLOGS IN MY BODY SHAPE/STYLING SERIES)

Carpe diem xx

Beauty Confidential: Female Body Shape Types

Independent of fat percentage, weight or width, female body shapes are categorised into 1 of 4 elementary geometric shapes, though there are very wide ranges of actual sizes within each shape:

Apple (triangle downward)

Apple shaped women have broad(er) shoulders compared to their (narrower) hips. Apple shaped women tend to have slim legs/thighs, while the abdomen and chest look out of proportion compared to the rest of the body. Fat is mainly distributed in the abdomen, chest, and face.

Style icons: Drew Barrymore, Kate Winslet

Banana or straight/"boyish" (rectangular)

The waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the hips or bust measurement. Body fat is distributed predominantly in the abdomen, buttocks, chest, and face. This overall fat distribution creates the typical ruler (straight) shape.

Style icons: Cameron Diaz, Mischa Barton, Kiera Knightley

Pear or spoon or bell (triangle upward)

The hip measurement is greater than the bust measurement. The distribution of fat varies, with fat tending to deposit first in the buttocks, hips, and thighs. As body fat percentage increases, an increasing proportion of body fat is distributed around the waist and upper abdomen. The women of this body type tend to have a (relatively) larger rear, robust thighs, and a small(er) bosom.

Style icons: Beyonce Knowles, Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks

Hourglass shape. (triangles opposing, facing in)

The hip and bust are almost of equal size with a narrow waist. Body fat distribution tends to be around both the upper body and lower body. This body type enlarges the arms, chest, hips, and rear before other parts, such as the waist and upper abdomen.

Style icons: Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway

Marilyn Monroe

A study of over 6,000 women carried out by researchers at the North Carolina State University around 2005 found that 46% were banana (rectangular), just over 20% pear, just under 14% apple, and 8% hourglass. Another study has found "that the average woman's waistline had expanded by six inches since the 1950s" and that today women are taller and have bigger busts and hips than those of the 1950s.

How do you dress for/style outfits your shape?
(WATCH OUT FOR MY BODY SHAPE BLOG SERIES ON EACH BODY TYPE)

Carpe diem xx

24-PIECE CAPSULE WARDROBE

24 items I would consider essential in a basic capsule wardrobe:

(1) White fitted shirt

(2) Neutral pencil skirt

(3) Neutral blazer

(4) Belted trench coat

(5) Silk scarf

(6) Jersey dress

(7) Tea dress

(8) Neutral pashmina

(9) Waist belt

(10) Clutch bag

(11) Black ballet pumps

(12) Bootcut jeans

(13) Mid-heels

(14) High-heels

(15) Little Black Dress!!

(16) V-neck T-shirt

(17) Riding boots

(18) Bikini/swimsuit

(19) Summer skirt

(20) Khaki shorts

(21) Cashmere jumper

(22) Heavy cardigan

(23) Light cardigan

(24) Summer blouse

Carpe diem xx