If I post some pics and tell you my measurements can you tell me what body shape I am?

[thepurplepenguin]

I am finding it hard to dress for my shape at the moment but I look at all those quizzes and I just can't see what I'm supposed to be.

My vitals are:
38 inch shoulders
33 inch bust
26 inch waist
35 inch hips

Can anyone help, and also give me some pointers as to good shapes and styles to help me figure? I just feel like I look boyish and not very feminine...

[NewNameforNewTerm]

I tried quite a few measurements; mine, me when I was much younger and slimmer, my sister, my ideal, what my mother said was ideal in her generation. The only one it could calculate was the 34/24/36 old-fashion ideal. I think NONP's site has a very skewed expectation of women's bodies.

[MummaMouse]

Halternecks give me neckache and aren't enough support.

[Showy]

Yy to halter necks. Last time I tried one, I ended up atop a ladder with a hod and bricks.

[thepurplepenguin]

And halter necks are banned as they make me look like a shot-putter (no offence to shot-putters intended)

[MummaMouse]

Jealous of your lovely legs.

[thepurplepenguin]

Hmm showy yes I prefer scoops to v necks even though I have norks, I think that must be why...

Was eyeing some new harems as well so now I have an excuse to buy them!

[thepurplepenguin]

Lol at the bra controversy, as elizabeth said, it's a sports bra, I'd only just got back from the gym!

But point taken...

Anyway, I have a Breton so I'll put that on and go and try some boyfriend jeans. I fear Next relaxed skinnies may be my limit but it's a start...

Peg trousers look good too, will see if they are still around...

[ElizabethBathory]

She's wearing a sports bra DrNick

[Showy]

We have almost the same stats. My bra size is 28E (bfing though and usually a DD) and my waist is 25 inches but otherwise, we're pretty much the same.

I am 'athletic' I think and can look quite boyish, particularly as I do work out quite a bit and have fairly well defined shoulders, arms and chest. I've found that if I wear vests for example, they have to be a round neck and not a V because it's softens the fact that I'm quite angular I suppose. I also wear a lot of harem trousers and things with pleated waists. Adds curves against the angles. Otherwise, I wear what makes me happy!

[DrNick]

You need a new bra.

[ElizabethBathory]

I wear boyfriend jeans with close fitting plain or Breton striped long sleeve t shirts. And agree harem pants are really good. I loved it when there were tons of pegleg trousers in the shops with pleats around the hips, they were great for my shape (ones like this)

[thepurplepenguin]

No leggings?? Waah!

What should I wear on top with boyfriend jeans? I have tried them but they made me look incredibly boxy.

Otoh I am currently wearing some harem pants I dug out the wardrobe and they are good, they add a bit more around the hips and thighs...

[MissScatterbrain]

Also no gilets and bulky waist length jackets.

[MissScatterbrain]

Other tips are:

No leggings

Boyfriend jeans are ideal and if wearing skinny jeans, get lighter ones (rather than dark wash or black), make sure you get the ones with visible back pockets and stitching.

Dresses are good, esp if you get these in retro style or loose shift style as these add bulk at the bottom but are slim and non fussy at the top.

[thepurplepenguin]

Maybe we should have a support group or something - you know 'the incalculables'...

[AmberNectarine]

My body is also incalculable apparently and I have a 26in waist. I'm deeply offended.

[ElizabethBathory]

Yes there's loads about, American Apparel have some in atm too.

[thepurplepenguin]

I like the tube skirt, sure I saw something similar in dotty p's...

[thepurplepenguin]

Thanks for the recs statistically

I actually really like dresses and skirts, just don't really wear them. Am a student/supply teacher/sahm so it's partly a lifestyle thing. I recently bought a short floral jersey dress from top shop which I appreciate gives me more shape and I think I have a high waisted tulip mini skirt in dark denim floating around somewhere.

[ElizabethBathory]

Haha we have the same bra size too :) Definitely agree with Milly's advice of dark colours on top - light colours make your top half look so much bigger. Not that that matters, as you are very slim, but if you're wanting to achieve the balanced look darker tops are better. And I always find jeans make my hips look much smaller, so if I'm wanting curves I wear skirts and dresses. I've just bought a skirt very like this, but a bit longer, and it's great for widening.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Sounds right-just checking you weren't in a 34aa or something! Try brastop, mycurvesandme and amazon for good deals. And bravissimo for choice

[thepurplepenguin]

Yes well bra wize I'm a 28 DD really but not the easiest to pin down! Was wearing a sports bra in the photos so not the best!!

[MillyRules]

Purple is wanting to look more curvy so that is why the suggestions of skirts and dresses to balance out her shape and give her the curves she craves.

[MillyRules]

You don't have hips from what I can see so you need to create hips. By adding a belt you will create the waist affect and the going in and out will add some hips but A line skirts definitely will help with that.
Peplum tops also help to create waist and hips.

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

If you don't like skirts or dresses then I don't see why you should wear them tbh