Body adoration begins with body education. Below is a 4 step primer.
Step 1: Measure
directions here.
Step 2: The Math
I even made you this nerdy spreadsheet to assist. (Click the edit button in the upper right then enter your measurements in the “YOU” column.
Step 3: Declare
Step 4: Embrace
Day 7 Challenge: Determine your body type and dress to flaunt it this weekend.
Post your body type declaration and/or fashion embracing results in the comments, feel free to link to blogs, instagram, pinterest, flicker, or other sources
Feed me fashionably fresh
I am right on the border of linear and hourglass. Interesting spreadsheet!
Modern Modest Beauty
I fit in rounder & softer AND lean and angular. hahah. It’s good to be me.
It said I didn’t have permission to use it.
I cannot agree with this post more. I calculated my measurements about 2 months ago, and decided to start dressing accordingly. The way I viewed my body changed dramatically simply because I accepted what I am. AND lets admit it, when I dress for my body type I look REALLY good.
Catie,
Linear body types and middle figure body types actually have the same proportions. When trying to decide between the two determine whether you would describe your figure as boyish (lacking curves) or whether you are more curvy with some tummy based insecurities.
Good luck!
Jenny,
There are body type hybrids such as upper-middle or lower-middle, but your case sounds closer to a possible hourglass with minor middle concerns. I threw out linear because hourglass and linear are too different to combine in one figure, and after looking at pictures of you, you definitely look more hourglass than linear. Since middle figure and linear are the same proportions, hourglass-middle may describe you.
But remember, numbers are just the starting point. Read the descriptions and see what matches up with your experience.
BTW, can’t wait to read more about your adventures in NY. Exciting!
Soon to be divorced,
Make sure you click the edit button in the top right corner before typing in your measurements. If it still doesn’t work, you are welcome to e-mail me at reachel@cardiganempire.com and I can e-mail you the spreadsheet.
Kit,
So true. My body changed dramatically after having my son and once I measured my new dimensions and accepted my new figure, it made a world of difference too.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
R
Your body-type descriptions changed the way I think a long time ago, Reachel! Thanks for the reminder!
I’m _definitely_ a pear — no ifs, ands, or apples about it. I dig my curves and think I’ve found a personal style that flatters them and makes me feel comfortable–except with jeans. Long and flared (with heels) usually works, but sometimes I just want to wear flats, yet I’m too self-conscious in tapered, ankle-length jeans. Love a good boyfriend cut for comfort but can’t really tell if they’re flattering.
Any other pears have ideas?
When I first found your blog I was rounder and softer. I started dressing accordingly and felt so much better about myself and the way I looked. Now my measurements fit in the lean and angular. Cool spreadsheet. I wish more women would know their body type, dress accordingly and feel better as a result.
When you first started blogging and introduced me to body types you changed my life. I had NO idea I was a middle figure but knowing that made a world of difference to me. I totally get my body now.
My dear darling Kirsten,
How lovely to hear from you. So you’re lower figured and you don’t want to wear heels everyday, it’s understandable. My first recommendation would be a straight leg pant cuffed to the ankle bone paired with pointy, visually elongating flats.
If you opt for boyfriend jeans, don’t take the name too literally. While they can be slightly relaxed through the thigh, they shouldn’t be baggy. Since your creating additional width through the leg using this option you need to compensate in the shoe. If you must go flat, I recommend a sandal since it offer the most visible leg line. But ideally, I recommend pairing it only with a height promoting heel. Nothing delicate, it should be strong and slightly edgy, but you’ll end up looking unreasonably schlumpy with a traditional flat like a loafer.
For more helpful advice, I recommend this article by Lucky: http://www.luckymag.com/style/howto/2012/03/readers-ask-dear-lucky-where-should-your-pants-hit-your-shoe#slide=1
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading through your site and was quick to put this chart to work. Alas, I was surprised to find I am considered a lower figure! This isn’t a shock of denial, rather a confounding rebuttal of long-held belief of being an hourglass. I have broad shoulders, which are not taken into consideration in your measurements. Can you advise, Reachel? Are broader shoulders a visual balance of the lower figure and therefore nudging it into the hourglass category or should I consider dressing with more consideration to my lower half?
Rachel,
Broad shoulders should definitely be taken into account. Broad shoulders tend to be more of an anomaly in woman, so the first measurement technique is usually accurate.
As a second technique, measure the width of your shoulders from edge to edge (it’s usually easier to have someone do it from behind) as well as your hips from edge to edge. Once you have both measurements, compare. If they are roughly equivalent, I would proceed with hourglass strategies.
Good luck!
Reachel