Body Frames: A Balancing Act

The inimitable Coco Chanel said “Fashion is architecture: it’s a matter of proportions,” so while my size (and budget) bars Chanel labels from my closet; Chanel wisdom thrives there. Proportion is about understanding your body frame, leading to my concept of Fade and Focus which will help you pick flattering, fashionable items every time you shop.

Your frame is the basic shape of your body, the size of one body part compared to others, regardless of how much you weigh. Did you know that your body frame can be likened to the shape of a diamond? So, why not call yourself, “a round diamond?” I do.

Pear Shape Diamond

Smaller through the arms, shoulders and breasts, however, has wider hips, tush, thighs and calves.

Balance wide hips by inserting a small shoulder pad your top.

Heart Shape Diamond

Broad and full through the arms, shoulders and ribcage, however, narrows through the hips, thighs, and legs.

Use dark, muted colors on top and bold shades or patterns on the bottom.

Marquise Shape Diamond

Thinner arms, shoulders, hips, tush and legs, however, has a full tummy.

Wear tops that are fitted through the arms and shoulders and fall into an A-line - interesting patterns through the tummy can actually distract from puffiness.

Round Shape Diamond

Round and full through the arms, shoulders, back, tummy, hips and thighs, however, has a noticeable waist and shapely legs. If you’re confused about which diamond shape you are – if you’re curvy but proportionate - and have a waist, this is your frame.

Wear dresses and skirts that hit the bottom of your knee to show off shapely legs.

Emerald Shape Diamond

Wide and full from the shoulders and arms through the hips, thighs and legs and has no appreciable indentation at the waist. If you’re confused about your frame – and you’re proportionate but straight up and down, this is your frame.

Wear items that that have gentle curvy lines embedded through cut or pattern.

Stop hiding behind your clothes. Wear sleeker items where you can to promote a shapely, smart silhouette. Not being aware of your shape causes the biggest mistakes and wastes money. Knowing which diamond you are, however, is the beginning of manufacturing the silhouette you seek, consistently.

If you’re still unsure, Ask Babe…”Am I a marquise or a round shape diamond?”

Send in photos of yourself, which I’ll post on the site to help you and others determine your diamond, and I’ll suggest some styles that will complement too!

Babe