Sunday, November 9, 2008

Delving Deeper: Dressing for Women

I didn't think the last post really covered as many bases as I wished it had. So here are a few more tips, for women.

First, here is something we should all be aware of. It's called "body type."



This is a picture of the various female body types. The breakdown here is as follows: 46% of women have the Banana shape; 20% of women have the Pear shape; 14% of women have the Apple shape; and only about 8% of women have the Hourglass shape. Here I will quote from Wikipedia's page on the female body shape:

Banana or Straight
the waist circumference is at least 75% of the chest or hips circumferences, which are virtually the same. The body has a relatively high androgen level compared to the estrogen level, and this causes the skeleton to develop in a more masculine pattern and body fat to be distributed predominantly around the waist.

Apple (Triangle downward)
the waist circumference is at most 75% of the chest circumference, and the chest circumference is at least 110% of the hips circumference. Body fat distribution tends to begin in the arms, shoulders, chest and upper abdomen first.

Pear or Spoon or Bell (Triangle upward)
the waist circumference is at least 75%[citation needed] of the chest circumference, and the hips circumference is at least 110%[citation needed] of the chest circumference. The distribution of fat varies, with fat tending to deposit first in the buttocks, hips and thighs. As body fat percentage increases, an increasing proportion of body fat is distributed around the waist and upper abdomen.

Hourglass shape (Triangles opposing, facing in)
the waist circumference is less than 75% of the chest or hips circumferences, which are virtually the same. Body fat distribution tends to be around both the upper body and lower body. This body type enlarges the arms, breasts, hips and rear before other parts, including waist and upper abdomen. Due to the preference shown to physical symmetry, many celebrities falsely claim hourglass measurements but actually rate closer to a straight figure or apple.


Clearly, these four shapes are very different--and so dressing them requires different things.

FOR PEAR WOMEN:
-Wear trouser-cut pants (pants with wider legs) Always avoid slim-leg pants, which draw attention to the hip. Avoid pockets entirely, and avoid pleats at all cost.
-Only wear dark colors on the bottom. This will make your hips look slimmer.
-When wearing jackets, go for ones with only one button. This will help you look better on top.
-Look for shirts that accentuate the bust, and which drape to the hips. My friend buys knee-length dresses and hems them to the length of a long shirt, and that looks great.

FOR APPLE WOMEN
-Use a rounded-square neckline if you have a large bust. A lower neckline will always look better with a large chest.
-Try emphasizing your waistline with a belt or ribbon.
-Elongate your figure with a knee-length jacket. This will make you look slimmer and deemphasize the heaviness of your upper body.
-If you wear stripes, please make sure they're vertical.

FOR BANANA WOMEN
-If you've got good arms, try a cap sleeve. I'm cautious about advising this because if your arms could possibly be construed as fat, they will with a cap.
-Try double-breasted jackets. Shirts with ruffles and nipped waists will bring out the curviness you want to show off.
-Pleated pants and skinny jeans were invented for you. Wear them.
-Avoid V-necks and plain T's. Stick to real blouses.

FOR HOURGLASS WOMEN
-Wear solid colors on top. This will elongate your figure.
-AVOID shapeless outfits. You should always be wearing one item of clothing that hugs your body and accentuates your curves.
-Wear only single-breasted jackets. Trust me, you do not need a double.
-Be sure to wear fitted blouses. A good bra is a must.
-Tailored pencil skirts and sheaths are a good look for you.
-Avoid boxiness at any cost.

Whew. Well, that was exciting. Good luck, ladies!

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