Body Shape Analysis: Understanding Female Body Types and How to Dress for Them
2
76
0
Navigation
The Purpose of Body Shape Analysis
Horizontal and Vertical Body Shape: What Do They Mean?
Pear Shape Body: Fitting the Hips First
Inverted Triangle Body: Balancing Wider Shoulders
Hourglass Body Shape: Balance and Curve
Rectangle Body Shape: Creating Curves
Round or Apple Shape Body: Soft and Curved Midsection
Diamond Shape Body: Petite Frame with a Rounded Core
Body Types in Men: Do They Matter?
The Importance of Body Measurements and Frame Size
Technology and AI in Body Shape Analysis
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Shape and Style with Confidence
In this episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble, a professional fashion stylist based in Christchurch, shares a comprehensive overview of body shape analysis. Drawing from her years of experience, Stephanie guides listeners through understanding their horizontal and vertical body shapes, how body proportions influence fashion choices, and how to find the best clothing styles based on individual body types.
The podcast is packed with relatable examples, styling advice, and a strong message of self-acceptance. Whether you're an hourglass figure or have an inverted triangle body shape, this episode will help you better understand your unique shape and how to enhance it with style.
The Purpose of Body Shape Analysis
Body shape analysis is more than just identifying your silhouette—it’s about understanding your body's natural lines, proportions, and measurements.
According to Stephanie, this process helps you:
Dress more confidently
Choose clothing that flatters
Understand why certain styles work (or don't)
Accept and celebrate your body
"Realistically, I just do not have any judgement. Your body shape is your body shape. You are what you are." ~ Stephanie Rumble
By understanding your shape, you're empowered to make better choices in clothing stores, online shopping, and even when tailoring existing wardrobe pieces. Stephanie reinforces that knowing what works for your body physique can reduce frustration and elevate your everyday style.
The goal isn’t to fit into an ideal body shape, but to create visual harmony by dressing intentionally for your own structure. This approach also encourages body acceptance, helping you appreciate your figure rather than constantly trying to change it.
Horizontal and Vertical Body Shape: What Do They Mean?
Stephanie emphasises the importance of analysing both your horizontal body shape and vertical body shape. Each provides key insights into what styles will work best for your body physique.
Horizontal body shape focuses on the width of your shoulders, waist, and hips.
Vertical body shape considers the length of your torso versus your legs.
Understanding both dimensions helps you make smarter fashion choices and avoid clothes that visually distort your proportions.
These elements help stylists recommend cuts and patterns that bring balance. For example, someone with a longer torso might benefit from higher-waisted trousers, while someone with long legs might focus on top layering to create symmetry. It all begins with getting the body measurements right and observing how fabric falls on your frame.
If you're unsure how to assess your shape, or want expert help making it work for your lifestyle, consider exploring Stephanie's personal styling services. They offer tailored insights to make dressing enjoyable again.
Pear Shape Body: Fitting the Hips First
The pear shape body is one of the most common female body types. It's characterised by narrower shoulders and wider hips.
Key characteristics:
Hips are the widest point
Shoulders are narrower than hips
Often smaller bust size
Dressing tips for pear shapes:
Fit your clothing to the hips first, and tailor at the waist
Use colour or detail on top to draw the eye upward
Choose high-waisted trousers or skirts to balance proportions
"Often it's the way you dress that makes you look good." ~ Stephanie Rumble
The idea is to elevate the top half visually while letting garments flow naturally from the lower body. If you carry more volume around the thighs, wide-leg pants and A-line skirts can elongate the leg and balance your shape. Stephanie also suggests being strategic with accessories, like statement earrings or necklines that frame the face.
Inverted Triangle Body: Balancing Wider Shoulders
The inverted triangle body features broader shoulders and a narrower lower half. It's sometimes referred to as an "athletic" shape.
Common traits:
Shoulders wider than hips
Larger bust in some cases
Slender legs
Styling strategies:
Avoid high necklines, which can exaggerate the bust
Choose A-line skirts or wide-leg pants to add volume to the lower body
Emphasise the waist to break up the top-heaviness
"There's no ideal body shape. There's no body shape that's better than another body shape." ~ Stephanie Rumble
This shape benefits from creating softness around the lower half while subtly minimising the upper body width. Fabrics that flow from the waist down or skirts that have a flare or pleat can soften the appearance of the shoulders. Necklines like scoops or V-necks also visually slim the upper chest area.
Hourglass Body Shape: Balance and Curve
The hourglass body shape is often considered the most balanced. Shoulders and hips are approximately the same width, with a clearly defined waist.
"All body shapes look better with a wee bit of waist definition." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Hallmarks of an hourglass figure:
Well-defined waist
Bust and hips are proportionate
Curvy silhouette
Tips for dressing an hourglass shape:
Highlight the waist with belts or tailored cuts
Look for clothing that fits both the shoulders and hips
Avoid overly boxy or shapeless garments
Even though the hourglass shape body is naturally balanced, the key is to maintain that symmetry through structured garments that don't hide the waist. Fabric choice matters, too: stiff materials can distort the silhouette, while well-tailored, semi-structured clothing enhances curves without overwhelming them.
Rectangle Body Shape: Creating Curves
The rectangle body shape (also called column or straight body type) has similar width across the shoulders, waist, and hips.
Features:
Minimal waist definition
Balanced upper and lower body
Often athletic in appearance
Styling advice:
Use structure to create the illusion of curves
Add volume at the bust and hips
Cinch the waist with belts or peplum tops
Creating shape with layers, asymmetrical designs, and textural contrasts can elevate the rectangle-shaped body from plain to polished. The goal isn’t to fake curves but to visually break up straight lines, making the overall look more dynamic and feminine.
Round or Apple Shape Body: Soft and Curved Midsection
The round shape body (also known as the apple shape body) is characterised by a fuller midsection with slimmer limbs.
Defining features:
Weight carried around the stomach
Narrower hips and shoulders
Often fuller bust
Best styling tips:
Use open necklines to draw attention upwards
Choose fabrics that drape rather than cling
Avoid shapeless tops—look for styles that suggest a waist
By using soft, flowing materials and thoughtful necklines, those with an apple shape body can still find flattering and comfortable fashion. Stephanie also recommends avoiding details that draw attention to the midsection—instead, opt for vertical lines, layering, and accessories that bring focus upward.
Diamond Shape Body: Petite Frame with a Rounded Core
The diamond shape body is similar to the round shape, but typically features a smaller bust and slimmer shoulders.
Traits include:
Weight focused in the abdomen
Slim arms and legs
Narrow bust and hips
Styling techniques:
Add structure to shoulders and bust
Opt for dresses that flow over the waist and skim the hips
Use accessories to draw attention upwards
Stephanie advises that the diamond shape body benefits from structure near the face and bust to balance the midsection. Short jackets that define the upper torso or layered outfits with vertical lines can be flattering options.
Body Types in Men: Do They Matter?
Though this episode focuses on female body types, Stephanie briefly touches on body types in men. Frame size, shoulder width, waist circumference, and leg proportions also play a major role in how men dress. Men often benefit from understanding their body measurements and frame size when shopping for tailored pieces.
Stephanie also offers style advice for men, including body shape analysis and wardrobe tips that support personal and professional presentation.
Frame indicators for men:
Wrist and ankle circumference
Shoulder width to waist ratio
Height versus torso-to-leg proportions
Understanding these measurements enables men to select pieces that enhance their natural build. Whether it’s adjusting for broader shoulders or choosing tailored pants to suit longer legs, a strategic approach to fashion is just as valuable for men.
The Importance of Body Measurements and Frame Size
Stephanie introduces the idea that body shape isn’t just visual—it’s measurable. During a body shape consultation, she measures:
Shoulder width
Waist circumference
Hip width
Wrist and ankle circumference (to determine frame size)
These data points help build a more accurate style profile. For example, someone with petite wrists and ankles may have a naturally smaller body physique, even if their current weight is higher than they’d like. Understanding this gives context to shopping decisions and helps with self-acceptance.
Your frame size provides insight into your natural bone structure. Recognising this can shift the conversation away from weight alone and toward proportion, which is far more important in styling.
If you're also trying to better understand how your personal habits influence your overall wellbeing and how that ties into your wardrobe choices, Stephanie's accountability coaching offers structured support that complements style confidence.
Dress for Shape, Not for Size
A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of dressing for shape, not for size. Stephanie urges listeners to stop obsessing over numbers and instead focus on proportion and fit.
This mindset shift can:
Improve confidence
Encourage better buying decisions
Reduce wardrobe frustration
Focusing on your body shape rather than your clothing size leads to more satisfying purchases and a wardrobe that actually works for you. It also redefines beauty through the lens of self-respect and personal style.
Technology and AI in Body Shape Analysis
Stephanie shares her thoughts on the limitations of AI tools for body shape analysis. While some apps and tools attempt to assess body types digitally, they often miss the subtleties of human shape and proportion.
Reasons AI often falls short:
It can't detect subtle nuances in proportion
Lighting and camera angles can distort images
It lacks the empathetic context of a human consultant
That said, Stephanie acknowledges that AI tools are improving rapidly, and may become more useful in future styling consultations.
While digital apps like Your Private Stylist or Your Colour ID have benefits, Stephanie emphasises that the human eye and instinct still outperform machines when it comes to individual nuances like traits of the inverted triangle-shaped body or subtle waist circumference differences.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Shape and Style with Confidence
Understanding your body shape, proportions, and how to dress for your shape is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. As Stephanie highlights, there is no "ideal" when it comes to the human body. Your shape is a product of genetics, life stage, and natural structure.
A few key takeaways:
Learn your horizontal and vertical body shape
Take proper body measurements for accurate fit
Focus on proportions, not clothing size
Use colour and shape to create visual harmony
Don't fear tailoring—it can make a big difference
"When we do a body shape analysis, we do the horizontal body shape... We also take your neck length. We also measure your wrist circumference and your ankle circumference. Now, the reason we do those two measurements is they also tell us your frame size." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie's approach is not about judgement. It's about education, acceptance, and unlocking your confidence. Whether you're curvy, straight, petite, tall, or somewhere in between, understanding your body shape is the first step to a more stylish and self-assured you.
If you're looking to build confidence in both your personal presentation and communication skills, you may also benefit from Stephanie's workshops and education programmes, which include personal development, resilience, and workplace wellbeing.
If you're ready to take the guesswork out of fashion, a body shape consultation with a professional stylist like Stephanie could be a game-changer.
Listen on Spotify
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical body shape?
Horizontal body shape refers to the width of your shoulders, waist, and hips—essentially your silhouette when viewed straight on. Vertical body shape, on the other hand, refers to the balance between your upper and lower body—such as whether your torso is longer than your legs or vice versa. Understanding both helps you create a wardrobe that feels proportionate and visually harmonious.
How do I know what body shape I am?
The easiest way to determine your body shape is by measuring your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, and comparing the proportions. You can also observe where clothing tends to feel snug or loose. If you're unsure, a professional body shape consultation like the ones offered by Stephanie Rumble at Bright Red can help you identify your shape with precision.
Can I be a mix of two body shapes?
Yes, many people fall between body shape categories or evolve over time. For instance, you might be a pear/hourglass blend or shift toward a more oval shape during menopause. Stephanie notes that body shape is a guide, not a rigid label, and recommends dressing for the shape that feels most dominant.
What styles are best for a pear-shaped body?
For a pear-shaped body, the goal is to balance wider hips with your upper body. Use fitted tops, open necklines, and accessories near the face to draw attention upward. Wide-leg pants and A-line skirts can create flattering lines. Stephanie often recommends tailoring trousers at the waist for a perfect fit.
Is it possible to change your body shape through exercise or weight loss?
You can influence your overall size and tone through lifestyle changes, but your basic body structure—like bone width or where you carry weight—is genetically set. Stephanie explains that only about one-third of your shape can be altered naturally. Instead of trying to change it, focus on dressing in a way that highlights your best features.
What are the challenges of dressing a rectangle body shape?
With a rectangle body shape, the main challenge is a lack of defined waistline. Clothing that creates curves—like peplum tops, belted dresses, or structured jackets—helps introduce shape. Stephanie also suggests layering and playing with texture to add dimension.
How do colours affect body shape appearance?
Colour placement can dramatically influence how your shape is perceived. Wearing brighter colours on the top can draw the eye upward, while dark colours on the bottom can slim and balance the silhouette. Stephanie often combines colour analysis with body shape consultations to maximise visual harmony.
Are body shape consultations only for women?
No—Stephanie works with both men and women. While female body types are discussed more often, men also benefit from understanding how shoulder width, waist circumference, and vertical proportions affect fit and presentation. Services are customised for each person’s needs.
What’s the best neckline for an inverted triangle body shape?
People with an inverted triangle body shape often have broad shoulders and/or a larger bust. V-necks, scoop necks, and open collars help break up the upper body and draw the eye vertically. High necklines can make the upper body appear larger and are usually best avoided.
Is a body shape consultation worth it?
Absolutely. A body shape consultation gives you personalised, expert guidance on the styles, cuts, and fits that best complement your natural proportions. It can save time, reduce shopping frustration, and boost confidence. You’ll also receive access to tools like Your Private Stylist—perfect for shopping smarter.
