Knowing Your Shape: Which of the 5 are you?

We’re inching towards Fall and that means a BIG revamp and kickstart to our wardrobes. When I gave a talk to Fidelis, I asked my audience, which is your favorite season to dress? I kid you not… the room resounded with one word: “FALL”!!! 

Now I thought that’d be the answer, but I didn't think it’d be such a resounding “FALL!”!

So, before we get into all the fun Fall stuff, I thought we could go over a few rudimentary “ground rules.” We can use Fall as a springboard for the rest of our closet. Because it has a lot of the basics - a good jean, nice sweaters, silky blouses, fun shoes for the holidays, a good classic dress you can pair with tights/boots, etc.

Basically, dressing for the Fall is a fabulous way to kickstart your wardrobe.

The other weekend, I was in Sedona at my mom’s. She commented how I could pull off something oversized or out of proportion “because of my shape.” But there are five general shapes. 

So let’s go over how to complement yours, in the simplest way. No need to start off complicated with a list of ALL the ways to do it. Let’s just be basic (though I’ve linked each shape to a past articles from 3 years ago, if you’re so inclined to peek at that).

  1. Bananas: Embellish an oversized half, either top or bottom

  2. Apples: Add something shimmery or a fun detail to shoes or hair

  3. Hourglass: Be subtle, add any embellishment to the waistline

  4. Strawberry: Balance the top with some volume on the bottom

  5. Pear: Balance the bottom with some volume or embellishment on the top


For further inspiration, here are a few body types wearing Looks that serve them well: 


For a deeper glance and further insight on these shapes, simply click the links above or read more about it in my book!

Question: How do YOU like to flatter your body type?


Fashion and StyleMeghan Ashley3 Comments