Dressing for body shape

[Applesaucelemondrops]

I’m a size 8 - sometimes a 6 - but I always look frumpy and sort of thickset? I look at other people who are my dress size and they can wear whatever they want and look good. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older than most of them (41) and so size means very little and my shape has changed or if it’s because I’m only average height.

How do I dress for my shape and where would I get advice on this? I probably need to exercise to tone more as I’m aware I’m not very toned. My legs are short compared to my body and that doesn’t help either. I think if you are taller you carry clothes off better.

There many stylist services that do body's shape analysis or you can look online for body shape calculator

Mostly it's pear, apple, strawberry or hourglass etc

I also have a long torso and short legs. I think the main trick is to create a "balanced hourglass"

I get lots of ideas from instagram- find someone with shape, size and vibe and watch loads of try ons!

How tall are you? I’m size 8 but tall/pear shaped and I rarely feel my style clothes don’t look nice on me. Maybe my height helps though. Exercise definitely gives a nice toned/defined look so would recommend too.

You don’t give your height, @Applesaucelemondrops?

And which brands / shops are you buying from? (If you’re comparing yourself to much younger people it may be that you’re not allowing yourself to buy the best quality you can afford.)

I’m 5ft 5
i look best with a bmi below 18 - I’m at 18.7 at the moment but I definitely look better at the low end of that.
I think it is proportions. My legs are short and I look dumpy.
length wise in trousers petites are best but they are then too short in the body. I’ve taken to having things altered.

Shopping in places like -
Anthropologie
Mint velvet
& other stories
Reiss
Sometimes Zara

You sound similar to me. I’m the same size and height yet my legs are short so I always feel dumpy in trousers. I prefer dresses generally which helps but they’re not always practical. Despite having a low BMI my legs still look quite chunky in trousers.