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Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic.#DressYourBodyType
I have to tell you a little secret, I loved being pregnant! Nausea and sciatica pain aside, my pregnancies made me happy, forced me to crave funny things and just gave me another reason to make fun of my clumsiness. However, having a baby at 38 comes with a huge trade off – the things don’t just bounce back as they did with my other kids. With summer almost here I look at myself in the mirror I can only sigh… there is no way this body will be summer ready (at least not this year) What should I do? How can I look pretty for THIS summer?
Right before I went back to work after the maternity leave, I happily accepted and invitation from Monroe & Main to participate in their “How To Dress Your Body Type” campaign by finding the right clothes to make me look good in the body I have right now. I couldn’t miss the opportunity! After placing my order I decided to reward myself with a small shopping spree and I shopped some more at their site, so some outfits you see here today were sent to me and others I bought myself.
Let’s Get Awesome Looking for Summer Together:
Step 1: Measure Up
My last look in the mirror has suggested that practically every part of my body could use an improvement. While the breastfeeding gave a pretty D cup, it also slowed down the weight loss and that meant every other part can now be named – wings, muffin top, and pancake butt. (Should I be any more self-critical?)
But let’s stop whining and get to business – measure: Monroe and Main has a great infographic that takes the “meh” out of the measuring process
Step 2: Shape Up
What is your body type? Once you have the measurements, it is easy to figure out your body type – look at the highest and lowest numbers and look for the detailed explanation here.
Step 3: Shop Shape
Start your shopping by picking the right Shapewear first. Monroe & Main have great suggestions on how to get the Shapewear work for you.
These can be very comfortable and it is a great way to ensure your next outfit fits and looks great on your body.
Step 4: Shop The Look
Not knowing where to start, I went to check out Monroe and Main Fashion Fit for You Blog. Each article is short and straight to the point. Scroll through it to find great tips on how to dress your body type as well as get some great outfit ideas. At least two outfits ideas came from the blog:
Tunic
I have discovered the a tunic is a great fit for any body type. Tunics are perfectly lightweight and breezy, and they’re versatile enough to transition easily from the office to the beach to a backyard barbecue. And guess what, the tunic is a flattering style that looks good on every body type.
Having a pear body shape, I should, however, avoid tunics that cling to my hips or rear, since these options can draw attention to wider areas of the body.
From the Fashion Fit for You Blog:
Tunics are well known for being loose-fitting, and this breaks one of the fundamental style rules for plus-size women: wear fitted clothes to slim down. While it’s true that some tunics can cover your curves and make your body look shapeless or boxy, tunics with the right cut can be very flattering, no matter what your body shape is.
Fit and Flare Dress
Perfect for office style, fit and flare dress is flare at the hips, then slightly narrow toward the knees.
Wider princess-cut flare dress are great to go out in the evenings.
These dresses help to create an hour-glass figure we all want to have!
And wearing the fit-and-flare dresses with short cardigans and cropped jackets to help you get the most out of the hourglass-shaped cut.
From the Fashion Fit for You Blog:
We’ve all heard of the fit-and-flare style – the universally flattering cut that looks great on every body type. With a cinched waist and flared bottom, fit-and-flare garments provide the illusion of a perfect hourglass body shape, no matter the size of the woman wearing them.
Skinny Jeans are Not Just for Skinny Girls
I nearly gave up on pants – it seems next to impossible to find something that would fit my hips, and wouldn’t be too big around the waistline. Solution? Skinny Jeans!
From the Fashion Fit for You Blog:
Skinny jeans can work their magic – they combine a curve-hugging fit with a sleeker and more modern look that’s better suited to flatter your shape.
I took my measurements and I found out that I have an hourglass shape and I how I wear my clothes to flatter that shape is important.
I learned that i have an oval shape and to wear more dresses and belted jackets
My problem area is my stomach and i love my butt
I learned that I’m probably an oval and need to take measurements to be sure that I dress right for my body type.
I hate my flat bottom and like my chest (usually).
I learned that I am more of a rectangle shape. I also learned that once you know your shape, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight and which you might want to play down a bit!
I learned I’m a rectangle shape and that A-line dresses work best for me!
My tummy is always my problem area and I like to show off my long legs!
I learned to wear my shapewear. Sigh!
Problem area is the whole thing. My waist used to be nice and tiny.
I learned that real women com in all sorts of shapes!
I learned I’m an hourglass. (I think! LOL)
I learned that I’m a triangle shape because I have somewhat narrow shoulders. I always thought I was an hourglass because I’m so busty.
Learned how to properly take my measurements and learn my body type so I can easily find better fitting clothes that look more flattering on me.
I think everywhere is my problem area!! The only part of my body that I’m consistently happy with are my fingernails.
I took my measurements and found I have an apple shape
I learned I have an hourglass shape and should complement my curves with bold prints and colors.
Since I’m bigger on the bottom than on the top, I’m a triangle. I learned that I should wear solid dark pants and skirts, with bright and/or printed tops. This way the eye is drawn upwards.
I learned I am triangle shape I think..
at least that’s how I read that chart. thank you !): oxoxooxo
I learned that you should always pair bold and bright colors with more neutral tones, but I don’t always do that. Thank you.
I learned the proper way to measure my body and that I should try some bright colors and prints.
I learned that we are widest at our bust and hips
I’m a triangle shape and should wear bright tops and dark bottoms.
I learned they insist a belt will help define your waist if you are an oval shape, I beg to differ.
I learned what measurements to take to determine my body type, I discovered I have an hourglass figure.
I learned that I can shop for my “oval” body frame at this site. I just love that. I am not good at picking out clothing that flatters my body.
I have nothing BUT problem areas. My stomach is probably my most annoying area. I would love to find clothing that makes me feel more beautiful.
I think my problem area would be my stomach and I really don’t think I have an area that is my pride and joy unless feet count, I like to wear sandals because my feet are ok.
I’m a rectangle and I finally figured out how to take measurements!
My belly is my problem area. No matter what I do, Just can’t get rid of it. I do love my legs.
I also learned that I am an oval shape!
I learned that you can mix and match patterns as long as you stay in the same color family. Interesting!
My muffin top is definitely my problem area! Argh! But I like my arms and chest so I play that up as much as I can!
I learned that I’m an hourglass shape! I was surprised to hear that!
I learned that it is very important to take accurate measurements and I am an hourglass.
I learned that you need to measure at your waist, chest and hips to determine your body shape. I learned that I am rectangular shaped.
My problem area is my skin…it’s so pale and ghostly. Lol. I am most proud of my bottom. 🙂
I learned that I am an inverted triangle. I have never even heard of this shape.
Hourglass body shapes are defined by a waist that’s smaller than both the bust and hips.
I love my butt.
I learned that different patterns look best on different body types
My butt and legs are my pride and joy. I need to work harder on the other areas. 😀
I feel like every area is a problem. I like to show off the bottom half of my legs I guess…
I learned that I have an hourglass shape. I also learned about their way of measuring your waist, as I’ve never seen it demonstrated that way.
I learned how to identify and shop for my body type.
I learned how to take proper measurements and that I am pear shaped.
whoops meant hourglass 🙂
I learned that for my body type which is Oval, that my waist measurement is larger than my bust and hip measurements.
I learned how to correctly identify my shape and make good clothing choices.
I learned that I should wear a-line style dresses or belted outfits. I also learned the correct way to measure my hips.
I learned that it’s a good idea to take your measurements every few months because our bodies are always changing, and having up-to-date numbers will enable you to buy great-fitting clothes always.
Women with inverted triangle body shapes will have larger bust measurements than their waist and hip numbers, and visually their bodies will appear more narrow at the hips than the shoulders. <<< that's me!
I have a pooch. Ugh!! It’s the worst part. I have always been told I have nice legs and that’s the best part. I’m also not crazy about showing my arms, but I like flowy tops that don’t accentuate my belly.
When it comes to dressing up my problem area is my feet, but I love my hair.
Worst – everything below the top of my head to just above the tops of my feet. My hands are okay. Bah!
I learned that I’m a rectangle shape
I learned that if you are a rectangle shape, you should wear items that are belted or A-line dresses that define a waist.
I’m really surprised that I can’t figure out what my shape is! I thought I could just look at the pictures and figure it out, but I’m going to have to measure first. Interesting!
My stomach is for sure my biggest problem area, it always has been. I do have nice legs, so I don’t mind showing those off- not in super short shorts of course. lol
Apparently I’m a rectangle — how unglamorous sounding! Interesting that I’ve always found empire waisted dresses to be the most flattering on me but they aren’t even mentioned here for rectangles!
I learned there are 5 body shapes and I am an hourglass.
My abdomen sticks out even though I have a waist and hourglass shape. And my torso is long with a short waist to crotch length. And almost every plus sized designer thinks the crotch on a pair of pants belongs somewhere mid thigh on me…sigh….
I learned I need to wear brightly colored tops
I learned that I am probably a rectangle but close to an hourglass. I do believe that garments with belts or a-line dresses do help to define a waist for me.
I learned how to find my body type, which is a triangle.
I learned that I am an oval and need to create a waistline
I know my problem area is my stomach and right now my calves are my best feature
Problem – tummy. Pride and joy – boobs
I love to wear tunics, too, because of their comfort and coolness during the summer! I learned that, while I am still an hourglass shape, the ratio between my waist and hips is ever lessening. One of these days, I will be a rectangle! But when that happens, I will be happy because I’ll know how to dress, thanks to guides like the one at Monroe and Main!
I am thick in the thighs but I have a very small waist.
I learned that my wife is an hourglass and I am an oval.
I learned to measure correctly for my body type, which is hourglass.
My waist is larger than I like considering I have an hourglass shape and am petite. I really like my legs- very long for a short person.
I just love the looks of that yellow dress on you! I also agree with your comment about skinny jeans… I am totally not a skinny girl but my skinny jeans fit me better than any other type and I always feel thinner and get compliments on them. The infographic confirmed that I am an hourglass shape. Thanks!!
I learned that I’m a hourglass shape and should wear bold colors and prints to accentuate my assets.
I learned that I’m a rectangle shape and I should wear A Line dresses, belted to emphasize my waist.
Hourglass body shapes are defined by a waist that’s smaller than both the bust and hips. You have an hourglass body shape if your bust and hips are visually wider and similar in measurements, and if your waist measurement is smaller than the other two.
That this gal has a hourglass figure. The measurements and diagrams were very helpful.
I learned that I am hourglass but not quite sure because I am 50 pounds overweight. It is hard to find clothes that fits me nevertheless works well with my body shape. But, I like the simplicity that Monroe and Main have done to finding your body shape.
I learned am an oval and that empire wasted would look best on me
My problem areas are the tummy, bicep/tricep areas, and thighs. I like my shoulders and calves.
I learned that in addition to the cut of the clothing, the color or print it comes in should also be considered in light of your body type.
I absolutely do not have a waist, my torso is like a tree trunk. However, I have a fairly nice looking bosom, if I do say so myself. : )
I hve saggy boobs and a flabby stomach from 3 c sections and I’m short. I guess my butt is ok. Lol
I learned that I have a hour glass shape.
I am an oval and should wear tops that highlight the thin area just below your bust to give an emphasis on a natural waist, and a top like this will add definition.
well… I’d say my bust is the area that isn’t too bad, even when I was smaller my bust was always large. So I’m used to it. But I have to say the problem area is my stomach, it makes it hard to find clothing that looks good on me.
“It’s a good idea to take your measurements every few months anyway – our bodies are always changing”.
Sad but true.
I learned that I’m an hourglass when I thought I was a pear shape. Thanks!
My problem area is my flat rear, something that could be helped with exercise but…. My pride area if my body are my long legs.
my problem is my belly it needs to go away lol and my but there is not one!!
I learned that I have an oval shape and should wear belted jackets and tops.
I am an oval and I should be wearing prints on the bottom and solids on the top . I have been doing the opposite
I learned I’m an Oval shape I’ve been wearing the wrong clothes.thanks so much for sharing.
My buttocks are my worst,my bust is my best
My post baby belly is my sore spot. I’m such a rectangle. I feel like the other areas are great. Love your pictures!
I have an hourglass shape
I learned that to flatter your figure you need to learn your body type, and mine is an hourglass.
My problem area is my stomach, but I am still a very curvaceous hourglass with a 42DDDD bustline. I am happy that I learned to sew at a very young age to be able to be modest and stylish at the same time.
I have an hourglass shape but I often cover it up. I think it’s mainly out of habit.
My belly is my problem area. My butt is my pride & joy (but it is shrinking recently). I’d say my hair but I don’t know if that counts. I have really great, thick, silver long hair.
I learned that I’m an inverted triangle shape.
My problem area is my mid-section. What I like to accentuate is my upper body.
I would have to say I like my legs and stomach but could use work.