Beauty comes in many different shapes and sizes.  A women’s silhouette naturally draws an outline that can be comparable to different objects of similar shape.  The shapes we use to describe these body types are simple objects that have a distinct shape and are easily recognizable. My Image Expert has prepared a basic test that you can try at home to find what body type you have. 

To get started you will need the following:

A full length mirror

A marker or eyeliner (to draw with)

Another person (around the same height)

1.     Remove any bulky clothing. You should have only undergarments or slim fitting clothing on for this process.

2.     Stand about 4-5 ft in front of the full length mirror (facing forward)

3.     Take 5 deep breathes and relax your neck and shoulders. Stand with your back straight and legs together with your hands by your side.

4.     Have your person stand right beside the mirror with the marker or eyeliner in hand. They will be marking several 1”vertical lines directly onto the mirror around your reflection’s silhouette.

5.     Ask them to make a small 1”vertical line at your right and left shoulder (this will show the overall width of your shoulders)

6.     Spread your arms up in the air at shoulders length to make a straight line. Have your person mark the mirror with two 1”vertical lines in the chest area on the outside silhouette of your bust width.

7.     Make two separate 1”vertical lines to mark the width of your natural waist.  Your natural waist is ideally the area where your belly button is. This will mark the width of your waist.

8.     Have your person make two 1” vertical lines on your mirrored silhouette where your hips are. This will mark the width of your hips.

9.     You can lower your arms now! The last 2 lines will be made marking the width of your knees.

10.  Once all the short lines are marked, they can be connected! Connect the lines representing the right side of the body and then connect the lines representing the left side. 

11.  You should have two curvy lines on both side of the mirror which represents the outline of your body and will ultimately determine your shape. 

These lines will represent an overall shape. In recognizing an overall shape, you should consider which part of your body is the narrowest and which part is the widest. The majority of women carry the bulk of their weight in the hip area while others tend to be “top heavy” carrying weight in the mid section and upper body.  To understand your individual body type you need to also consider the balance of your body.  If your shoulder width and hip width are the same you have a more balanced frame. If you shoulders tend to be narrower than your hips, then chances are you have a shorter torso and longer bottom half.  To better understand the balance of your body structure you can compare your torso length to the length of you lower body. Your lower body starts from your low waist (where your pants sit) to your feet!  Body proportions are important when determining what style pants, shorts, tops, skirts, dresses and shoes to wear.  It is a crucial element to determining what body type you are.  That being said, listed below are the most common body types for women. Find your overall shape to learn what styles are better suited for figure.

• Cone shape - Athletic build: The width between your left and right shoulder is larger than the width of your hips. The key is to wear tops and dresses that will drape your shoulders and create the illusion of curves in the mid section. Avoid spaghetti straps and tubeless tops. A boot-cut pant style is ideal for your figure in order to accent your hips and create smaller calves balancing out your lower proportions. Your shoe should match your body frame. Try a cone heel peep-toe pump to highlight your small ankles.

• Ruler Shape – Slim and Trim: Most runway models are rulers.  If you are a ruler, you have very few curves and a narrow frame. Some rulers have a full chest accentuated by a small waist. Your shoulders may be slightly wider than the width of your hips.  It is important for rulers to keep a balanced shape by creating the illusion of feminine curves. Try tops and dresses with a gathered front to draw attention to your small waist. Trouser and fitted pants are a great style that will hug you in all the right places and accent the curves in your hips.  Your shoes should match your body frame. Try a narrow slim heel to highlight your great legs. Avoid platforms and wedges!

• Flask Shape – Slim torso / Thick Thighs: With along slim torso, the balance of your weight lies in the thigh area. Don’t worry, your lower half is very easy to disguise. You have a small waist and balanced upper torso.  Try pinstriped wide-legged pants to disguise the thigh area. A wide leg pant is the best pant style for you. It creates balance in the leg proportions.  Try wearing tops that have a deep v-neck, subtle ruffles, or printed pattern to draw the attention to your upper torso. Your shoes should match your frame. Wear a wider heel like a square shape or a cone shape to compliment shorter legs.

• Amphora or vase Shape – Elongated Hourglass: At times you chest and tummy may feel like they are taking a shape of their own! Your arms are longer which could make you feel like they are a bit heavy. Don’t worry, you are well proportioned and have a small high waist.  Try a printed wrap dress to minimize your bust line and wear tops have an open neck line! Don’t be afraid to belt garments in the high waist area.  A pencil skirt will accentuate your hour-glass bottom. Pair this with a curvy shoe that has a thinner heel to compliment the entire package.