The Body Shape Series – The Hourglass & Trapezoid

By Brian Maynor

The Hourglass and Trapezoid are two of the most coveted body shapes, but that does not mean they are any easier to dress than the others.

The Hourglass is a balanced body shape that occurs when your upper and lower bodies are equally sized and you have a smaller, well-defined waist.   The Trapezoid is similar to the Inverted Triangle, but the difference between the size of your upper body and waist are less extreme.

These two inspiration boards offer great outfits perfect for an Hourglass and Trapezoid and highlight some of the challenges you face when finding the right clothes:

1.  Structure.  ‘Wearing clothes that are structured and fitted’ is the most important rule for both of these shapes, especially if you want to showoff your narrow waist.  Since both of these shapes have wide upper and lower bodies, if you wear boxy and shapeless clothes your whole body looks shapeless, boxy and wide.

2.  Natural Proportions.  Both the Hourglass and Trapezoid are fortunate to naturally have broad shoulders and chest, which means you don’t need any of the extra embellishments or construction details like shoulder pads and wide V-necks to strengthen this area.  Doing so could over extend this line, making you look top heavy.  Instead opt for more simple, classic and understated pieces, letting your natural shape do most of the work.

3.  Defined Waist.  For an Hourglass this is going to be the focal point of all of your outfits.  Belts; cardigans; blazers; wrap and flared dresses and tucked in tops are all styling points you can use to setoff your waist.  Loose tunics; bat-wing tops and shift dresses should be avoided like the plague.

A Trapezoid’s main style goal is not to show off a small waist, but rather to showoff a broad chest.  While one or two button blazers are a great way to do this, they are not the only options.  Slim-fit and tailored shirts work as well.  Fortunately you can find fitted shirts in just about every brand, but if you don’t buy them off the wrack with these details you should have them altered.  Classic-fit shirts will have way too much fabric around your waist causing it to balloon out as the day goes on, and that is not a good look, for anyone.

4.  The Bottoms.  An Hourglass does not need to camouflage or fill out her hips, but it is important to keep them balanced with your top.  While you can wear any style of pant or skirt, the softer fabrics will always work better than bulkier ones.

A Trapezoid doesn’t really need to worry about bottoms either.  Whether you choose colors, prints or patterns, as long as you follow the general style rules of avoiding pleats and super-tight skinny and tapered jeans/pants you will be fine.  Fitted, flat-front pants are always a safe bet, but if you want all of your pants to look extra polished have them hemmed perfectly for you.

5.  The Accessories.  Just like with your clothing details, you want to keep your accessories proportional to your size.  If you are a larger Hourglass or Trapezoid go for larger pieces of jewelry and bigger bags.  As long as everything is proportionally the same, nothing is really going to look out of place.

Society and marketing pushes us to aspire to be an Hourglass or Trapezoid, but that doesn’t mean they are carefree, easy street body shapes.  Just like very all the rest, they have challenges and pitfalls to avoid.  For both the Hourglass and Trapezoid dressing is all about structure and defining your waist.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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