Welcome to the last in my series on Dressing Your Body Shape. I am writing this issue in the car. Hubby has to go pick up Amsoil products in Pa. at the warehouse there and he asked me to go with him this time. He can’t keep in snowmobile oils. Glad this winter is good for something. I can’t wait for it to end. Love my outfit today and the beautiful hot pink jewelry. The wire wrapped pendant and the gorgeous ring are hand crafted by jewelry artisans. Got the cool earrings yesterday at my nail salon. Wore this whole outfit to go with the awesome manicure I just got there. She always surprises me and picks out the colors. I said I wanted something bright and springy. Think she nailed it, no pun intended.

The last pic here is a nice closeup of my manicure. I have an awesome nail tech.

So now let’s get started. The last body shape is the full hourglass. By the way, I think I concluded yesterday that I am the neat hourglass. Let’s see what the difference is. As with every day, look in the mirror and refer to the instructions given in the beginning of this series explaining how to help determine if this is your body shape.

DO YOU

Feel more comfortable in fitted styles?

Find that a straight skirt rises up?

Find that waistbands are often too large?

Wear a slightly larger size on top to accommodate your bust

YOUR BUILD IS CHARACTERIZED BY:

Bigger thighs

A rounded bottom and hips

A small waist

A full bust

OTHER BODY SHAPE TENDENCIES

If you have gained or lost weight many times your body shape can change into another one. Read below to see what other body shape tendencies you might have.

A leaner body around your bust, hips and tummy, might point you to a neat hourglass shape.

Extra weight around your hips can make you lean towards the pear shape.

Extra weight around your waist can make you lean towards an apple body shape.

RULES FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE AND HOW TO CREATE VISUAL BALANCE

You need to wear shaped and fitted lines in order to follow your body line, but avoid bulk and volume around your feminine curves.

Wear a supporting bra that will lift your bust and give you a more defined waist.

Bring attention to your shoulder and neckline, wear designs that bring the eye to the center by wearing wider and lower necklines.

Extend the shoulder past the thickest part of the arms.

YOU SHOULD AVOID:

Straight shapes that hide your waist

Fussy styles and details that create additional volume around your bust, tummy, hips, thighs, e.g. that is dropped sleeve lines, pleats, high waisted styles, hip pockets

High necklines that cover your cleavage and décolletage e.g.turtle neck

Boxy jackets or double breasted styles, narrowing leg lines or wide/ short sleeves that finish near your bust.

THE BODY SHAPES AND THEIR CLOTHING LINES

Every body shape has its own characteristics and silhouette, which needs to be addressed when choosing your clothes. The aim of choosing the right clothes is to balance your silhouette. You may not be able to follow all the fashion tends that are out there, but nowadays there are so many trends in fashion that there is something available for every body shape. So, don’t get sidetracked by falling in love with a style and look that doesn’t match your body shape:

NECKLINE FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Opt for lower and wider necklines like scoop, square or sweetheart. Keep attention around your bust and décolletage line e.g. use embellishments ,color, pattern. A high yoke which gathers around or draped bodice is excellent camouflage for a heavy busted person.

SLEEVES FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Cap, 3/4 sleeves, above wrist, wrist length, shaped.

TOPS AND SHIRTS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Shoulder pads are good to allow the sleeves to hang unrestricted; crossovers or wraps in soft fabrics; empire lines that go in under your bust, side fastening.

JACKETS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Fitted with shawl collar or concealed front opening, single breasted, wide lapels which to sit above your bust.

COATS WITH FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Fitted styles with shawl collar, single breasted.

DRESSES FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Wrap or bias-cut shift, empire line that goes in under the bust, hemline no shorter than knee length.

SKIRTS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Flip, bias, or full skirts that are adjustable at the waist, pencil skirts ( best with a split at the back or sides) , best hemline is at the knee or longer.

TROUSERS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Flat fronted with side zip, plain, straight or flared/ wide legs(best for long legs)

JEANS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Simple and clean styles such as classic bootcut or straight leg are best. A narrowing leg is a tricky option.

SHOES FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Medium to chunky heel; platforms; wedges; a pointed or square toe looks great, considering you have good calves, you are relatively flexible in your shoe choices, wear color and detail in your shoes.

BAGS FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Choose chunky styles; shoulder bags that will sit near your waist and not too close to your bust, hand bags are good, be careful with clutch bags(only good with slimmer arms).

SWIMWEAR AND BEACHWEAR FOR FULL HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE

Under-wiring or support is essential; be aware of high- cut styles and avoid stripes, thongs, detailing at the bust and hips.

So there you have it. That is the last body shape. I hope you all were able to find yours and have seen what styles of clothing would be best for you to be wearing. The right fit and style makes all the difference. I hope you will take what you learned here and apply it whenever you shop for clothing and related accessories. Again here is the link to the website ,”The Joy Of Clothes”, where all the information is taken from. There are lots of cool things to do and read about here, so enjoy exploring. http://www.joyofclothes.com/

As I was late getting this out I will be working on a new topic later tonight . If there are any of my readers who aren’t aware of the FaceBook group I started about a month ago, I invite you to come join us.

Remember , we are all on this journey together. You are not alone. With each other’s support and encouragement we will make 2015 the best year ever. Till next time, God bless.