Figure Therapy

By:  Joseph Rosenfeld

 

Lately, so many women who talk with me admit to being freaked out about their body shape.  Insecurity about one’s body is no fun for anybody – well, except for me because I thrive on helping people see the best in themselves where they only saw the worst.  Just the other day, at a fashion show, two models whose actual profession is not in the modeling field, revealed their body self-consciousness to me.  They have no reason to be.  No one does.  All that’s needed is a grasp of seven shapes and how to apply the right one or ones to your body.

Determining your body type will help you create visual balance to your body where you find imbalance. The idea is to appear more ideal, more proportional.  The simplest test is to have a look at your body while standing in front of a full-length mirror wearing a swimsuit or underwear.  Your eye should drift to the largest area of your body shape.  Next, compare this area to other areas of the body, especially to the areas nearest to the largest area.  Your observations will help you determine your body shape.

The Inverted Triangle figure has broad shoulders, a medium bust, an average waist, and narrow hips with shapely long legs.  Generally you’ll observe the lines of your body above the waist will be curvy and the lines below will be straight.  Balance your body proportions by creating points of emphasis at your neckline or anywhere below your waist.  This will divert attention away from your shoulders, minimize your upper torso, and fill out narrower hips.  Try a skirt or flared pants to create more balance to your wider shoulders.  Create focal points at the neckline with clothing or jewelry, and use a belt below the waist to fill out your narrower hips.

If your shoulders, waist, hips, and thighs are of similar width, your body could be likened to that of the Rectangle body figure.  If this aptly describes your body, you should notice your body does appear to be balanced.  But if you’re looking for a solution to create the illusion of more definition, you want to create emphasis above your waist and up toward your face.  Even your shoulders could be slightly extended.

The Hourglass figure is full of features, emphasizing a full-rounded bust, hips, and buttocks.  I always suggest showing off curves with confidence.  But if you choose to camouflage those curves you can create greater proportional balance by emphasizing the shoulder and neckline area, and by drawing attention away from the waist and up toward the face.  You could also slightly fill out the waist.  Semi-fitted clothing that gives slight emphasis to the waist is perfect for showing off your assets.  If you want to convey confidence, wear clothes that contour your waist or add emphasis to the waist with a contrasting color.

When you look in the mirror, if you see straight upper body lines, but with curved lower body lines, you could have the Triangle body figure.  With narrower shoulders and wider hips and thighs, the key is to draw the eye upward away from the lower torso.  If you add fullness to your shoulders and upper torso you will minimize your lower torso and create the illusion of greater upper and lower body balance. 

The Narrow Rectangle body figure appears to be in balance with shoulders, waist, and hips of similar width. You may also observe that your body appears to be bony and with few obvious curves.  If this description zeroes in on your body figure you may be inclined to minimize the thinness of your body by creating emphasis anywhere you prefer.  Wearing clothing with a loose fit will fill you out wherever you add volume.

The Rounded figure features a generous bust, wider rib cage, fuller back, and a large mid-section.  The lines of your body will appear to be rounded.  If this is your body shape, minimize your body width and weight by deemphasizing your waist and by creating vertical interest to lengthen your whole body.  Elongate and slenderize your neck with tops featuring necklines like a v-neck.  Minimize your fuller bust by wearing jackets with narrow lapels.  Wear clothes that are smooth and loose so as to avoid accentuating your full middle, and look for skirts that highlight your legs.   

The Diamond figure represents a body with narrow shoulders, hips, and thighs; a small to average bust; and a wider midriff and waist.  If this describes your body, you can create more balance by wearing jackets to fill out the shoulders and by wearing fuller pants to fill out the leg area.  By leading the eye inward at the waist and up to the face, you will be able to minimize your midriff, waist, and high hips.  Avoid styles that could make you appear shorter because this can simultaneously give the illusion of your midsection appearing wider.  Look for clothes that fit loosely over the mid-body area.

If you can't define your style, you may have trouble delivering your message.
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