Unlocking Your Body Shape
Unlocking Your Body Shape: The First Step to Self-Acceptance
Have you ever stood in front of your closet, frustrated because nothing seems to fit or feel right? Because, same. Many of us have experienced that moment of despair, wishing we could just find the perfect outfit. But what if I told you that the key to wardrobe success lies in understanding your unique body shape? After working with Samantha Dawn in her VIP Style Makeover, I learned recognizing your body shape is not just about fashion; it’s about embracing who you are and finding pieces that help flatter your form.
Why Knowing Your Body Shape Matters
Understanding your body shape is more than just a fashion guideline—it’s a journey toward self-confidence. When you know your shape, you can choose styles that make you feel empowered and beautiful. Your body is your canvas, and knowing its contours helps you express yourself authentically.
Additionally, understanding your body shape can play a crucial role in tailoring health and fitness plans to meet your unique needs. Every body is different, and recognizing that can pave the way for more effective and fulfilling self-care practices. Keeping it entertaining, here are some of my before and after pictures to show you how big of an impact this has been after learning I am an Inverted Triangle.
Measurements as of 8/11/25
Shoulders: 44.5 inchesBust: 38.5 inchesWaist: 30.5Hips: 40.5Height: 5'8
I want to note that from some of these photos from above there was a 40 pound weight loss and hair color change!How to Identify Your Body Shape
Getting started on the journey to know your body shape is simple. Here’s how:
Gather Your Supplies:
- Comfortable clothing (think leggings and a fitted top)
- A measuring tape
- A mirror or a friend for support
Take Your Measurements:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist: Measure at the smallest part of your waist.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
- Shoulders: Measure around the fullest part of your shoulders.
- Inseam (book method): Stand with your back against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart.Place a book between your legs, with the spine against your crotch, and pull it snug against your body. Measure the distance from the top edge of the book to the floor, ensuring the tape measure is straight and snug against your leg.
Tip: You might want to create a simple chart (or put it in your Notes section) to record these measurements—you’ll thank yourself later!
Know the Main Body Shapes:
Now that we have your measurements, let’s go through the different shapes to see which one you resonate with.
Sam taught me that everyone has two shapes, one on the top and one on the bottom. To keep this simple, we will just focus on one shape.
Compare your measurements to the characteristics of each body shape. It’s important to remember that every body is unique, and embracing your shape is a beautiful thing! Rather than focus on what shape you may want, change your outlook on this now being your super power.
- Round:
Midsection is the largest measurement.
Little to no waist definition
Bust - Waist - Hip Measurement are few to none measurements apart
To create a flattering waistline with a round body shape, focus on emphasizing the mid-torso and creating a defined waistline through strategic clothing choices and styling techniques. This involves choosing garments that skim the body without being too tight, utilizing details that draw attention to the waist, and balancing proportions with well-chosen tops and bottoms.
Emphasize the Mid-Torso: Identify the slimmest part of your waist, typically around the mid-torso, and choose clothing that highlights this area
Define the Waist: Look for tops with ruching, wrapping, or belts at the waist to create a more defined silhouette
High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted pants and skirts can help to elongate the legs and create a more defined waistline
Avoid Shapeless Styles: Baggy, oversized, and shapeless clothing can overwhelm the body and hide the waist
- Rectangle:
Similar measurements across bust, waist, and hips.
Straight shoulder line to hips and to bottom
Very little waist definition
The rectangle body shape, also known as a straight or athletic shape, is characterized by balanced shoulders, waist, and hips, with a less defined waistline. To create a more flattering silhouette, the goal is often to create the illusion of curves and a more defined waistline.
Opt for waist-defining pieces: Look for clothing designed to cinch in at the waist, such as belted dresses, wrap dresses, peplum tops, and empire-waist styles.
Belt it up: This is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to add shape to your silhouette. Experiment with different belt widths and styles. A wide belt can draw attention to your midsection, while a thinner belt may work best with less structured garments.
Strategic details: Dresses and tops with details like ruching, ties, or drawstring waists can create the illusion of curves and a more defined waist.
Avoid Ending at the Waist: Avoid wearing tops or jackets that end right at the waistline as this can emphasize the lack of waist definition. Tops that end at hip level are generally more flattering.
- Triangle:
Shoulders are more narrow than hips
Hip measurements are wider compared to bust & shoulders
Full hips & thighs
If you have a triangle body shape (also known as a pear shape), your hips are wider than your shoulders, with a defined waist and narrower upper body. The goal when dressing a triangle figure is to create balance and draw attention to the upper body, while flattering and subtly de-emphasizing the lower body.
Shoulder Emphasis: Tops with padded shoulders, structured shoulders, or boat necks can help broaden the shoulders and create a more balanced silhouette
Necklines: V-necks and scoop necks can help elongate the neck and create a more balanced look.
A-line and Flared Styles: A-line skirts and dresses, as well as flared jeans and pants, are great for skimming over the hips and creating a flattering silhouette
Avoid Horizontal Stripes: Horizontal stripes on the lower body can widen the hips, so it's best to avoid
- Inverted Triangle:
Waist & Hip measurement are similar
Shoulders are the largest measurement
Little to no waist definition
For an inverted triangle body shape, the key to flattering styling is to balance the broad shoulders with the lower body. This can be achieved by choosing clothing that adds volume to the hips and waist, while avoiding styles that emphasize the shoulders.
Necklines: Opt for V-necks, scoop necks, and other necklines that elongate the neck and break up the broadness of the shoulders. Avoid wide or boat necklines that can make shoulders look wider.
Pants: Wide-leg pants, bootcut jeans, and flared jeans create a balanced silhouette by adding volume to the lower body
Styles: A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and dresses with pleated skirts are great options for inverted triangle shapes
Avoid: Avoid dresses with shoulder pads, strong shoulder details, or overly fitted styles
- Hourglass:
Bust & Hip measurements are about the same
Hip & Shoulder measurements are in line
Waist is the smallest measurement
For a flattering look, hourglass figures should emphasize their naturally balanced proportions by highlighting the waistline. Opt for fitted or tailored clothing that accentuates the curves, and avoid boxy or shapeless styles. Consider wrap tops and dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and structured jackets or blazers.
Waist-defining silhouettes: Wrap dresses, peplum tops, and belted jackets cinch the waist and create a defined silhouette
Moderate necklines: V-necks, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines balance the bust and draw attention upwards
Avoid overly bulky or shapeless styles: These can hide the waist and make the body appear larger
Embracing Your Unique Body
Understanding your body shape is just the beginning! Embracing your uniqueness is vital to creating a positive self-image. Consider incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine. Surround yourself with supportive communities, whether in person or online, to share experiences and uplift one another.
In the quest to find the perfect outfit, understanding your body shape is an essential first step that can lead to profound self-acceptance and confidence. Embrace your journey, and remember that the best outfit you can wear is your confidence!
I’d love to hear about your body shape discoveries! Share your experiences or post pictures of outfits you love, and let’s continue this beautiful journey together. You might even inspire someone else to embrace their body.