So how many of us have shopped for hours only to end up exhausted and frustrated? You come home convinced that your body is all wrong, that clothes will never fit you right, or at the minimum- you have to go on a diet, work-out or, or…something!

Wrongo! You’re just trying to shop for the wrong body.

Now, with the help of a few fashion experts we are delving into the different body types. Keep in mind that these are not hard and fast categories, every female is a combination of many different body types. So don’t panic if you don’t fit into this description exactly. Just select the basic shape that’s closest to yours. Sure you can tone up a bit, or try being a veggitarian for a while, but you will never change the beautiful curves of Oprah Winfrey into the lean grace of Audrey Hepburn- we were created differently so accept and learn to relish in it.

The first Shape we are going to look at is:

The Pear
Your figure is smaller on the top and wider on the bottom.

You have:
-small to medium frame
-narrow or sloped shoulders
-small to medium bust-
-slim torso and narrow rib cage
-slender waist
-full hips, thighs and bottom

The Willow-

You are tall and slender, the Gwyneth Paltrow of your neighborhood.

You have:
- average to broad shoulders, your shoulders are wider than your hips
- medium to very full bust line
- narrow hips
- often a flat, rather than a rounded bottom
- long and lean arms and legs

The Hourglass
You have a curvy figure, with a full bust, small waist and full bottom

You have:
-small to medium frame
-average to full bust
-small to average waistline, but its very defined
-curvy hips, your hips are usually at least 10″ wider than your waist
-shapely legs

The Apple:
You have a rounded figure with a beautiful bustline

You have:
-full to very full bust
-fuller midsection
-heavier arms
-shapely lower legs

The Diamond:
Your pear-shaped friends envy you for your slender bottom half

You have:
-wide shoulders
-large bust
-narrow hips
-shapely legs

I have been using a variety of resources to write these pasts posts, including but not limited to, The Pocket Stylist, by Kendall Farr; Sam Saboura’s Real Style and Always in Style by Doris Pooser.

More info on the way!

Classic: You have a relatively conservative outlook on your wardrobe, when you wear something more trendy it’s usually because your friends convinced you to. You’re fond of the closet staples such as button-up blouses, cardigans, tailored slacks and several classic “never go out of style” skirts. You favor styles that are timeless, meaning your wardrobe will last for years. You are more concerned about quality than quantity. Occasionally you’ll add a bit of glam through some jewelry or a handbag, but you like the basics and know they like you.

There may be some of you who are saying “I have always been described as a Classic. I am well-proportioned, have an average build and am shy, I am ready for a change. How can I change my look for the better?”
As you find your correct body type you will be able to reach for many variations. You don’t need to start with an extreme. Try a new length of skirt, a new big top or jacket. If you like it and are comfortable reach a little further. As we gain a few guidelines for our wardrobe you can break out into a more varied style if you choose.

Romantic: You tend to love the soft opulence of the Victorian era.The ultra-feminine accents like lace, ruffles, sashes, and pearls blend well with the drapey fabrics that you lean towards. You enjoy feeling “dressed up”, You like to accessorize with antique or nice imitation jewelry.

Natural You are drawn towards sporty, athletic apparel. You enjoy comfort, gravitate to natural fabrics, and use simple accessories. You don’t care much about trends and like everything to be low-maintenance. You’ve got a bit of the of the “I’ll rough it” daring.

With this brief overview of the “personality types” we are ready to move on to the exciting part- how we balance our personality with our body type.

So let’s take a look at your personality:
Many books define these “personality” categories differently. Carole Jackson, author of the best-selling Color me Beautiful, classifies styles as Dramatic, Classic, Natural and Romantic. In Dressing to Win, author Robert Pante dibs women as Glamorous, Elegant, Spicy, and Chic. We are going to use a slightly expanded definition of these categories. Each of you, because of who you are, will tend to gravitate to one or two styles.

Dramatic: is often described as tall and slim with striking coloring, and a certain sophistication. However, I consider dramatic to be a high-fashion look that anyone can wear, regardless of her size and shape. If she is confident and understands the rules of dressing she can carry this off very well. When dramatic is defined as an extreme in line and design, very few people are able to dress appropriately for all occasions. Extremes are rarely good fashion.

A few questions to ask yourself relating to your personality. These will help you determine whether you enjoy a “Dramatic” style.

Are you outgoing and extroverted?
Yes/No
Do you love the unexpected?
Yes/No
Do you enjoy being noticed?
Yes/No
Are you sophisticated?
Yes/No
Do you love clothes?
Yes/no
Are you conservative and cautious?
Yes/No
Have you had the same or similar hairstyle for several years?
Yes/No

If you answered yes to the first six questions- you’re ready for a high fashion look.

Stay tuned for: Exploring Personality: Classic, Romantic, Natural

It starts with Balance. Our personal style encompasses the total picture. How our makeup, clothing, the way we carry ourselves, colors, designs, fabrics, textures all blend together is how we form our unique look. As Doris Pooser writes:

This balance is created when what you are wearing looks like a natural extension of you by complementing your characteristics as well as your personality.

Combining what you like, and what is flattering creates that one of a kind style. Whether we shop in Paris or buy our clothes at our local department store, boutique or Second-hand we can all look fabulous. How? By knowing what to look for.

“If only!” How many of you have an “if only” list? Mine was long. If only I were taller, if only I didn’t have such round arms and legs, if only my skin was blemish free, if only I had a different body type, or if only I could look like my friend Mary.

I didn’t just say “if only”. No, I tried to change myself. I went on exercise sprees trying to change my body into the perfect image, trying to conform to the ideal that bombarded me from the magazine racks. I even tried to mimic my friend Mary’s makeup and clothing style. The straight shift dresses, and straight leg jeans just didn’t cut it. The harder I tried, the more frustrated I became.

It’s hard work trying to be something your not, it’s exhausting in fact.

I finally decided to take a good look at myself, accept who God created me to be, and start over. With the help of a few excellent resources I examined my body size and shape and compared it with others. I finally began to understand why certain clothing complements certain body types and how to use basic, timeless pieces as the foundation for a terrific personal style.
Doris Pooser in her book “Always in Style” writes,

“Every Woman has her own individual style, which is determined by her unique body size and shape, her facial shape, her coloring, and finally her personality. You don’t need to try to change any of these things. You do need to identify your unique characteristics and work with them.”

I now accept my more curvy body, wear modest clothing that flatters, wear makeup and colors that complement and feel taller simply by liking what I’m wearing. It’s much easier and so much more fun being me. I also receive far more compliments. I now have my own individual style; and although I still appreciate Mary’s- I can enjoy her look without envying it because I now enjoy mine.

Over the next couple weeks we will be exploring how you can develop or adjust your own individual style. Whether you’re more on the conservative end and love the classics or a real fashionista, having these few principles will give you confidence for whatever style you prefer.

You’ll also get a chance to know the Christa Taylor team a little bit better as they will provide imput, suggestions for our example pool.

Next week: Beginning the search for Style: Knowing who you are