The H shape body guide is making sense to me. The one piece of advice I find confusing is to avoid anything at the waist. I though if you don’t have much waist definition you can fool the eye by adding a belt or using contrasting colors where your waist should be (in my case, used to be.). Can you elaborate on why this doesn’t work? I like to wear full length, high waisted pants with a jacket that hits right at the waist or a peplum top with a fairly flat bottom ruffle the same color as my pants to create that one third/two thirds body proportion look.
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Why Belts at the Waist Don’t Work
When it comes to dressing an undefined waisted body shape such as the H-shaped or rectangular body or the O shape or apple body, the age-old advice of “just add a belt to create a waist” can be both confusing and counterproductive. Let’s delve into why this tip often falls flat and explore more effective strategies for flattering this body shape.
The Illusion of a Waist
For those of us without a defined waist, the idea of adding a belt might seem like a quick fix. However, if not done correctly, it can actually draw unwanted attention to the lack of a waist. This is because horizontal lines, like those created by a belt, broaden and highlight areas, making them appear wider.
Why Adding a Belt Doesn’t Work
- Horizontal Lines Broaden:
- When you place a belt on an undefined waist, it creates a horizontal line that makes the waist appear wider. Instead of cinching in to create an hourglass illusion, it emphasizes the lack of indentation and in fact points out that your waist is not particularly different in width to your hips and rest of your torso. Want to learn more about the impact of horizontal lines – check out my 3 rules of horizontal lines here.
- Natural Waist vs. High Waist:
- Many H-shaped bodies find that their narrowest point is higher than their natural waist, often on the rib cage, just under the bust (or close to it). Belting at the natural waist can therefore highlight the widest part of the midsection rather than creating a slimming effect.
- Volume and Proportion:
- Adding a belt can work if you are very slim (such as an I-shape) and you can create volume above and below the belt line by belting in a more voluminous garment. For broader H-shapes and O-shapes, this approach usually backfires, accentuating width, and drawing attention to your lack of waist rather than creating curves.
Effective Alternatives to Belting at the Waist
1. High-Waisted Pants and Skirts:
Opting for high-waisted bottoms positions the horizontal line at a narrower part of your body which is actually above your natural waist. This can be more flattering as it highlights a slimmer area, creating the illusion of a more defined waist.
2. Peplum Tops:
Peplum tops flare out below the waist, which can give the appearance of a narrower midsection. The volume below the waist contrasts with the fitted top, enhancing the illusion of curves. It doesn’t work on all H shapes, but it may be something you can try, and of course, where the waist of the peplum sits will also impact on its appearance, if the peplum’s waist is above your natural waist at your narrowest point it can work.
3. Tucked-In Voluminous Blouses:
Wearing slightly high-waisted pants or skirts and tucking in then blousing over the waistband, a voluminous blouse can create a flattering silhouette. The blouse’s volume adds interest and shape, while the high waist gives the illusion of a narrower midsection.
If tucking a blouse, makes sure it’s not tucked tightly then add a jacket to further distract from your waistline
4. Strategic Use of Colour:
Using columns of color can elongate and slim the body. Because a column of color doesn’t cut you at the waist our eye is not drawn there so we don’t notice the lack of waist.
5. Structured Garments:
Choose clothing with built-in shaping, such as princess seams or tailored jackets. These garments provide structure and subtly enhance the body’s natural lines without the need for a belt.
6. Belt Under a Jacket or Outer Layer
Make that horizontal line appear shorter by wearing a belt under an open jacket or outer layer left open, this can give the illusion of a narrower waist, just don’t take that outer layer off!
7. Fitted Tops that End at the Hip Bone
Rather than tucking, finding tops that come in at the waist and have a curved hem that the sides end at the hip bone and the front dips down is one of the most flattering styles of tops for those who don’t have a defined waist – check out my post here about the incredible figure flattery power of a curved hem.
End tops past your natural waistline rather than tucking in
Even with a straight hemmed knit top, if it’s fitted, end it at your hip bone and use the elasticity in the top to gently curve it upwards.
Personalized Style Tips
It’s essential to remember that body shape guides are just that—generalised guides. Each of us is unique, and what works for one H-shaped body might not work for another. Experimentation is key to figure out what really works for you. Some may find certain belting techniques effective, especially if combined with voluminous garments or strategic layering.
For instance, wearing a high-waisted skirt with a small belt just above the natural waist can work if the skirt’s volume and the belt’s position create the desired shape. Blousing over the belt can also help in creating a defined waistline without emphasizing width.
The takeaway? While traditional advice like adding a belt to create a waist falls short, there are numerous other techniques to enhance body shapes that don’t have defined waists. By understanding how horizontal lines work and experimenting with high-waisted garments, blousing tops and strategic use of colour, you can create a flattering silhouette that feels authentic to your style.
Remember, style is personal and individual. It’s about finding what makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, don’t be afraid to break the rules and discover what works best for you.
Not Sure of Your Shape?
Want to discover your body shape and my recommendations to flatter it? Then take my free body shape calculator quiz here and download your body shape bible.
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