Why am I shaped like a rectangle and how should I dress? Pics included

[LilyFeather]

It’s dawned on me that I don’t have a curvy figure and am actually like a square box. Is it possible to have a big ribcage or something? I can never find a bra to fit me

Im 5 foot 2 and a half, weigh 9 stone 8 and am a size 10. But I always look so dumpy in photos - see proof - and wondered if anyone had any styling tips for my specific body type ? Thanks!

The skirt is a better look for you - you have great legs. Not sure if it’s the shape of the jeans or the style of the jumper but that is not a good look for you at all.

Ok - so looking at what you've showed us in in your wardrobe I am going to suggest some outfits that would work beyond the jumper and cord skirt you've showed us already

SO black jumper tucked into cord skirt with a crew neck cardigan in a toning colour eg olive mustard or orange (I can't tell what your colour pallette is) with the top and bottom buttons undone and middle ones done up - gives the idea of a waist and shows off your legs

black or purple jumper and jeans underneath your black coat - it works really well for you as it draws the eye away from your shoulders and adds a bit of volume to your bottom half.

Cream dress underneath a thigh length kimono jacket (100 stars have a good sale at the moment). Kimono can also be worn over a white t shirt and jeans in warmer weather.

Yes, you can! 👊

I think you look great. My advice would be v necks or scoop necks and skin fitting tops, plain where you can. Flares, straight leg trousers, ankle grazers to balance out. I may be completely wrong though

I hate bravissimo bras. Go to John Lewis and get measured instead.
You look fab in the skirt op. I would just wear more voluminous clothes.
Have you tried mum jeans with a high waist?

Look at David Kibbes design principles instead. You're likely in the 'Dramatic' or 'Natural' family. I'm am a Natural body type and reading about Kibble helped me understand what lines flatter my body. Was most empowering.

Sorry but the side shot of you in your bra and knickers doesn't show enough of your figure.

We need a front shot to see if you have a waist.

What is your waist measurement (and compare that to your bust and hips.)

Supposedly, the Princess of Wales is a 'rectangle'. Her clothes have fitted waists, belts, or something to create a waist.

So, with your skirt and jumper, I'd suggest a slimmer, tighter fitting top that you can tuck into the skirt and wear a belt round the skirt (like a jeans belt.)
Or a tighter top over the skirt and a skinny belt round your waist.

Basically, tuck your tops into jeans and wear belts.
Or dresses that have a waist and a fuller skirt if you want to create a more hourglass shape.

I'm your height and weigh a lot less. You don't look 9 st 8.

Maybe you could lose a few pounds and that would create more of a waist?

@SwaningAroundHereandThere unfortunately losing a few pounds doesn't always go off " the right place" - you can't spot reduce.

I know. But OP is 54 , so post menopause fat does accumulate on the tummy first and women lose their waists ( HRT can help avoid this but obviously not advocating it as a 'cure'!)

@LilyFeather My suggestion is you're braver with colour and maybe go for some lighter shades? The colour of your jumper does nothing for you (sorry) . The colours are all a bit sludgy. have you ever had your colours done?

I wouldn't have thought she is post menopausal at 54 although I know it varies.

The average age is 51. So yes it's likely.

Really? I didn't even start until my early 50s.

@SwaningAroundHereandThere I’ve had my colours done - I’m a warm autumn so tend to wear colours that suit me. And tbh, I’m not hugely bothered if I stray into a ‘banned’ shade. Nothing too awful happens!

yep, I probably could stand to lose a few lbs and it’s great to hear you weigh a lot less than me and I look fatter than I am 🤣🤣

and also thank you for diagnosing me as post menopausal. The post isn’t about my menstrual cycle, or whether you think I’ve gone through the menopause or not

Oh and it’s not possible for me to gain a single lb on my tummy. Can’t be done.

I’ll leave you to work out why 😃

From the front it’s pretty clear there is no waist to speak off and I’d say this was pretty much my ‘at home’ / working from home outfit. They’re sweaty Betty leggings and a very thin thermo top - I have about a dozen in different colours and just chuck one on most days for ease

@LilyFeather Invest in style has your shape but is taller & posts regularly on Instagram. She's a Stylist originally from the Melissa Murrell team & always looks great in largely casual outfits. And Melissa Murrell Masterclass body shape videos on YouTube are really useful to watch.
Please ignore the rude comments.

@Cantonet it was just quite the surprise to read someone confidently stating I was post menopausal 😃

Off to check out Invest In Style and give her a follow. Thanks for that suggestion

I’m watching with interest @LilyFeatherI’m a bit shorter and more pudgy round the middle but otherwise very similar to you. I also would 100% wear the outfits you’ve shown here. I live in fear of being overdressed so tend to live in sweatshirts and jeans - your photo with your DS is me 95% of the time when not in work. I’m almost 50 so feel I’d like to be a bit smarter or look pulled together.

I love your jumper and skirt combo and think you look fab in it.

I didn't diagnose you. But 8 out of 10 women are, by age 54.
Why so upset over this? It's not an insult!

It was about someone saying no one can spot reduce and that's why age in women matters, because fat distribution changes from peri meno onwards.

OP you are the same shape as me but more petite. I also have the added bonus that now I'm perimenopausal, I put weight on my "waist" - as I haven't got a waist this just looks like a shelf around my back. I'm actually pretty lean but I always look really big on photos because I have such broad shoulders and big arms, I also have a relatively short neck.

I'm a pretty standard 10 sometimes a 12 depending on item and sometimes an 8 (in stretchy dresses particularly as I have no hips at all). I can't wear baggy clothes as I look huge.

Things that suits me best:

Wide leg trousers with a High Waist which give the illusion of a waistline. I will generally tuck my top in. I like Me and Em but definitely need heels so reserve them for going out. M & S have some nice wide leg jeans and so do Primark

I like flat fronted trousers with button detail - again with a high waist.

A french tuck to give the illusion of going in at the middle but hides my back tyre.

I generally wear tight on top and loose on bottom which fits with the wide leg trousers. It also stops my top half just looking "big" as gives me some definition.

I like to wear a boat fitted neck style top as I have good definition in my shoulders and collar bone and breaks it up a bit.

@SwaningAroundHereandThere Im not upset. I’m just confused as to why you’re talking about post menopause and losing weight?

cant think what your motivation might be

Just for the record, 80% of women are post meno by 54.

@Tobycarverysquad you sound really like me! Boat neck is a great idea actually

🙄 @swan

@SwaningAroundHereandThere why not pop across to the menopause board then? Discuss it all there