The ‘Perfect’ Body Shape

 

 

I have to say, it always makes me smile (and sometimes cringe a little!) when I hear so many so-called stylists and fashion influencers banging on about body shape, body shape, body shape – as if it’s the only physical aspect of a woman’s body that matters. Many women but not all, have a good idea of their shape or silhouette, and while it’s helpful, it’s only one small piece of the much bigger style puzzle.

When clients come for their style profiles, I always explain that body shape is just one piece of the bigger picture. This takes the pressure off the whole ‘is my body good enough’ question that so many women struggle with.

 

Equally important are:

Vertical proportions – how your body is balanced from top to bottom.

Body type – the various fabrications that sit well on your particular frame.

Scale – the accessories that best suit your frame to create balance.

Body variations – the parts of you that you may want to highlight, soften, or downplay.

Principles of Volume – understanding the correct distribution and balance of fabric on your frame.

 

Now, let’s talk about the most celebrated silhouette – the curvy and feminine ‘8’ shape. It’s often considered the ideal body shape and is one of two versions of the classic hourglass (the ‘X’ being the other). But there are distinct differences between the two.

Do you own a high “shelf-like” hip? You’ll have a defined waist, with the hip curving out directly from just under the waist at the high hip, before tapering smoothly (sometimes with a little dip) down to the thighs. This is different to the ‘X’ shape, which carries its curve lower, around the upper thighs & bottom of the butt.

With lovely horizontal balance between the shoulders and hips, the ‘8’ shape always shows a well-defined waist. The greater the space between the rib cage and pelvis, the more pronounced this waist tends to be.

Celebrities like Beyoncé, Ashley Graham, and Nigella Lawson are classic examples – so is the gorgeous Isabelle, a recent client who also owns the lovely ‘8’ shape.

The shoulders and hips of an ‘8’ can be similar in width, though the shoulder line may slope slightly. In this case, the ‘8’ shape woman can apply some of the same upper-body principles used for the ‘A’ shape. The key difference? The widest point of the ‘8’ is the high hip/top of the bottom, not the lower hip or thighs. This means weight is carried just under the waist, creating that characteristic “shelf.”

And this is why styling is so important: an A-line or flared skirt that looks fabulous on an ‘X’ can be less flattering on an ‘8’, as it can exaggerate the high hip. Instead, garments need to fall smoothly over the hips, going straight down or tapering in to balance proportions & slim the figure.

 

 

What suits the ‘8’ shape best?

Straight to mild boot-cut jeans and pants.

Peplum tops (absolutely made for this silhouette!).

Peplum-style jackets that skim perfectly over the high hip.

Wrap dresses with a straight or tapered skirt.

Pencil skirts (a classic for the ‘8’).

Garments that cinch at the waist like trench coats – perfect for showing off your best asset!