Have you ever been confused as to why an outfit that looks great on someone with your similar body type doesn’t look quite as good on you? You are very invested in this topic, you have even created Pinterest boards, and you still can’t seem to nail it on the head? I might have the answer for you. There are just 3 things that could be holding you back. Let’s dive right in, shall we? 

Step 1: Take photos of yourself 

In order to understand what is holding you back from achieving your desired goal is to take a look at your body and dress according to what you see. 

First step is to put on some undergarments that are fit but not compressive. You want to make sure your body is looking as natural as possible, nothing too tight that molds your shape in any way. 

Next, place the camera flat and level, making sure it is not angled in any way that could distort the image. Position the camera at least 6 ft away from you so you get a full body shot with a clean background behind you. 

Then take a few photos from different angles: facing the camera, facing to the left, to the right, and the back. Make sure you have a neutral, straight posture (no booty pooping, save it for the club). Now onto…

Step 2: Understand your proportions 

I can not stress this enough, do not focus on individual body parts, look at your body as the whole silhouette. 

*Before I keep going here, I just want to say for this exercise, many of you might be uncomfortable. You might start critiquing what you see, and I am going to stop you right there! This is not for that, and it’s easier said than done (believe me I know) but this exercise in the end will help you build up your self-confidence. You will walk around looking and feeling good because you know you are working with what you got, so get it gurl. Back to proportions…

First up are the shoulders: 

How do regular tees usually fit on you? Does it get tight when you move your arms around? If your answer is yes, then you might have broad shoulders. Do the straps on your spaghetti strap top fall down often? Then you might have narrower shoulders. Go back to your pictures and take note.     

Next, look at your bust, hips, and waist:

What are some features that stand out? Does your waist taper in significantly? Do you have a fuller bust? Are your hips more curved or straight? Note those down as well. 

Now, for the biggie: 

Your height really isn’t a major factor here. I know, shocking. But, even though your height does play a part in how you look, what truly makes the difference here is how your outfit is divided between your torso and your legs. 

Now I am going to ask you again to go back to your photos and look at the length of your torso and the length of your legs. If it is not obvious which is longer, then use the double hand method: stack both hands one on top of the other, palms touching your body, and place your top hand right underneath your bust line. If either of your hands completely covers your belly button, then you probably have a short torso. If your belly button is at the bottom of your hand then you are most likely more balanced, and if your belly button is below your hand then it’s probably safe to say you have a longer torso. 

The double hand method is pretty good, but another way to check is: how do rompers usually fit you? Do they ride up in the crotch area? You may have a long torso. Or do they bunch up in the middle? You guessed it, short torso.

What does this all mean? It means everything! Learning where to create a division that helps the flow of the natural curves of your body will enhance just about any outfit because you are making your clothes work for you, not the other way around. 

Step 3: Focus on fabrics

The right types of fabrics can balance out your silhouette. 

To create curves - wear fabrics that are soft and flowy. 

To balance out wider hips - avoid thick fabrics on the bottom. 

To follow the body’s natural silhouette, wear soft fabrics that elegantly cling in the right places. 

If you want to conceal certain areas, wear a well-structured fabric that maintains shape, such as: corduroy, tweed, etc. 

To break up sections, combine a soft fabric with a thick material, and you will see how that small change can elevate an entire look. 

Now it’s time to go back to the drawing board, but this time with better insight. Good luck! 

If you liked this blog or want to add something I may have missed, add it to the comment section below! 

Until next time, 

Dre