A Note from Linda:
Hello, Boomers! My name is Linda Peavy, and I am thrilled to provide the new Style Stop with regular fashion tips that will keep you looking sensational in your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. While new to Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine, I am not new to the region. I was born and raised in Cleveland and live in the eastern suburbs.
As a fashion influencer for years, I have helped women regain their style sizzle around the globe. As founder of the award-nominated curvy brand Cultured Curves, I provide body positivity presentations globally.
I want to begin this new section by going into the fashion basics: How to find your fabulous fit by knowing your body shape. Learning a few tricks to looking great — no matter your size or shape — will transform your wardrobe and how you feel about fashion.
Dressing for Your Body Shape
By Linda Peavy
It is important to remember that dressing for your body shape and not just size can create a fabulous fit and provide a youthful appearance. As we mature, our bodies naturally change. Your size 6 body at age 60 is not the same size 6 body at age 16.
Finding great-fitting clothes off the rack can be particularly challenging unless you consider your body shape. This issue is real, especially when your frame is larger. The average size of an American woman has historically been a size 14. Why is this issue prevalent? Because most clothing manufacturers use small-size models, such as 2 or 4, and only add inches to their body measurements to create larger clothing. Therefore, it is easy for clothes to look great on a hanger but not on you.
Consider placing your body shape into the mix, and your time in the store will be happier. Your clothes will flatter and not just fit your body.
Find Your Shape, Find Your Fit
Most women’s shapes fall into four categories; hourglass, pear, rectangular (banana), or apple. A study of the shapes of over 6,000 women, carried out by researchers at the North Carolina State University circa 2005, for apparel found that 46% were rectangular (banana), over 20% spoon (pear), just under 14% inverted triangle (apple), and 8% hourglass. Which one are you?
Find out by measuring your bust, waist, and hips.
To determine your bust size, wearing your bra and with your arms relaxed at your sides, measure the fullest part of your bust.
For your waist, measure around the narrowest part of your torso at your natural waistline. To find your natural waistline, bend to one side. There will usually be a crease where you bend. Often it is just below your ribcage: that’s your natural waistline.
To find your correct hip measurement, standing with your heels together, measure around your body at the broadest part of your hips. This measurement will include the fullest part of your backside, approximately 8″ below the natural waistline.
Once you find your measurements, use this handy calculator to determine your size. calculator.net/body-type-calculator.html. What shape are you, and was it a surprise? Here are a few definitions to help guide you.
Pear-shaped women have larger lower bodies and small upper bodies. If the area around your shoulders is narrower than your hips, you are pear-shaped! Apple-shaped women are more prominent on the top half of their bodies than the lower half. The middle part of the body looks round and wide, similar to an apple shape, thus the name. Hourglass-shaped women have well-proportioned upper and lower bodies. The hips and bust are almost equal in size, with a narrow waist. Banana-shaped women are proportionately shaped through the shoulder, waist, and hips, which are close to the same measurement. The difference between a banana and an hourglass is the definition of the waist. The waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the bust or hip but not as defined.
What to Wear
Knowing the garments that best accentuate your figure is the secret to an excellent fit for your body shape. Here are a few recommendations:
Dressing a Pear Shape
Because the waist is smaller for pear shapes, clothes that accent this area are on the most wanted list. You also need to balance the smaller upper with, the larger lower body. Preferred garment shapes include:
- Fit-n-flare dresses
- A-line dresses and skirts
- Empire dresses
- Peplum blouses
- Wrap blouses and dresses
- Straight-cut pants
Provide balance to your shape by highlighting your upper half using large accessories such as chunky necklaces, large necklaces, hats, and bright-colored tops.
Dressing an Apple Shape
Consider wearing clothes that will create a more defined waist, such as the following suggestions:
- Wrap dresses and tops
- Ruche dresses and tops
- Belts to instantly define your waist
- Great prints
- A-line or pencil skirts
- Flare pants to help bring balance to the body
Draw attention to your upper body by focusing on large necklaces, earrings, and unique tops such as V-neck and geometrically shaped necklines. Remember to show some leg! Wear above-the-knee dresses and skirts to show off those gams.
Dressing an Hourglass Shape
Since the body is proportioned, many styles will flatter this figure. The following are shapes to consider, including:
- Fitted clothing
- Sheath dresses
- Bodycon dresses (fitted dresses geared to show curves)
- Flare, wide-leg, or boot-cut pants
- Mermaid dresses
- Peplum styles
Draw attention to a defined waist by wearing fit-n-flare or peplum dresses and pencil skirts.
Dressing a Banana Shape
The banana shape is proportioned in the bust and hips, so focus on defining the waist. The following are tips to remember.
- Semi-fitted clothes (Avoid too tight, too loose clothing )
- Peplum jackets
- Belts to instantly define your waist
- Great prints
- A-line or pencil skirts
- Any type of pant will work great for you
A belted maxi dress works great to give the lower body flare.
Now you know how to shop and what to wear. It is time to take your newfound wisdom on the road or the internet for a little retail therapy! The good news is that most retailers will have a wide range of all of these styles in stock and ready for sale. A few national chains to try are Talbots, J. Crew, Chicos, Soft Surroundings, White House Black Market, 11 Honore, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Macy’s and Dillards. Local stores to try include Toni in Style, Fashion by Fowler, Nouveau Vie, Belle Soire, and Haven.
Spring is here. It is time to bloom!
