You DON'T Know Your FULL Body Type: Improve Your Style with THESE 5 Easy Tests

Summary

This guide explores how to create stylish outfits by understanding your unique body proportions rather than just following trends or aesthetics. It covers how to determine your horizontal body shape (shoulders, waist, hips) and vertical body shape (torso length vs. leg length) using simple tests. It also discusses how your neck length and shoe size impact overall styling. The goal is to dress in a way that complements your individual shape, balancing proportions to enhance your appearance, regardless of your chosen style or aesthetic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Great style is less about aesthetic and more about how you wear it—how it fits your personality and body type.
• 😀 Your body proportions—both horizontal (shoulders, waist, and hips) and vertical (torso and legs)—are key to creating stylish outfits.
• 😀 Use your hands as a measuring tool to assess your body shape rather than relying on precise measurements.
• 😀 Horizontal body shapes are determined by the relationship between your shoulders, waist, and hips (e.g., hourglass, rectangle, apple, inverted triangle, pear).
• 😀 Vertical body shape refers to the balance between your torso and legs, which influences how you choose clothing styles.
• 😀 To determine your torso length, measure the distance between your ribcage and hip bones to see if you have a short, average, or long torso.
• 😀 Knowing your vertical body shape helps you choose clothing that elongates or balances your torso and legs.
• 😀 Neck length affects your overall proportion. A long neck can balance a short torso, while a short neck may work better with longer tops.
• 😀 Clothing choices like necklines and footwear can be used strategically to enhance your body’s natural proportions.
• 😀 Understanding shoe size relative to height can offer insight into your overall proportions, helping you select footwear that complements your body.
• 😀 Style is about creating balance with your proportions, not about fitting into a standardized body type or size. It's an art, not a science.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind great style, according to the script?

The script emphasizes that great style is not just about the aesthetic; it’s about how you wear the clothes, how they fit your personality and body type, and how you pull it off. Understanding your own proportions and styling accordingly is key.

Why does the script focus on body proportions rather than exact measurements?

The script stresses that style is an art, not a science. Exact measurements aren’t as important as how things actually look and feel on your body. The idea is to balance volume and proportions in a way that flatters your unique shape, rather than obsessing over small, precise numbers.

What is the first step in determining your horizontal body shape?

The first step is to wear a tight, form-fitting outfit in one color, stand in front of a mirror, and use your hands to measure your shoulders and hips. You then compare the width of your shoulders and hips to determine your body shape (hourglass, rectangle, apple, inverted triangle, or pear).

What should you do if your shoulders and hips are similar in size?

If your shoulders and hips are similar in size, and your waist is smaller, you likely have an hourglass or rectangle shape. If your waist is fuller, you may have an apple shape. The script also notes that body types are not rigid, and you could be a combination of different shapes.

What is the significance of the vertical body shape in styling?

Your vertical body shape refers to the proportion of your torso to your legs. It helps determine whether you have a short torso with long legs, a long torso with shorter legs, or balanced proportions. This affects how you choose clothes, such as the length of tops, pants, and even shoes.

How can you determine whether you have a long or short torso?

To determine your torso length, place one hand underneath your bra line and the other just beneath it. If your belly button is at the same level as your hands, you have a balanced torso. If it's below, you have a long torso; if it's above, you have a short torso.

How does torso length affect styling decisions?

A short torso typically means longer legs, while a long torso means shorter legs. Understanding your torso length helps you choose styles that either elongate or balance your proportions, such as the fit of tops, pants, and the types of necklines you should choose.

Why is neck length also important in styling, and how can you measure it?

Neck length impacts how your torso is perceived and can influence your overall silhouette. To measure your neck, place one hand under your chin and the other beneath it. If you can fit two hands between your chin and collarbone, you have a long neck; one hand means a short neck, and somewhere in between is average.

How does shoe size relate to body proportions, and why is it relevant in styling?

Shoe size is related to your overall proportions. Knowing your shoe size in relation to your height can give you insight into your leg length and overall body balance. This helps in choosing shoes that complement your body shape and enhance your overall outfit.

How can knowing your proportions help you create a personalized wardrobe?

By understanding your horizontal and vertical body shapes, you can select clothes that flatter your unique proportions. Whether it's choosing the right pants, top, or accessories, knowing your body allows you to make confident styling choices and create a wardrobe that works for you.