On Monday, March 19, 2012, the
Carlisle YWCA asked me to give a presentation to their Girl Power Club about dressing for your body style. I presented researched information about hourglass, apple, pear, and rectangle figures and sprinkled in some of my own personal experiences. I found it particularly difficult to display these "rules" as concrete. I wanted the girls to know that fashion is art and they should not be afraid to experiment and have fun, after all this is how one develops their own personal style. However, just like a student of art, one must first learn the fundamentals before they start breaking through the lines and creating something personal and new.
In fact on this particular day I was wearing a vintage, empire waist, baby doll, grunge revival dress, over a 1970's Gunne Sax ruffle slip, and brown cowboy boots. One of the rules for dressing an hourglass figure is to avoid empire waist garments. I was a walking hypocrite and getting compliments all day long! So I hope I left the girls with the idea that they should keep these rules in mind as they build their unique, experimental, personal wardrobes.
With this in mind I wanted to share with my Time Bombers some guidelines on the best decade for your body style. But please remember to break the rules and be creative with your style!
HOUR GLASS FIGURE
You know you have an hour glass figure when your bust and hips are almost the same measurements and your waist is 9 inches smaller than your bust and hips.
Pictured here is Jasmine writer of
Vintage Vandalism modeling
Mode Merr. If you have an hour glass figure then 1950s pin-up style is perfect for you. High waisted pencil skirts that highlight your small waistline and hug your beautiful curves should be one of the staples of your wardrobe.
APPLE FIGURE
You know you have an Apple figure if you tend to hold your weight in your bust and belly.
The 1980s was the birthplace of some great designs and many of them look fabulous on an apple figure. This 1980s dress from
Some Girl's Vintage creates the look of a slender waste line and drapes beautifully over the hips.
RECTANGULAR FIGURE
Rectangle shaped women have little curves and their bust, waist, and hips ratio doesn't vary very much.
The 1920s created fashion especially for those of you with rectangular figures. Christen pictured here is wearing a 1980s Liz Claiborne dress, for sale at
Miss Ruth's Time Bomb's Etsy Store, it replicates a 1920s design. Her figure makes this drop waist dress look amazing!
PEAR FIGURE
Women with pear shaped bodies have a smaller bust line and a significantly curvier hips
If you have a beautiful pear shaped body then dress yourself in the great fashion of the 1970's. Much of the designs of the 70s included empire waistlines and a beautiful drape to the hipline. Think maxi dresses and skirts. What a great way to celebrate your shape! This maxi dress can be found for sale at
Screaming Mimi's Vintage
So there you have it! But remember, no matter what your body size, be sure to have fun with fashion and wear what you love. You can easily find something to love at
Miss Ruth's Time Bomb's Etsy Shop! Use coupon code "blogmember" and receive 15% off your order!
And be sure to check out our latest email reminder for information regarding the Rillo's Ladies Night Out: Food and Fashion event. Miss Ruth's Time Bomb will once again be taking the stage and this year we're bringing the circus to town!
